From Agave to Rituals: Pune’s First Agave Bar, Juju Cantina, Marks Three Years with an All New Food and Lotería-Inspired Cocktail Menu

Kalyani Nagar, 30th October 2026: When Juju opened in Pune three years ago, it brought a different proposition to the city’s bar scene. As Pune’s first agave bar, it began as an intimate 50-seater where the experience extended beyond what was on the menu. A bell at the entrance, a distinctive welcome, rituals at the bar and the theatrical presentation of its signature shots gave the space a character of its own.

At a time when the drinking experience was often defined by the drinks themselves, Juju Cantina made the way they were served and shared part of the story.

Over the years, certain dishes and cocktails have become closely associated with the bar. The Juju Bomb, with its distinctive presentation, became a signature experience, while the Juju Picante and Grapefruit Paloma established their place among its recognisable cocktails. On the food menu, Lamb Birria Tacos, Juju Fried Chicken, Corn Ribs and Guacamole became familiar orders, followed by desserts such as Tres Leches and Churros.

3  years on, Juju Cantina is building on that foundation and moving towards a broader Mexican cantina identity and marking the Anniversary milestone with Fiesta Loca, a four-day anniversary programme running from 29 October to 1 November 2026.

Alongside its signature favourites, the bar is introducing a refreshed food programme by Chef Partners Hanoze Shroff and Parikshit Ghalwadkar, and a new cocktail menu led by Bar Maestro Sarthak Bisht. The latter takes inspiration from popular ideological notions and iconic characters from Mexican culture. Lotería, the inspiration behind the cocktail menu, is the traditional Mexican game of illustrated cards, bringing an element of chance and discovery to how guests choose their drinks.

The drinks draw on tequila, mezcal, house-made preparations and unexpected flavour combinations, with agave remaining at the heart of the programme. Mi Corazón combines gin, Campari, raspberry, balsamic, basil and white chocolate. La Bruja brings together mezcal, tequila blanco, house-made crème de menthe and angelica tincture, while Noche Eléctrica pairs tequila blanco with blueberry, jalapeño jam and matcha air.

The refreshed food menu similarly focuses on contrasting flavours and textures, with dishes designed to complement the cocktail programme rather than sit apart from it. Highlights include Tenderloin Carpaccio with spicy herb sauce, puffed black rice and Grana Padano; Broccoli a la Plancha with pineapple mole, agave glaze, black garlic and feta; and Ancho Chicken Steak with ají panca and fresh cabbage slaw.

For Chef Partner Hanoze Shroff, the menu reflects an approach where food and drinks are considered together. “For this menu, we wanted to think about food and cocktails as part of the same conversation. A dish can bring out a flavour in a drink, balance its intensity or introduce a completely different texture to the experience. We have kept some of the favourites that guests already know and love, while bringing in new dishes that give them something different to explore. The idea is to make the food an integral part of the evening, whether someone comes in for a full meal or simply wants something great to go with their cocktail,” says Shroff.

Three years of Juju Cantina, four days of Fiesta Loca

The anniversary programme brings together the bar’s food, cocktails and interactive experiences across four themed evenings. The celebrations begin on Thursday, 29 October, with Noche de Tres (Night of Three), introducing the refreshed food and cocktail menus by the 3 Maestros at Juju Cantina: Bar Maestro Sarthak Bisht and Chef Partners Hanoze Shroff and Parikshit Ghalwadkar. On Friday, 30 October, Noche de Amigos (Night of Friends) brings drinking games, DJ and interactive experiences to the bar. Saturday, 31 October, features Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), with a dedicated Patrón cocktail selection and high-energy music. The celebrations conclude on Sunday, 1 November, with Noche de Sangria (Sangria Night), offering bottomless sangrias.

For Co-founder Karan Khilnani, the third anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on what has kept guests returning while introducing new reasons to visit. “3 years in, what makes us happiest is seeing people return for the things they have come to associate with Juju Cantina, whether it is a particular cocktail, a favourite dish or simply the kind of evening they know they will have here. We have always wanted Juju Cantina to be a place where people can let their guard down, discover something new and make memories along the way. Fiesta Loca is our way of celebrating that journey with the people who have been part of it, while giving them fresh reasons to come back,” says Khilnani.

Co-founder Vijeta Singh adds, “Over the last three years, the little rituals, familiar orders, collaborations and celebrations have become as much a part of Juju Cantina’s identity as the menu itself. With this anniversary, we wanted to bring all those elements together, celebrate what our guests have made and introduce new experiences that feel true to the spirit of Juju Cantina.”

Three years after opening its doors, Juju Cantina’s anniversary brings its defining rituals, signature dishes and agave-led cocktail programme together with a new menu inspired by the spirit of discovery. Fiesta Loca is an invitation to revisit the familiar, try something new and experience the next chapter of the bar.

Fiesta Loca at Juju Cantina

Dates: 29 October to 1 November 2026

• Thursday, 29 October: Noche de Tres (Night of Three), introducing the refreshed food and cocktail menus by the three maestros
• Friday, 30 October: Noche de Amigos (Night of Friends), featuring drinking games, DJ and interactive experiences.
• Saturday, 31 October: Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), with a dedicated Patrón cocktail selection and high-energy music.
• Sunday, 1 November: Noche de Sangria (Sangria Night), with two types of bottomless sangrias or individual pours.