Spice, Soul, Spirit: Varun Sharma’s Take on Modern Indian Mixology
Award winning mixologist Varun Sharma brings Comorin’s signature ‘Indian nostalgia in a glass’ to Hyderabad, where every cocktail tells a familiar story in an unexpected form.
Comorin, the celebrated Gurugram restaurant known for its ingredient-forward bar programme, was in Hyderabad for a one-night takeover at Brick & Branch, spotlighting cocktails rooted in Indian flavours yet reimagined with modern technique. In the backdrop of this immersive evening, mixologist Varun Sharma speaks about nostalgia, craft, and translating India’s culinary soul into a glass.
Varun Sharma
What’s the one flavour combination planned for the bar takeover that best captures Comorin’s signature style?
One defining element in every cocktail is Indianness. We’re not just making drinks. We’re evoking nostalgia. Cocktails like Neer More (inspired by buttermilk), a pickled pomegranate whisky martini (inspired by Indian pickles), and Chai Mule (inspired by India’s most loved beverage chai) reflect this approach.
How do you reinvent familiar Indian flavours into something completely unexpected behind the bar?
We look at flavours through an Indian lens and then reinterpret them in a modern format. For example, Neer More, inspired by South Indian buttermilk, brings together green chilli, fresh coriander, yoghurt, caraway, and black salt transformed into a refined cocktail while retaining its original soul.
What excites you most about taking over a space like Brick & Branch for just one night?
The excitement lies in bringing Comorin’s philosophy to a new city and audience. Hyderabad has such a rich food culture, and I Am especially looking forward to experiencing it, starting with haleem and then sharing our cocktails while working behind the bar at Brick & Branch.
Is there a cocktail on tonight’s menu that truly defines you as a mixologist, Varun Sharma?
I’d say the entire menu represents me. These are Comorin’s best-selling cocktails, showcasing Indian flavours, thoughtful combinations, and balanced techniques. We’ve also given equal importance to non-alcoholic drinks like Nimbu Chilli Lemongrass Soda and Pom Shrub Soda, ensuring there’s something memorable for everyone.
What’s one technique you swear by that instantly elevates a cocktail from good to unforgettable?
There’s no single technique, it always depends on the ingredients and the style of the drink. But if there’s one universal element, it’s care and intent. Just like home cooking, where love makes all the difference, a great cocktail comes from attention to detail and genuine passion behind the bar.
If Hyderabad had to be expressed as a cocktail, what would it taste like and why?
It would be rich, slightly sweet, and full of warmth just like the people of Hyderabad. A cocktail with depth, subtle spice, and a lingering sweetness that stays with you.
