The Prohibiton Era started in the United States of America during the early 20th century with the U.S government trying to crack down on the heavy drinking of the American public. But as the iron rule of prohibiton suggested, even harder drinks began to be circulated in a clandestine manner. Large quantities of alcohol were smuggled into the United States from Canada, over land, by sea routes along both ocean coasts, and through the Great Lakes. While the federal government cracked down on alcohol consumption on land within the United States, it was a different story along the U.S. coastlines, where vessels outside the 3-mile limit were exempt. In addition, home brewing was popular during Prohibition. Malt and hops stores popped up across the country and some former breweries turned to selling malt extract syrup, ostensibly for baking and beverage purposes.
PCO captures this Prohibition era to the tee. Starting off with a secret doorway that can only be opened with a code that is sent across weekly to the members, to the upholstered sofas for lounging around. This exclusive lounge impresses you with some beautifully curated cocktails, some jazz music playing in the background and an ambiance that puts you back in the dens of American Mafia. Resplendent luxury welcomes you complete with a cigar room and plush sofas to sit around while a private dining room caters to a group of 10-20 people with an exclusive access to the bartender.
Inspired by the tradition of making a perfect cocktail, PCO is a one-of-a-kind cocktail bar located in Vasant Vihar in South Delhi. Since they have opened up, their award winning bartenders have been creating cocktails that are slowly becoming the talk of the town. A true hideaway in Delhi, PCO has garnered much acclaim, including winning national and international awards, including the Times of India Food & Nightlife Best Bar—Luxury Night Out for two years in a row, and Best Cocktail.
We try their range of cocktails. The menu is impressive with over six pages worth of cocktails with innovations, classics and Caribbean ruling the roost. The Old Fashioned and the Whiskey Sour are two classic drinks that we fall in love with here. The perfect balance of the bitters with the acidity of the Old Fashioned and the acidity with the nuttiness of the egg white in the Sour make your evening that much better. In the mood for some experimentation, try the Spiced Pineapple Julep or the 40 Deuce. The beautiful acidic flavours combine like a dream with the Bourbon first and then Vodka.
The food compliments the cocktails perfectly. The Gambas Al Ajillo is something that will be licked clean. Fresh prawns cooked in a white wine reduction of garlic, parsley and chilly. We lick the sauce clean with some slices of baguette.
The Potato skins and the Spicy Chicken wings really mean business as they set your palate on fire. The warm goat salad also impresses with the salty goat cheese combining well with the sweet beetroot and the toasted pine nuts.
The mushroom risotto is also one of our recommendations with the perfect chalky taste of the rice combines with the earthiness of the mushrooms and parsley oil.
The stellar cocktails of this place is what should draw you back again and again. The bespoke class at this place is unmistakable so put on your best behaviour and bring your thirst to this old school cocktail bar.
