Spill the beans

The slew of cafés that opened at the beginning of the 21st century, initiated by a few brands like Cafe Coffee Day and Barista, all across the country, lost momentum in the last decade with a host of other beverages flooding the market. If pop culture could serve as a barometer for trends, green tea was the buzzword a few years back.

And then, cyclic as trends are, a new wave of coffee emerged, sparking off yet another ream of openings. This time, it was all about the bean-to-cup movement. Shannon D'Souza, founder of KC Roasters, which opened in Mumbai in 2017, says that sustainability is a huge factor here.

KC Roasters forges partnerships with farmers and shares international practices with them

"Because of the culture, and things like the real estate prices here, most people that opened cafés in India, and weren't roasting their own beans, eventually had to include food on their menu to make revenue," he reveals, adding, that is the primary reason why KC Roasters doesn't serve food.

D'Souza, who hails from a family that has owned a coffee estate in Chikmagalur for five generations, makes a valid point when he says that while countries like the UK have a strong coffee culture, they don't grown the bean. The new interest in coffee as such, is as much an offshoot of the conscious living trend, as it is a product of the shift in farmers' focus.

Shannon D'Souza

"For as long as we were only importing, farmers were interested in generating quantity, but now, they concentrate more on quality," he shares. Whether it's because coffee is a low-cal drink perfect for the youth today, or a larger growing awareness, it's a good time for coffee drinkers to be in India.

Stir things up with these coffee cocktails

Sweet and low
"Post a long day at work, the espresso and hazelnut martini is an ideal choice," says Anurag Singh, bar manager at a new drinkery, where the classic gets a nutty and sweet twist.

At Tote Talli, Gate 5 and 6, Mahalaxmi Racecourse, Mahalaxmi.
TIME 6 pm to 1.30 am
Call 7506425004
Cost Rs 400

Put a twist on it
Vodka, kahlua, absinthe, ginger juice, espresso and ginger ale combine to give you coffee and ginger, a cocktail available at this BKC restaurant. It's assistant bar manager, Merwyn Alphonso, tells us, "This cafe-fuelled cocktail is indulgent and
inspired by the classic espresso martini, but with an Asian twist."

At Yauatcha, Raheja Tower, BKC, Bandra East.
Time 12 pm to 1 am
Call 9222222800
Cost Rs 950

Stay up with this
Try the espresso vodka martini available at this Italian diner. The drink is infused with vanilla, vodka and cacao, and owner Prashant Chaudhri touts it the "perfect adult drink."

At Mangii Ferra, Om Satyadeep Apartments, Juhu.
Time 12 pm to 1.30 am
Call 9892142877
Cost Rs 550

Going nuts
Sip on hazelnut espresso martini, an evening fix available at this café and comprising an espresso shot, vodka and hazelnut. "We pour this over a filter coffee container filled with smoky dry ice which helps keep the drink chilled," shares Sainath Kodi.

At Le Café, near Natraj Cinema, Chembur.
Time 9 am to 12 am
Call 67099999
Cost Rs 375

A little bit of mix-ico
"The drink is an ode to coffee and whisky lovers with a twist of Mexican spices and smoke," Vicky Pratibha Khambe, head mixologist at this new restaurant tells us about their coffee-infused whisky drink called galleta guisky.

At Poco Loco Tapas & Bar, Navish House, SV Road, Khar West.
Time 12.30 pm to 1.30 am
Call 50646195
Cost Rs 475