Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
A Story-driven menu
This fall, acclaimed Indian fine dining destination Sanjh Restaurant & Bar is redefining cocktail culture in Texas with the launch of a bold new beverage program from Yangdup Lama, one of Asia’s most influential bartenders.
Sanjh Restaurant & Bar, located in Irving, just outside Dallas, redefines modern Indian gastronomy in Texas, blending ancient tradition with contemporary artistry. The restaurant’s name, Sanjh, meaning “evening” in Hindi, sets the tone for a truly immersive dining experience that honors India’s rich culinary legacy through story-driven dishes, handcrafted cocktails, and refined hospitality.
Lama was recently named Mixologist of the Year by Travel + Leisure Asia and ranked among Drinks International’s prestigious Bar World 100. He brings more than two decades of innovation, artistry, and global influence to Sanjh, introducing a cocktail menu that celebrates India’s culinary diversity while advancing modern mixology trends in the United States.
Paired with Executive Chef Sarabjit Singh Assi’s updated menu, Lama’s cocktail program positions Sanjh at the forefront of a new era of Indian mixology in the U.S., where time-honored ingredients and regional traditions meet the most advanced techniques in contemporary bartending.
“The goal of this program was to tell India’s story through drinks,” says Lama. “From street food to savory spices and herbs, every ingredient has a purpose. I’ve always believed anything edible can be used to create a cocktail, and I love using regional ingredients to craft path-breaking drinks that both honor India’s culinary heritage and push the boundaries of modern mixology.”
Spice-laden Cocktails
That ingredient-first philosophy comes to life throughout the new cocktail menu, where moong dal halwa, betel nut, chaat masala, curry leaf, jaggery, and sandalwood take center stage. Lama applies advanced techniques, from moong dal fat-washing and spice tinctures to flavored airs and house-made oleo saccharum, to transform these deeply traditional ingredients into cocktails that feel unmistakably contemporary.
Highlights from the new cocktail collection include:
Dear Delhi – Named after historic sites in India. Black Label with smoky Malt, maple & apple, and bitter orange aperitif, weaving sweet and smokey notes into a rich, aromatic cocktail.
Kammagani – Greetings from the land of Royals. Buffalo Trace bourbon washed with moong dal halwa, clarified lime, and cardamom, blending dessert with spirit in a novel way
Southern Somrus – Influences from ancient texts. Brandy layered with cumin liqueur, jaggery syrup, lime acid, and curry leaf air, turning savory Indian pantry staples into a cocktail experience
- Chowpatti Bhel Puri – Flavors from Mumbai’s favorite evening spot. Sauza Silver tequila with fresh tomato, chaat masala, tamarind, herbs, and citrus, evoking the flavors of Mumbai street food
The program also includes refined classics and a curated lineup of zero-proof cocktails, highlighting ingredients such as masala chai, rose, pistachio, and homemade kahwa tea. Crafted with the same precision and creativity as their spirited counterparts, these spirit-free builds reflect the rising demand for mindful drinking and the next generation’s appetite for innovation beyond alcohol.
