Not all cocktails keep it simple – some make you do a double take. And Tornato, created by Ashish Tamta at Adam & Eve, is one of those drinks.
At first glance, it sounds like an impossible concoction – what are tequila, mezcal, tomato, and watermelon doing together? But take a sip and trust us, you’ll know the answer!
In our latest IP, Bar Talks, we’re creating a space where bars, bartenders, and signature cocktails take center stage through stories, recipes, and personalities behind them. For this edition, we’re heading to Adam & Eve, Mumbai and we’re sharing with you the recipe of Tornato, a signature cocktail made by Ashish Tamta.
A refreshing, savory highball that reimagines familiar flavors through modern techniques. Built on a base of tequila and mezcal, the cocktail balances the natural sweetness of watermelon with the umami richness of tomato.
Milk clarification creates a crystal-clear texture while preserving the drink’s bold character, and carbonation lends a crisp, lively finish.
Ingredients
Method:
Read our Bar Talks edition with Merwyn Alphonso At Yauatcha here
Every new bar needs a clear voice. At Adam & Eve, that voice comes from Ashish Tamta.
Raised in the village, Ashish Tamta knew his flavors and ingredients well early on. His connection to ingredients was shaped by lived experience, forming the foundation of his journey into hospitality.
Without formal training, Ashish built his career through hands-on learning, workshops, and mentorship from some of India’s leading bartenders.
He began his career at Sinq Hotels and Resorts in Goa, where he discovered the energy and creative potential of bartending. He then moved to The Leela Palace Bengaluru, managing the Library Bar and refining his approach to luxury hospitality. At Leela Ambience Gurugram, he contributed to building a progressive cocktail program at Rubicon.
A defining phase came at KhiKhi Bar and Kitchen, where he explored a more expressive and contemporary style of bartending. His return to JW Marriott Bengaluru as Hotel Mixologist marked a leadership milestone, allowing him to lead teams and shape large-scale beverage programs.
Now, as Beverage Head at Adam and Eve, Mumbai, Ashish brings together his diverse experience to build a cocktail program rooted in flavor, storytelling, and consistency. The focus remains on creating drinks that are thoughtful, balanced, and driven by intent.
His philosophy?
Grounded in precision, respect for classic foundations, and a strong sense of context. Each cocktail at Adam & Eve is designed to leave behind a core memory and connection.
Which cocktail recipe did Jishnu A.J. from 8ish share with us? Read more about it in our Bar Talks edition with Jishnu A.J.!
Adam & Eve is a 25-seater cocktail-forward bar built around pantry-led ingredients and ingredient-first cocktails. The menu explores familiar elements like beeswax, ponzu, enoki mushroom, yerba mate and moringa honey in unexpected ways, with each cocktail designed around one central ingredient.
The space has been designed by Studio 6158, with deep reds, layered textures and a stainless steel central bar capturing your attention. And it doesn’t end there. With custom Sabyasachi print wall panels and 117 customized ceiling projections that shift through the evening, a visit to Adam & Eve is a sensorial experience unlike any other.
Also, we recently visited two of Bandra's most luxurious bars and here's our unfiltered review!
Tornato is a deliciously sweet and tart cocktail made using ingredients that would make anyone steal a second glance. However, the combination of the spirits with tomato, watermelon, and the spicy sauces and lemon juices makes it a unique cocktail to savor.
