When you step into Maikada, the chic and cosy 40-seater bar on the ground floor of Shalimar Hotel, you’ll be handed a small envelope. It holds a pack of six cards. One side of every card has a creative rendition of a landmark — Juhu Beach, Dadar Flower Market, Chor Bazaar, Kala Ghoda, Bandra-Worli Sea Link and finally, Maikada, the bar. Each setting connects to an emotion: Comfort, Chaos, Nostalgia, Inspiration, Impulse, and Pride. Flip them, and you’ll get the hint of flavour profiles: toasty, citrusy, nutty, floral, and spiced notes.

Vada pav sliders and Beetroot tostada

At the bar, these cards turn into an experiential cocktail menu — City on the Rocks — a spirited homage. For patrons in a playful mood, they are encouraged to go in blind, letting the spirit and ingredients throw a surprise. We signed up for a tasting on a Monday afternoon and gave all of them a try. We begin at chaos in the heart of Dadar market. Horn Ok please (Rs 645) is unapologetically strong, made with vodka, ghati masala-honey cordial and a dash of lime. Bar manager Clyde Periera graciously serves us the cordial, explaining how the mix of masala and honey are worked together at a temperature, making it burst with flavours. We sip it as is, and in the cocktail, it unfurls with the spirit. This is one balanced piece of art.