It takes a lot of optimism to not give in to the gloomy weather brought in by these unforgiving rains. Keeping this mind, a ton of restaurants curate and offer menus with dishes and drinks created to suit the weather. And the slight nip in the air is perhaps best enjoyed with a soothing hot drink and a splash of booze to up the ante.

"As the weather changes, taste and preferences change, too. During summer, the choices lean towards fruity fusions and citrusy beverages, whereas during the winter and in the monsoons, warmer drinks like, coffee cocktails and rum-based concoctions, are preferred. Our regulars are more constricted with their food, but the willingness to experiment with drinks is there," says Mehebub, beverage head at Salt Water Cafe, where a special monsoon cocktail menu - an annual affair - is on offer.