New Delhi/Kolkata – In a move that promises to redefine the city’s vibrant nightlife, AABBCC, the celebrated Delhi establishment recently lauded among Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026, is set to make its Kolkata debut. On July 17th, the acclaimed bar will transcend its Vasant Vihar home for a one-night exclusive takeover of Kolkata’s Conversation Room, bringing its unique blend of ingredient-led cocktails, globally inspired cuisine, and a distinctly retro-futurist ethos to the City of Joy. This highly anticipated collaboration marks a significant moment for both venues, underscoring AABBCC’s rapidly growing international acclaim and Kolkata’s evolving culinary landscape.
AABBCC, a name that subtly evokes the journey of learning and ascent, is far more than a mere drinking establishment. It is an immersive experience, meticulously crafted to function like chapters in a compelling narrative. Guests embarking on a visit ascend three distinct floors, each representing a stage in this sensory expedition. The journey begins in a "laboratory" where the very essence of ingredients is deconstructed, revealing the intricate science behind the art of mixology. This segues into a sophisticated cocktail bar where these carefully dissected flavors converge, harmonizing into innovative and unforgettable drinks. The apex of this multi-layered experience is the rooftop, a sanctuary reserved for underground music and artists who embody the bar’s distinctive retro-futurist vision. This meticulous design, conceptualized by founders Aditi Singh and her team, is what has propelled AABBCC onto the global stage, challenging conventional notions of what a bar can be.
The Ascent of AABBCC: From Delhi to Asia’s Elite
The recognition from Asia’s 50 Best Bars is a testament to AABBCC’s audacious vision and unwavering commitment to innovation. Aditi Singh, co-founder of AABBCC, shared her elation and insights into the achievement: "What has gotten us here is believing in an idea so unique, and secondly, our team. This win is for everyone. You work hard every single day, the team has worked over hours, worked towards impeccable service, and to bring something new to India."
Singh elaborated on the bar’s philosophy, emphasizing a holistic approach to hospitality: "There was another idea that we had, which was to elevate the cocktail culture and not just cocktails. You know, we also serve food, we also do gigs. So the idea is to have a futuristic product that anyone and everyone can enjoy, and it leaves a mark in your memory." This commitment to a comprehensive experience, where every element – from the beverage to the ambiance and the artistic programming – is thoughtfully curated, sets AABBCC apart.
The placement of AABBCC alongside Bar Outrigger in Goa as the sole Indian representatives in the prestigious list highlights the burgeoning talent within the Indian bar scene. Singh expressed a desire for greater representation: "We were hoping that there would be two, three more Indian bars in the top 50 list. But again, this is, as you can imagine, out of eight lakh bars, it is a very big feat. There could have been many others, but big congratulations to Outrigger who are also a very hard-working team. The idea is to take India forward to the world." This sentiment underscores a collaborative spirit and a shared ambition to elevate India’s standing in the global culinary and mixology arena.
A Three-Tiered Journey: Deconstruction, Experience, and Expression
The architectural and experiential design of AABBCC is central to its narrative. The three floors are not merely physical spaces but represent distinct phases of engagement.
The Laboratory: Unveiling the Craft
The first floor serves as AABBCC’s "laboratory." Here, the mystique of cocktail creation is demystified. Guests are granted a glimpse into the meticulous background work, witnessing firsthand the deconstruction of ingredients and the innovative techniques employed by the bar’s skilled mixologists. This floor emphasizes transparency and education, allowing patrons to appreciate the complexity and artistry involved in crafting each beverage. It’s a space designed to foster curiosity and a deeper understanding of the ingredients and processes that form the foundation of AABBCC’s unique offerings.
The Cocktail Lounge: Where Flavors Converge
Ascending to the second floor, visitors enter the heart of the AABBCC experience: the cocktail bar. This is where the deconstructed elements from the laboratory are masterfully reassembled. Here, guests can savor the culmination of the bar’s inventive approach, experiencing the intricate balance of flavors and aromas in their signature cocktails. The food menu, designed to complement rather than overshadow the drinks, is also a key component of this floor. Globally inspired small plates are presented, each dish a thoughtful accompaniment to the beverages, further enhancing the overall sensory journey.
The Rooftop Sanctuary: Underground Vibes and Artistic Expression
The uppermost level of AABBCC is a more exclusive domain, reserved for artists who resonate deeply with the bar’s retro-futurist identity. This rooftop space serves as a platform for underground music and emerging talent, fostering a vibrant cultural hub that aligns with the bar’s avant-garde ethos. It is a space where artistic expression thrives, mirroring the innovative spirit that defines AABBCC.
The very name, AABBCC, is symbolic of this progressive journey. Aditi Singh explains, "It’s almost like learning your ABCs. Each level takes you a little further." This deliberate progression ensures that each guest’s experience is layered and memorable, unfolding like a well-crafted story. The bar’s visual language is steeped in retro-futurism, a style that blends nostalgic aesthetics with forward-thinking concepts, creating an atmosphere that is both familiar and otherworldly. Singh emphasizes the accessibility of this vision: "Our ideas are layered, but the execution has to be simple. We never want guests to feel they have to work hard to understand what we’re doing."
