6 Cocktails That Define Priya Market’s After-Hours
As someone who lands up at Priya’s almost every second weekend, I’ve watched it turn into that rare spot in Delhi where a night out can be whatever you want it to be. You want to dance till 3 a.m.? There’s Priya’s. You want to sit back with a cocktail over conversation? Still Priya’s. For me, Priya High Street in Basant Lok, Vasant Vihar, has become that hub. It’s where friends meet, hop from bar to bar, and somehow always end up having a better night than planned.
These six cocktails are my non-negotiables here. They’ve carried me through endless conversations, countless nights, and the occasional dance floor detour. And yes—good cocktails deserve good food, so I’ve added my bonus bites along the way.
Phoenix at Lair
Jasmine gin, peach, lemongrass
The Phoenix is that rare cocktail which feels like a well-composed playlist: familiar, uplifting, and just the right amount of surprising. Built on a base of jasmine gin, its peachy sweetness softens the edges, while lemongrass adds a refreshing, almost spa-like sharpness. There’s a touch of sour lemon that keeps it from slipping into saccharine territory, but never so much that it turns puckering. It’s sweet enough to complement food, structured enough to stand on its own—a definite go-to when you want something balanced yet memorable.
And if your mood leans spicy rather than floral, stay put. Lair’s Picante still holds its crown as the OG of Priya Market. With its fiery kick and clean finish, no other bar has managed to unseat it from my personal hall of fame.
Bonus bite: Pair it with the duck pancake rolls for the table, and if you’re in the mood for mains, the Massaman curry is rich, comforting, and criminally underrated.
Kimchi at Call Me 10
Tequila, Greek yoghurt, yuzu
Call Me 10 has never shied away from drama, but their latest addition, the Kimchi, proves they’re just as serious about craft as they are about theatrics. Tequila gets an infusion of funk—tempered with a silky layer of Greek yoghurt and a citrusy spark of yuzu. The result? A drink that walks a fine line between sweet, tangy, and intriguing.
I tried it recently, and it struck that rare chord: eccentric yet satisfying. The cocktail has presence without overcomplicating itself. Plus, the playful photo-worthy presentation earns extra points. Because when a cocktail looks this good and drinks this well, it’s a win-win.
Bonus bite: Don’t miss the gyoza platter—18 variations of what can only be described as holy grail dumplings, ranging from classic pork to indulgent truffle cream cheese. Just thinking about it makes me want to go back.
Gin Sour at Khi Khi
Gin, homemade limoncello, honey, vegan foam, lemon candy
If Aladdin and Jasmine ever stopped flying carpets and decided to start bartending on the Amalfi Coast, this is probably what they’d serve. Khi Khi’s Gin Sour is a storybook cocktail dressed up for the stage: a frothy crown of vegan foam, a whimsical lemon candy perched on top, and a golden hue that looks straight out of a fairy tale.
Taste-wise, it’s just as transporting. The honey’s soft sweetness is cut with the sharpness of homemade limoncello, layering citrus and warmth in equal measure. It manages to be magical without being gimmicky—sweet, bright, and escapist in the best way. One sip, and suddenly you’re not in Delhi anymore; you’re somewhere between Agrabah and the Amalfi Coast.
Purple Haze + Chocoroni at Chard
Blue pea gin, celery brine | Gin, sweet vermouth, clarified dark chocolate
Chard is usually the name that comes up when you’re craving burgers and grills, not when you’re hunting for a standout cocktail. Which is why the Purple Haze came as such a pleasant surprise. Blue pea gin gives it that moody violet tint, while celery brine adds a vegetal crispness that cuts through the sweetness. It’s refreshing, layered, and proof that Chard’s bar program is as serious as its kitchen.
We also tried the Chocoroni—gin and sweet vermouth clarified with dark chocolate—and it turned out to be just as compelling, with a smoky, bittersweet finish that played beautifully alongside our food.
Bonus bite: Don’t leave without the shrimp hotdog roll and their perfectly done fries.
Yuzu Bliss at Red
Vodka, plum purée, yuzu purée, lemon juice, coconut milk
Red is known for its red pulsing energy, and Yuzu Bliss fits right into that rhythm. A vodka base carries layers of plum purée and yuzu, lifted with lemon juice and smoothed out by coconut milk. The result is a cocktail that hits sharp and smoky at first sip, then eases into a gentle sweetness—an unexpected contrast that keeps you hooked.
It’s the kind of drink that announces itself: bold, lively, and unafraid to stand out. If you have a taste for sourness with a soft edge, this is the one you don’t want to miss.
Bonus bites: Pair it with the grilled king prawns and the dynamite shrimp sushi—two dishes that mirror the drink’s punchy character and make Red a full-bodied stop in Priya Market.
The Shots Circuit: Popcorn, Tiramisu & More
Because no Priya Market night is complete without a cheeky round of shots, each bar has its own party trick—and they’re worth trying.
At Lair, the Popcorn Shot is a cult favourite: buttery, sweet, and far more addictive than it has any right to be. Khi Khi takes a dessert detour with the Tiramisu Shot, layering espresso warmth with velvety creaminess in one head-turning gulp. Over at Call Me 10, if you know to ask, you’ll be rewarded with a sake-style shot—smooth, refined, and a perfect reset between cocktails. And finally, Red keeps the energy high with their special Red Shots, a sure-fire way to turn a table of cocktail connoisseurs into a dance floor in waiting.
These aren’t your rushed college shots—they’re crafted extensions of the bar’s personality. Order them when the table’s ready for a switch-up, or just as a way to mark the end of a round in true Priya Market style.
