An Exploration Of The Bandook, An Explosive Cocktail Found in the Heart of Marylebone, London

Photo Credit: Zetter Hotels

Our latest cocktail of the week pick is an explosive drink found in the heart of London at The Zetter Marylebone, and that is The Bandook. The inspiration comes from the word ‘Bandook,’ meaning rifle in Hindi — a nod to its sharp, striking flavors the way each sip hits with precision. It’s made with Black Lime Secret Garden Gin, Amchoor Ceylon Arrack, sandalwood tincture and — yes, you are reading this right — gunpowder infusion. It’s wild.

Photo Credit: Darren Chung

Says Ranjith Kumar Yathati, bar supervisor at The Zetter Marylebone: “The Bandook cocktail is a bold and aromatic creation that blends 40ml Black Lime Secret Garden Gin with 25ml Amchoor Ceylon Arrack, balanced by 10ml sandalwood tincture and 5ml gunpowder infusion. To make it, add all ingredients to a shaker with ice, shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds, then strain into a Moroccan glass. Garnish with flash wool for a dramatic, theatrical finish that captures the cocktail’s daring spirit. On the palate, it delivers bright citrus and floral top notes, a warm, spiced middle, and a lingering smokiness that slowly fades like the last embers of a campfire. It’s a  drink that feels adventurous, layered, and evocative of spice-laden trade routes, while still being approachable and perfectly balanced.”

Photo Credit: Zetter Hotels

The Bandook cocktail is from The Zetter Marylebone’s Classics menu, however, the hotel — an elegant, 24-bedroom Georgian townhouse and cocktail lounge, located on Seymour Street in London’s fashionable Marylebone neighborhood — also has an interactive cocktail menu Zetterland. This interactive menu invites guests to roll a die and move a miniature cocktail bottle around a specially designed board, starting at the hotel’s own corner. Land on a cocktail and you can order it immediately or draw from a stack of bartender’s recommendation cards for a surprise suggestion. Zetterland is a playful, nostalgic journey through London’s landmarks and culture, blending creativity with a sense of discovery. Each drink is inspired by an iconic city location, offering an experience as photogenic as it is memorable. By fusing novelty, immersion and personalisation, it perfectly captures the growing appetite for travel that is not just seen, but truly experienced.

How to Make The Bandook at Home

Photo Credit: Zetter Hotels

40ml Black Lime Secret Garden Gin

25ml Amchoor Ceylon Arrack

10ml sandalwood tincture

5ml gunpowder infusion

Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice, shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds, then strain into a Moroccan glass. Garnish with flash wool for a dramatic, theatrical finish that captures the cocktail’s daring spirit

The Zetter Marylebone is located at 28-30 Seymour St, London W1H 7JB