A Culinary Journey Through Time: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
AABBCC’s menu is a narrative in itself, divided into three distinct sections that reflect the evolution of mixology and flavor profiles.
Yesterday: Reimagining Classics
The "Yesterday" menu revisits iconic classic cocktails, but with a transformative approach. Cocktails like the Godfather and Long Island Iced Tea are not merely reproduced; they are meticulously rebuilt from scratch, utilizing house-made components and premium ingredients. "We don’t buy liqueurs like amaretto. We make everything ourselves. We source ingredients. We even make our own chocolate. Everything else is created in-house," Aditi Singh asserts. This dedication to in-house creation and ingredient sourcing is a cornerstone of AABBCC’s philosophy, ensuring unparalleled quality and a unique flavor profile in every drink.
Today: Contemporary Global Flavors
The "Today" menu delves into contemporary global drinking styles, showcasing current trends and innovative techniques from around the world. This section reflects the bar’s responsiveness to the evolving international cocktail scene, offering a taste of the present with a distinctly AABBCC twist.
Tomorrow: Venturing into the Unknown
The "Tomorrow" menu is where AABBCC truly pushes the boundaries of imagination. This section explores experimental concoctions that venture into uncharted territories of flavor and sensory experience. Signature creations from this menu include:
- Where’s My Rice: A cocktail inspired by the complex and aromatic notes of Thai curry, offering a unique fusion of savory and sweet.
- Charred Aubergine: A smoky and intriguing cocktail, elevated by the unexpected accompaniment of edible ants, providing a textural and culinary adventure.
- Tikiyero: A masterfully balanced drink that artfully combines spice, sweetness, and tang, creating a vibrant and stimulating palate experience.
- Miyazaki: A decadent bourbon-based dessert cocktail, crowned with a delicate disc of house-made chocolate, offering a sophisticated end to the culinary journey.
The food menu mirrors this temporal and global approach, featuring small plates designed to complement the drinks. These dishes are crafted with a global influence, ensuring they enhance the cocktail experience without overpowering the nuanced flavors.
Kolkata Welcomes the Future: A Conversation Between Two Cities
For Abhimanyu Maheshwari, co-founder of Kolkata’s Conversation Room, the collaboration with AABBCC was a natural and exciting progression. "It’s one of the most interesting bars to emerge from India in a long time," he remarked. The timing of this partnership, coinciding with AABBCC’s international recognition, adds a layer of prestige to the event. Maheshwari expressed his admiration for AABBCC’s rapid ascent: "It’s remarkable that a bar which opened less than a year ago has already found a place among Asia’s finest."
Conversation Room plans to go beyond merely showcasing AABBCC’s menu. The intention is to recreate the Delhi bar’s distinctive atmosphere, including its lighting, ambiance, and thematic details. "When we host bars, we don’t simply pour their cocktails. We try to recreate their world," notes Maheshwari, emphasizing the commitment to delivering an authentic AABBCC experience in Kolkata. This dedication to immersive collaboration ensures that Kolkata patrons will get a true taste of what makes AABBCC a standout destination.
Aditi Singh’s anticipation for the Kolkata event is palpable. "I haven’t visited in years, but I’ve always loved the city. People call it the City of Joy. I think it’s also a city of taste," she exclaimed. She further elaborated on her perception of Kolkata’s cultural richness: "Not simply taste for food, but for music, culture, and ideas." This appreciation for Kolkata’s discerning palate and vibrant cultural scene makes the city an ideal host for AABBCC’s forward-thinking concept.
The arrival of AABBCC in Kolkata feels particularly apt, aligning with the city’s growing appreciation for innovative culinary experiences. The bar has become a beacon for those seeking hospitality intertwined with compelling storytelling. On July 17th, for one unforgettable evening, Kolkata will have the opportunity to step into the extraordinary world of AABBCC, experiencing firsthand the future of bars, one narrative-infused cocktail at a time.
Event Details:
- Venue: Conversation Room, Ground Floor, Edward Court, Unit No 11, 1, 55, Chowringee Road, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071.
- Date: July 17th.
- Estimated Cost for a Table for Two at Conversation Room: ₹2000-₹3000.
- Registration: Call 091471 11609 for bookings.
AABBCC Delhi Details:
- Address: Mezzanine and First Floor, Property No. 57, Basant Lok, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi, Delhi 110057.
- Estimated Cost for a Table for Two at AABBCC: ₹3500-₹4000.
- Registration: Call +91 9910611162 for registrations.
While prior bookings are recommended for the Kolkata event, walk-ins will also be welcomed, subject to availability. This collaboration promises to be a highlight of the city’s social calendar, offering a unique glimpse into the innovative spirit that is shaping India’s hospitality scene.
