Know Why Picante Cocktail Is The Hottest Drink On India’s Bar Menus

At Lyrah Bar in Gurgaon's Trident, the bartender slides over a cocktail with a bold aroma–a heady mix of spice and freshness. First sip–there’s a fiery kick of tequila, introducing a subtle heat. The second sip bursts with the fresh notes of cilantro and a tangy sweetness. By the third sip, the boozy fierceness has fully kicked in, and I know I’m ready for another round of this spicy little number, the Picante.

Walk into any bar today—be it a swanky rooftop lounge overlooking a glittering metro skyline or a promising pub in an emerging city, chances are you’ll find Picante being most of the bars’ special on the cocktail menu. Equal parts heat and refreshment, the drink has found its devoted following in recent times, myself included. While questions about its longevity linger, one thing is certain: a new wave of fresh, interesting drinks is sweeping through India’s cocktail scene.

Rise of Picante

As the drinking culture has leaned toward mindful consumption, the Picante is now the poster child for what we now want in a cocktail: fewer, better drinks and the kind that tells a story. “Picante’s sudden rise as a breakout cocktail can be attributed to the global trend of bold and adventurous flavour profiles. Its balance of heat, citrus, and sweetness offers a unique sensory Experience,” Lyrah’s bar manager, Anushkriti Negi explains. Made with chilli and coriander, muddled with tequila, lime juice, agave syrup, and, of course, tequila, this drink feels almost tailor-made for us.

The Picante de la Casa, as it was originally called, was born in the SoHo House kitchen of Los Angeles in 2012, intended as an exclusive signature cocktail. However, it was in the U.K. where Picante went on to become a sensation — crafted in both original and creative riffs. Sooner, the drink escaped the confines of SoHo House and started popping up on menus across the world.

At The Library Bar at The Leela Palace New Delhi, the Picante comes with a pinch of cinnamon. Lyrah’s version adds passion fruit and jalapeno, while at Mumbai’s Epitome Bar, a Pink Picante is served with watermelon and peach blossom. Cirqa 1960 cocktail bar offers a clarified version of the cocktail. At Juhu’s The Nines, they add pickled plum brine to their Picante.

From mango and watermelon to Gondhoraj lemon and pomelo, India’s versions of the Picante are serious, unique, and drawing real interest. “Picante has all the characteristics of a cocktail that could stand the test of time. It is undoubtedly part of a broader trend in mixology, where bold, daring flavours and a sense of balance are highly celebrated,” reasons Atul Tiwari, F&B Manager at The Leela Palace, New Delhi. The cocktail is a blank canvas for innovation.

Redefining flavours

The rise of Picante also indicates our change in cocktail flavours. For years, cocktails in India were synonymous with sweet, syrupy concoctions that masked the taste of the alcohol. The Picante flips this narrative.

India’s culinary heritage, rich with bold and spicy flavours, makes spicy cocktails a natural extension of that tradition. Bartenders are increasingly blurring the lines between cocktail and kitchen scenes. There’s something captivating about the balance of heat, complexity, and refreshment these cocktails deliver. They aren’t just hot and spicy—they invite you to savour the layers of spice. “Bartenders are storytellers. This creativity elevates the drink, from customising the spice levels to crafting a stunning presentation,” says Tiwari. For many of us, anything spicy and packed with interesting ingredients instantly piques our curiosity. “Moreover, spicy cocktails pair nicely with traditional Indian snacks, making them the hero at social gatherings,” adds Negi.

Simultaneously, Picante’s embrace by bartenders highlights the larger trend of personalisation and experiential drinking. Negi highlights that drinks like smoky Margaritas, Palomas and even chilli-infused Martinis and Negronis are gaining popularity. Consumers increasingly seek unique, multi-dimensional flavours, going for bold and unconventional ingredients. “It’s an exciting time in mixology, and there’s plenty of room for innovation and creativity within this space,” says Tiwari.

On the other hand, Tequila, the spirit of choice for the Picante, has been on an upward trajectory for years. It is the fastest-growing spirit globally, outpacing even whiskey and vodka. Millennials and Gen Z, in particular, have embraced its earthy and agave-rich taste. “Tequila’s unprecedented surge in the market has solidified the Picante, with its vibrant flavours, as the perfect cocktail to showcase the spirit’s versatility and appeal,” says Tiwari.

Is it here to stay?

Picante is a cocktail with layers, a drink you want to sip slowly and savour. As with any trend, the question remains: will the Picante’s popularity endure, or is it destined to be replaced by the next big thing?

“Picante has all the characteristics of a cocktail that could stand the test of time,” Tiwari assures. “Classic cocktails like the Negroni or Old Fashioned have endured for decades by adapting and evolving while staying true to their essence, and Picante could follow a similar trajectory.” With bars in India introducing variations of this drink, the possibilities are endless, which might explain why the Picante could continue to thrive while other trends fade. The key lies in ongoing experimentation—whether it’s adjusting the spice level, incorporating new ingredients, or presenting it in innovative ways.

As long as tequila continues to dominate and drinkers seek bold, memorable experiences, the Picante will remain a favourite. The drink has a great ability to evolve–some bars in India serve it made with other clear spirits. You’ll find versions made with vodka or mezcal, depending on whether you prefer a smoky or smooth taste. For example, Mumbai’s one8 commune serves a drink called Deconstructed Picante, crafted with gin. Well, experiments with cocktails are a fun chapter that can lead to unique taste variations.

For a generation that is now choosing experiences over excess, this cocktail hits all the right notes of a fiery, flavourful tale. So, when are you sipping your next Picante?

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