Set your spirits high at this popular gin festival in Bandra

Visitors at a previous edition of the festival

What began as an experiment back in 2018, according to its founders, has now become quite the collection of gin lovers. Retroverse, hosted by the Gin Explorer's Club (GEC), unfolds at a BKC venue this weekend where apart from the gin indulgence, visitors can enjoy tasting sessions, workshops, and entertainment featuring live performances by Carly Foxx, Tech Panda x Kenzani, OG Shez, Sickflip, and more.

The event is heavy on experiences, with fun installations and interactive spaces. Anjali Batra, co-founder, Gin Explorer's Club describes it as a lively space, where, "you'll feel like a child again." Festival goers can savour 15-plus homegrown and international gin brands; including new variants from Chambal Valley and a Japanese brand debuting here. If you are a gin nerd, make sure to sign up for a workshop on the art of sipping gin and crafting cocktails. "We now have a 50-50 ratio of Indian and imported gin brands. People are trying homegrown gins. It's exciting that there has been a perception shift that quality gin only comes from the West," she added, commenting about the shift in gin trends.

On January 20 and January 21; 2 pm to 10 pm
AT Jio World Garden, BKC.
LOG ON TO insider.in
ENTRY Rs 900 onwards

The Guide's top 4 experiences:

The big fat collection of gin bars
GEC offers an extensive selection of over 15 gin brands for everyone to explore - with some exciting debuts as well. Hop from bar to bar, and try incredible cocktails.

The gin atelier
Sign up for a free workshop to learn about the juniper-infused spirit and how to make cocktails at home.
On: Both days; 3.30 pm onwards

Eat, shop and engage
Ten restaurants from the city will pop up with a great selection of food, a curated flea market, tarot card reading and face art.

Sip and sway
A curated line-up of DJs including Tech Panda and Kenzani on Saturday and Slickflip on Sunday make it the perfect way to enjoy retro tunes and enjoy great cocktails.

While making a gin cocktail

>> Make your gin infusion at home for a cool party trick with candy.
>> Pick your favourite candy - sour punk, cola candy, pan candy; even throw it into a bottle of gin overnight and next day you have a homemade gin infusion and major bragging rights as a cool host.
>> Build a garnish tray with fresh fruits, herbs, spices, candy, tea bags - go nuts.

Anjali Batra, co-founder, Gin Explorer's Club