Experience the Magic of Jolene By The Sea: Goa's Hottest Cocktail Spot
As the sun dips lazily behind the Arabian Sea, casting golden streaks across the boho-chic loungers, there’s a palpable buzz that one can’t miss. This Amrita Arora-Shakeel Ladak backed restaurant and bar, Jolene By The Sea, is ‘the’ place to see, and be seen at! Perched high above the sands of Anjuna Beach, this is undoubtedly the most Instagrammable spot in Goa currently.
Cosy cabanas and rustic rattan and rope furniture under macramé canopies complete the ‘tropical paradise’ look. The aesthetic combines coastal glam with a bohemian free-spirited vibe. When we visited on a balmy spring evening, the place was teeming with well-dressed and well-heeled folks from big cities (read, Mumbai and Delhi). Securing a table at this celebrity-backed restaurant and bar seems to be a matter of pride. In fact, when I met a friend from Dubai who also happened to be in Goa at the same time, I was impressed to see Jolene at the top of her ‘must-visit’ places too. After all, it has been the talking point in the hoity-toity circles ever since it opened a few months ago.
Yet, it’s not only about the virtual buzz. The sprawling space seems to have encapsulated the spirit of Goa in its energetic and flirty ambience that transitions seamlessly from an all-day eatery to a high-energy bar. But behind the beautiful façade, there’s a deeper story being stirred—one of bold mixology, inspired flavour pairings, and a sundowner vibe that’s almost intoxicating on its own.
At the heart of Jolene is its bar—helmed by Feruzan Bilmoria, True Palate’s head mixologist, and a force to be reckoned with in India’s burgeoning cocktail scene. She has brought a meticulous yet playful energy to Jolene’s bar menu, weaving together Anjuna’s local bounty with cutting-edge cocktail techniques. We began with Peaches and Cream—a delicious blend that transforms the humble peach cobbler into a luxe liquid dessert; creamy and buttery, with just enough brandy to remind you you’re on vacation. Next up: Ya Ya Ya Coco Jumbo is a tropical dance of Caribbean coconut and lychee that plays surprisingly well with South Asian pandan soda. For picante lovers seeking a refreshing twist, Not a Picante comes highly recommended, while That Leggy Blonde is ideal for someone who enjoys floral notes and citrus undertones. And if you like spirit-forward concoctions, A Left Handshake brings in a smoky complexity that’s perfect for discerning palates. Feruzan infuses an inimitable expression in each of her creations. Besides potent cocktails, her zero-proof menu is equally adventurous for those not wanting to indulge in alcohol. The Baklava Gimlet is a fabulous interpretation of the Turkish dessert in liquid form, Pink Limeade is tart yet well balanced, and the Powerpuff Sodas will take one on a nostalgia trip, with a touch of modernity.
Of course, no cocktail bar can thrive without a food menu that complements the drinks. Curated by Chef Suvir Saran, the menu is a travelogue in edible form. Drawing inspiration from Amrita and Shakeel’s travels, the bill of fare includes comfort food and unexpected combinations while paying homage to local, seasonal, and regional treasures of Goa and its surroundings. Kochi Lobster Cornettos are as tasty as they are pretty and Misal Ramen is a wildly creative spin on the Maharashtrian classic, marrying spice with umami-rich noodles. These and other creative dishes like an Indian father’s Mexican chicken find space on the menu along with comfort fare like pizzas, burgers, and fries.
But coming back to the sundowner experience at Jolene, it isn’t just a time slot—it’s a vibe. As the golden hour stretches its limbs across the horizon, the music picks up. And every time the eponymous song plays, there are dramatic effects through the entire space—a fun tribute to Jolene indeed. We lingered over our final cocktails as the sky turned a deep indigo, there’s laughter, camera clicks, and that unmistakable energy that says, ‘this is the place to be’. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur, a curious traveller, or simply someone chasing a beautiful sunset with a better drink in hand, Jolene is your kind of place.
