New Delhi, Aug. 22 -- When I told my friend about the cocktail tasting I was going for that evening, she said, "240ml of alcohol? That sounds like a lot." Her reaction made me hesitate, though only for a few seconds. My capacity for spirits has decreased considerably over time, now sated with a weekend drink or two, rarely exceeding 90ml. But I was intrigued when I heard about the nine-course cocktail menu at The Cavity, the nine-seater underground tasting room at Delhi's Barbet and Pals.

After its popularity in fine dining, the tasting menu has reached the bar, with mixologists pushing the envelope with experimental drinks. But how does the format translate to cocktails? How many drinks can one enjoy or distinguish in a single sitting w...