Inside Drift, Ahmedabad’s newest watering hole for the sober-curious generation

The dry State’s new watering hole, Drift–The Poolside Dining, at Le Méridien Ahmedabad, toes the line of the sober-curious trend sparked by Gen Z’s thirst for alcohol-free inns. Inspired by sober bars, Drift recalibrates nightlife with zero-proof cocktails crafted with the same flair and complexity as their boozy counterparts. “We drew inspiration from leading sober bars around the world. In New York, Getaway impressed us with its innovative use of ingredients and Sans Bar stood out for its inviting ambience. In London, Café Sobar offered inspiration through its rotating menu concept. These establishments were primary references for shaping Drift’s zero-proof menu,” says Prashant Chadha, general manager, Le Méridien Ahmedabad.

Drift, an intimate 40-seater diner — with 20 seats indoors and 20 outdoors in an alfresco arrangement by the pool — has been designed by Karen Wang, interior consultant from Singapore. Its aesthetic core draws inspiration from aquatic colours and contours; the walls are adorned with boat oars. The space is embellished with elements like railway wood logs used as roof covers, cubic floor tiles in shades of grey, black, and blue, and the seamless pool flow falling along one side.

Drift, an intimate 40-seater diner — with 20 seats indoors and 20 outdoors in an alfresco arrangement by the pool — has been designed by Karen Wang, interior consultant from Singapore
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Special arrangement

“Drift has an open kitchen and bar and for special occasions, the poolside can be bought out, allowing up to 70 guests to ‘mocktail out’ together, with food served buffet-style through both fixed and flying service,”  informs Prashant.

Popcorn Spritzer
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Special arrangement

He is cognizant of the void when it comes to the dry State’s beverage options beyond the milk and tisane-based offerings. Prashant notes: “Some key trends in non-alcoholic beverages include zero-proof spirits, mocktails and low-alcohol drinks and functional beverages (Infusions with adaptogens, probiotics, and nootropics, gaining traction for their perceived wellness benefits). The global non-alcoholic beverages market is projected to reach USD 2.18 trillion by 2030, with a CAGR of 6.0%.”

Drift comes with a line-up of drinks such as Clementine Hour, a passionfruit citrus blend; Popcorn Spritzer, which pairs nostalgic popcorn with surprising apple notes; and the Phoenix Mule, a fiery reinterpretation of a global classic. Vishal Shukla, F&B manager, Le Meridien Ahmedabad, says, that he loves working with non-alcoholic spirits, fresh juices, purees, herbs and botanicals, organic syrups and tinctures, and flavoured carbonated waters. “I employ a range of techniques, such as cold infusion, like steeping fruits, herbs, or spices in water or juice over time and hot infusion (using heat to extract flavours from tea, coffee, or spices). Then there’s muddling, shaking, stirring, and carbonation (adding soda or tonic water),” he says.

Vishal’s top three recommendations from the drinks menu include Clementine Hour (made with passion fruit, Californian oranges, fresh mint and EB tea decoction); Jambolan Bliss (with jamun pulp, Indian rock salt, mint and fizz); and Paloma the Possible comprising fresh grapefruit extract, sweet and sour mix, juniper beverages and pink grapefruit tonic.

He adds: “With alcoholic cocktails, the consumer already experiences a sense of aspirational satisfaction. In zero-proof beverages, we must create that same sense of aspiration, without alcohol. This makes it more challenging, but also deeply rewarding.”

Drift’s food menu spans global flavours — from small plates such as avocado and fig tartare, and the lamb spice filo bun, to mains like asparagus and zucchini moilee and cheese rarha fried.

Avocado & Fig Tartare
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Special arrangement

With its culinary ideology, Drift challenges the conventions that have long dictated the beverage menu and is a sobering reminder of Gen Z’s quest for responsible outings.

A table for two at Drift – The Poolside Dining, at Le Méridien Ahmedabad, Ramdev Nagar Cross Road, Satellite, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, is priced upwards of ₹2,000.

Published – January 09, 2026 05:22 pm IST