2026 Summer Cocktail Camp Interview with a Mixologist!

Kishore Thadikmalla from Feringhee Modern Indian Cuisine 

On Sunday, June 14, the 2026 PHOENIX magazine Summer Cocktail Camp series is going to spice things up. The first Indian restaurant to ever snag our Best New Restaurant of the Year award, Feringhee Modern Indian Cuisine scrambled and rebuilt our understanding of Indian cuisine upon its opening in 2022. Decked out in vivid hues and unfazed at utilizing traditional ingredients in unexpected ways, it’s an East Valley institution and sneaky-awesome cocktail hotspot. We asked Feringhee beverage director Kishore Thadikmalla to pour us an early of the restaurant’s Cocktail Camp engagement.  

Tell us about the cocktail program at Feringhee. 

It’s built around the same philosophy as our food, honoring Indian flavors and traditions while presenting them through a modern lens. We draw inspiration from ingredients, spices, fruits, teas and culinary techniques found throughout India and translate them into cocktails that feel approachable, balancedand exciting. Every drink is designed to complement the dining experience, whether that’s highlighting the complexity or offering a refreshing contrast.  

Can you share your story with us? How did you wind up at Feringhee? 

Before joining Feringhee, I founded Prikish Hospitality and Mixology Studio, an award-winning beverage consulting company that has helped develop some of the most celebrated cocktail programs across India. What drew me here was the opportunity to bring that experience to a concept that is redefining how people experience Indian cuisine and hospitality. Feringhee shares my belief that tradition and innovation can coexist beautifully, and it has been rewarding to build a cocktail program that showcases the depth, diversity and complexity of Indian flavors.  

We know it’s tough but do you have a favorite Feringhee cocktail? 

My favorite has to be the Ghee Old Fashioned. What I love most about the drink is that it’s unexpected. It perfectly captures what we’re trying to do here, taking a familiar classic and giving it a distinctly Indian point of view. The idea of ghee in a cocktail is intriguing, but once you try it, everything makes sense. It’s bold, comforting and incredibly balanced, while also telling a story about Indian ingredients in a way that’s approachable and memorable.  

The heat has started in Phoenix – what’s the first drink you reach for on a summer’s day? 

A gin highball with fresh lime and soda is hard to beat, especially when it’s ice cold. It’s simple, crisp, and incredibly refreshing after a day in the Arizona heat. If I’m feeling a little more adventurous, I love cocktails that incorporate fresh herbs, tropical fruit or tea because they feel light and cooling while still delivering plenty of flavor. 

What should guests expect if they’re coming to Feringhee for Cocktail Camp? 

Plan on a fun and interactive experience that goes beyond simply making drinks. Cocktail Camp is designed to give people a behind-the-scenes look at how we build cocktails, from understanding flavor combinations and techniques to working with some of the unique ingredients that inspire our menu. With plenty of delicious drinks along the way, of course. 

Join us at Feringhee for Cocktail Camp on Sunday, June 14