Sip through India’s heritage at Dubai’s Flying Elephant Mystical Mixology
Hidden bar concept at Novotel Al Barsha celebrates nostalgia and craftsmanship
DUBAI: At Novotel Dubai Al Barsha, a hidden cocktail lounge is turning ordinary nights into immersive journeys steeped in Indian heritage.
Flying Elephant Mystical Mixology, a new entrant to Dubai’s bar scene, redefines storytelling through cocktails, where every drink is a tribute to India’s rich cultural fabric – served in a glass.
Leading this mixological movement is Rishwathan Kumaravel, Bar Manager and Head Mixologist, who brings over ten years of experience to the table. His mission? To evoke memory, place, and emotion with every sip, transforming the act of drinking into an exploration of India's spirit, literally and figuratively.
Cocktails with culture
Rishwathan’s creations are far from typical bar offerings. They’re liquid narratives – tales of spice-laden backstreets, vibrant festivals, and ancestral rituals. One standout is the “Fruit Seller,” a roasted pineapple and palm candy concoction honouring India’s bustling street vendors. Another, “Orange County Coffee,” blends orange-infused Indian whisky with caramel and tonic, paying homage to Chikmagalur’s famed coffee plantations.
“The aim was never just to mix drinks,” says Rishwathan. “I wanted every aroma and garnish to tell a story – to become a sensory portal to a place or moment from Indian life.”
The “Mausambi Hi Ball” brings Mughal-era sharbat traditions to life, balancing citrus with a mild chilli kick. Meanwhile, “Gulab Jal” delivers the essence of gulkand and rose, echoing summer coolers passed down through generations. And for the bold-hearted, the “Fire Jaan” stands out – a flaming blend of coconut-washed bourbon and cardamom bitters, inspired by street-side theatrics seen across Indian cities during festivals.
A week of experiences
Flying Elephant offers more than cocktails; it curates weekly immersive events to match its storytelling drinks. Each evening holds a distinct identity, making the venue a dynamic cultural hotspot.
- Monday welcomes guests with Bollywood Lounge Nights, set to live Indian music.
- Tuesday’s Forbidden Tuesdays hosts a ladies’ night with DJ Bling and exclusive offers.
- Wednesday’s Bombay Velvet Gents Night channels vintage glamour, complete with a live band.
- Thursday’s Elephant’s Club Night is tailored for hoteliers, crew and media professionals to network in a lively setting.
- Friday introduces Jazz Night, courtesy of De Cruz Entertainment, infusing the space with soulful, smoky rhythms.
- Saturday becomes theatrical with The Elephant in the Room mystical brunch and after-party, seamlessly blending music, food, and performance.
More than evenings
For those seeking daytime indulgence, Flying Elephant doesn’t disappoint. From Monday to Friday, Mystic Happy Hours and business lunches allow guests to enjoy the venue’s flair in a more relaxed setting.
The bar's concealed design – hidden within Novotel Dubai Al Barsha – adds a layer of intrigue. Once inside, visitors find themselves in a space that marries the elegance of India’s bygone eras with avant-garde presentation and techniques.
Craft, flavour, nostalgia
Every aspect of Flying Elephant is curated to blend India’s emotional resonance with contemporary mixology. The bar also offers bold, Indian fusion small plates designed for sharing, elevating the overall experience. Together with its drinks, the culinary offering completes the venue’s homage to Indian tradition reimagined for Dubai’s cosmopolitan crowd.
Flying Elephant Mystical Mixology opened in 2024 and continues to gain momentum for its innovative approach. It is located at Novotel Dubai Al Barsha, with bookings available online.