Unapologetic chick drink of the week: Tobacco Martini at the Trident

Forget your sugared rims and tiny umbrellas -- this week we uncover a sexy androgynous martini with subtle, smoky notes of a cigar at the city's newest business hotel

By Prarthna Singh 3 February, 2010

Nilesh Patel at the 022 bar in Mumbai's newly opened business hotel the Trident BKC in Bandra.

The Tobacco Martini comes highly recommended by Mumbai photographer Anusha Yadav. One look at Yadav's beautiful portraits of strong female characters -- she shoots Mumbai's actresses, news reporters, creative directors and yoga instructors -- and you know this wins unapologetic chick drink recommendation of the week.

This sultry and super smoking signature drink is to be found at the O22 Bar Lounge (named after Mumbai's telephone code) in the Trident BKC hotel, Mumbai's brand new business hotel in the suburb of Bandra. (Read our review.)

022 Tobacco Martini

Pour 20ml of Ballantines over 15-20 small cigar leaves in a cognac glass and flambé it.
Pour the potion over ice in a shaker with another 30ml of Kalhua and give it two shakes.
Double strain the drink into a martini glass.
Set another 10ml Ballantines aflame in a bar spoon and swiftly pour it over the drink. Serve.

Another reason this makes chick drink of the week was inspired by something the talented bartender Nilesh Patel said. "Don't shake this drink too much," he warned. "It may lose its character."

Tobacco Martini, Rs 475; Bar timings, 11:30am-12.30pm

O22 Bar Lounge at Trident BKC, C-56, G Block, Bandra Kurla Complex; tel. +91 (0) 22 6672 7610