Taste test: Root to Fruit cocktails at The Fatty Bao, Bandra

The Fatty Bao, Mumbai. Image source: The Fatty Bao/Facebook

Famous for the char siu pork, ramen and baos that are reminiscent of fluffy clouds, The Fatty Bao has upped the ante with its cocktails. The Asian gastro bar has introduced a new cocktail menu that’s bound to please even the pickiest of tipplers. Called Root to Fruit, the new menu takes the concept of nose to tail, all natural a step further by making use of flowers, seeds, leaves, roots, stems and pods to create cocktails. Much like the food, the flavours draw inspiration from Asian influences, with lemon, Earl Grey, matcha, etc. featuring in the ingredient list of TFB’s house-made syrups and bitters. The result is a list of jewel coloured cocktails that mostly don’t disappoint. We popped in for a taste and here’s a list of some of a few boozy mixes that you can start off with.

Forbidden Fruit

If you’re the kind who likes boozy yet refreshing mixes, the splrightly pink coloured Forbidden Fruit is what you need to try. Plum puree with grapefruit ginger syrup mix together in a tequila base. The drink is delicious, fragrant and has just the right amount of kick to start off a fun evening.

Muay Thai

The Muay Thai tastes like a Thai twist on the classic Bloody Mary with its punchy tangy tom yum, tomato and vodka base. Taking the Thai theme ahead, the drink has a heavy dash of Sriracha, which packs in a bit of heat and is offset by the hint of lime juice. Try this only if you have a palate for spice.

TaMatcha

One of our favourites from the list, the rum based TaMatcha paired splendidly with the prawn tempura sushi rolls. The matcha basil syrup gives the drink a pleasant aromatic taste and the white rum base makes it a delightful libation. This bright green drink made refreshing with lime and soda, comes highly recommended.

Kim Back Too

The Kim Back Too gives a Korean flair to the classic pickelbacks (pickle brine followed by a shot of whiskey to neutralise the liquor burn). Perfect for adventurous drinkers (millenials, we’re talking to you), the drink pairs a kimchi back with a shot of vodka. The fiery brine makes for a flavourful mouthful and definitely calls for repeats if you’re the kind who always votes for shots on a night out.

BigBamBoom

The first thing you notice about BigBamBoom is the bamboo glass and a sip of the earthy-smelling infusion tells you the choice isn’t purely ornamental. The cocktail is heavy with the aroma of chamomile infused in the gin and is stays on this side of sweet with the lime and soda additions. Wasabi syrup with its classic pungent flavour brings it all together quite nicely.

Yoko Oh No

You won’t begin humming any of The Beatles’ tunes but you’ll definitely appreciate the light, summery flavours of the Yoko Oh No. With its vodka-tonic base, this lime, basil and cucumber flavoured drink brings out the big guns with the addition of citrus scented Martini Bianco (Italian herb and floral infused white wine). Pair this with their Curried Crab Meat and Tobiko dim sums and thank us later.

Where: Ground Floor, Summerville, Linking Road, Near KFC, 14th & 33rd Cross Road, Bandra West
When: Ongoing, 12noon to 3:30pm and 7pm to 1am
Call: 022 2600 5220
Cost: Rs 2500 plus taxes for two with alcohol (approx)
(Photographs courtesy of Kunal Chandra)