Bengaluru restaurant's 'Varthur overflow' cocktail sparks controversy

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: When crafting cocktail menus, mixologists often draw inspiration from various sources, including personal preferences and societal trends.

A recent social media post by user Arnav Gupta (@ championswimmer) highlighted a pollution-themed cocktail named "Varthur Overflow" served at a Bengaluru restaurant.

This drink references Bengaluru's Varthur Lake, notorious for its high pollution levels, which gained attention in 2023 when 25,000 fish died due to water contamination.

In the post, Gupta commented, "Bangalore Oota Company offers a drink named 'Varthur Overflow', referencing the Varthur Lake pollution incident. Instead of addressing the issue, the city seems to create memes and parody cocktails."

He later clarified that the restaurant in question was Oota Whitefield. According to the restaurant's website, the cocktail includes tequila, orange brandy, vetiver vodka, pineapple juice, fresh citrus, ripe jackfruit, and salt air.

The post garnered significant online interest, with some finding the concept amusing while others had differing opinions. Various comments on the post reflected these contrasting views.