One8 Commune recently opened its latest venture, Temptations, an exclusive cocktail room experience, situated on the 7th floor of its flagship in Bengaluru, with stunning views of Cubbon Park and Chinnaswamy Stadium.

True to the word ‘Temptation’, the cocktail room aims to create a space and experience that’s enticing and a sense of adventure for its patrons. Breaking boundaries with never-before-seen techniques, it promises to be a trailblazer in mixology.

Intended to elevate the alcohol beverage landscape in the city, Temptations boasts a handcrafted cocktail menu curated by acclaimed mixologist Varun Sudhakar. It has an 8-seater bar and can accommodate 70 guests at a time.

Combining rich local and regional ingredients, Sudhakar aims to surprise and delight even the most discerning palates with its noteworthy flavour profiles. For instance, ‘Take Notes’ is a harmonious blend of warm cardamom, rich ghee and Angostura bitters – a never-seen-before combination of ingredients.

The smoky allure of ‘Caramel Pop’ features Bourbon whiskey infused with popcorn and smoked oak wood. Designed to push the boundaries of mixology, each drink on the Temptations menu is to be shared and savoured with every delectable sip.

Smoky Caramel Pop (L) and avocado truffle bites.

“Our vision is to craft an immersive journey through extraordinary flavours and captivating sensations,” says Sudhakar, acclaimed mixologist and two-time Diageo World Class India winner. “In a city where the cocktail scene is thriving and evolving exponentially, we felt inspired to make our mark in a distinctive and impactful manner.”

Complementing the innovative beverage selection is an exquisite tapas menu crafted meticulously to enhance the flavours of the cocktails and elevate the overall experience. Corporate Chef Agnibh Mudi’s culinary expertise shines through in prawn Balchao tartlets, ghee roast chicken liver, and the vibrant felafel macarons, among many others.

Redefining the art of indulgence, the cocktail menu at Temptations includes:

• Bombaat (citrusy, tangy and spiced, with white rum, OJ, kokum and star anise) – “just like a dosa at Rameshwaram, one is never enough!” says Sudhakar.
• Take Notes (aromatic, buttery and spicy, with white rum, cardamon, ghee and Angostura bitters).
• Caramel Pop (rich, smoky and sweet, with Bourbon whiskey, popcorn, smoked oak wood).
• Packs a Punch (smoky, earthy and herbal, with Mezcal, sun-dried tomatoes and coriander shrub).
• Umami Rizz (floral, tangy and spicy, with vodka, Umeshu, clove syrup and pomegranate.
• Iykyk (citrusy, smooth and balanced, with gin, sweet vermouth and kaffir lime.
• Ashton Martini (refreshing, crisp and aromatic, with gin, cucumber and hints of cardamom).

In addition to the captivating cocktail menu, Temptations presents a luxurious Martini trolley experience, where guests witness expert mixologists craft four distinct Martinis, including Classic, Fillthy, Gimlet and Gibson.

Featuring premium gins like Monkey 47, Roberto Cavalli, Tanqueray 10 and Hendrick’s, each Martini is meticulously prepared before guests’ eyes, offering an interactive and immersive journey into mixology.

An Ashton Martini (L) would pair well with prawn Balchao tartlets.