Rick's Bar celebrates one year with new cocktail menu at Taj Mahal, New Delhi

The Taj Mahal Hotel in New Delhi commemorates the first anniversary of its reimagined bar, Rick's, inspired by the film Casablanca. To mark this occasion, four new signature cocktails have been introduced, each designed to reflect the bar's unique concept and mixology approach.

Chef Arun Sundararaj, Director of Culinary Operations, Taj Mahal, New Delhi said, “Rick's has always been a sanctuary for guests seeking a confluence of the classic and contemporary, an immersive and innovative selection of beverages, and world-cuisine amid a retro-chic ambiance. Our journey over the past year has been about celebrating this spirit, and the legendary Casablanca while embracing the evolving tastes of our guests. With the newly launched signature cocktails, our approach was to re-imagine the storied Rick’s through a fresh lens, integrating modern mixology with a curated global spirits selection. We invite patrons to experience the past, the present and the future – at Rick’s.”

Rick's combines classic film nostalgia with modern cocktail techniques, offering an experience that marries the past with contemporary tastes.

Pankaj Balachandran, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Countertop India commented, “When we reimagined the menu of Rick’s, we drew heavily from the nostalgia of Casablanca, channelling the essence of Rick Blaine. However, as we stepped into 2024, it became essential to give this classic concept a contemporary twist. We’ve also infused the menu with references to the film’s characters and scenes, creating a storybook that invites guests to explore the rich narrative behind each drink.”

The new cocktail offerings at Rick's include the Legend of Laszlo, a rum-based drink inspired by the courage of Victor Laszlo. The Rick & Renault cocktail captures the essence of the alliance between Rick Blaine and Captain Renault. For a more sophisticated experience, there's the Tale of Croupier, a blend inspired by Emile, the deft croupier at Rick's Café Americain. Lastly, the Captain’s Picante presents a bold tequila concoction that reflects the unpredictable nature of Captain Renault.