Acclaimed Indian fine dining destination Sanjh Restaurant & Bar in Texas is launching a bold new cocktail program that blends traditional Indian flavors with modern mixology techniques.
This fall, Sanjh Restaurant & Bar, a celebrated Indian fine dining establishment located in Irving, Texas, is set to redefine cocktail culture with the introduction of an innovative beverage program. Spearheaded by Yangdup Lama, one of Asia’s most influential bartenders, this new initiative aims to elevate the dining experience through a unique blend of traditional Indian ingredients and contemporary mixology.
The name “Sanjh,” which means “evening” in Hindi, encapsulates the restaurant’s mission to provide an immersive dining experience that pays homage to India’s rich culinary heritage. The venue combines ancient traditions with modern artistry, offering story-driven dishes, handcrafted cocktails, and exceptional hospitality.
Yangdup Lama, recently honored as Mixologist of the Year by Travel + Leisure Asia and recognized in Drinks International’s Bar World 100, brings over two decades of expertise to Sanjh. His cocktail menu celebrates the diverse culinary landscape of India while incorporating cutting-edge mixology trends in the United States.
“The goal of this program was to tell India’s story through drinks,” Lama explains. “From street food to savory spices and herbs, every ingredient has a purpose. I’ve always believed anything edible can be used to create a cocktail, and I love using regional ingredients to craft path-breaking drinks that both honor India’s culinary heritage and push the boundaries of modern mixology.”
The new cocktail menu showcases an ingredient-first philosophy, featuring unique components such as moong dal halwa, betel nut, chaat masala, curry leaf, jaggery, and sandalwood. Lama employs advanced techniques, including moong dal fat-washing, spice tinctures, flavored airs, and house-made oleo saccharum, to transform these traditional ingredients into cocktails that feel distinctly modern.
Among the standout offerings are:
Dear Delhi – A rich, aromatic cocktail that combines Black Label whiskey with smoky malt, maple and apple, and a bitter orange aperitif, evoking the essence of historic sites in India.
Kammagani – This cocktail features Buffalo Trace bourbon washed with moong dal halwa, clarified lime, and cardamom, merging dessert flavors with spirits in an innovative way.
Southern Somrus – Inspired by ancient texts, this drink layers brandy with cumin liqueur, jaggery syrup, lime acid, and curry leaf air, creating a savory cocktail experience from Indian pantry staples.
Chowpatti Bhel Puri – A nod to Mumbai’s beloved street food, this cocktail blends Sauza Silver tequila with fresh tomato, chaat masala, tamarind, herbs, and citrus, capturing the vibrant flavors of the city’s evening snacks.
In addition to these unique creations, the cocktail program also features refined classics and a curated selection of zero-proof cocktails. These spirit-free options highlight ingredients like masala chai, rose, pistachio, and homemade kahwa tea. Crafted with the same precision and creativity as their alcoholic counterparts, these drinks cater to the growing demand for mindful drinking and reflect the next generation’s appetite for innovative non-alcoholic beverages.
With this bold new cocktail program, Sanjh Restaurant & Bar is poised to lead a new era of Indian mixology in the U.S., where traditional flavors meet modern techniques, creating a truly unique dining experience.
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