In the hallowed halls of Raahi Neo Kitchen and Bar, Bengaluru, a clandestine rendezvous awaits the intrepid drink enthusiast — a world where the essence of ancient Ayurveda intertwines with the art of mixology. Here, amidst whispers of elixirs and the aroma of herbs, a symphony of flavours is unveiled. Avinash Kapoli, the beverage head at Raahi, and Jishnu AJ, head mixologist at Ekaa, in Mumbai, have brought to life a collection of Ayurvedic cocktails that transcend time.
Jishnu’s passion for authentic Indian representation in the cocktail industry spurred his exploration of the fusion between mixology, traditional Indian herbs and Ayurveda. “We are witnessing a shift in the cocktail landscape,” Jishnu states, “and it is vital to embrace Ayurvedic and traditional Indian herbs to showcase the diverse flavors that India embodies.”
The meticulous selection of traditional Indian herbs is a thoughtful and thorough process for Jishnu. “This involved dedicating five months of in-depth study and engaging in discussions with experts in the field, as well as local Ayurvedic vendors who are knowledgeable about the proper usage of these herbs,” he says.
