Celebrate World Whiskey Day: Must-Try Cocktails in Mumbai

Celebrate World Whiskey Day: Must-Try Cocktails in Mumbai

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on May 18, 2024

Hello Mumbai! World Whiskey Day is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by exploring Mumbai’s finest whiskey bars and their unique concoctions? This city-wide whiskey crawl promises to take you on a journey through smoky sensations, tropical twists, and classic comforts. 

Here’s a guide to some of the best whiskey cocktails Mumbai has to offer:

Amazonia

With the “God Father”, do not hesitate to channel your inner Don. This smoky mix of whiskey, dry vermouth, and pineapple is sure to kick off your whiskey adventure with a bang. Bonus, enchanting rain-forest theme.

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Neuma, Colaba

Neuma in Colaba offers a classic start with the “Manhattan Project” or an Italian flair with the “Boulevardier.” For something truly unique, try the “Clayman’s Song,” blending whiskey with tamarind for an Indian twist.

La Mar, Worli

At La Mar, the city’s first “super restaurant,” you’ll find playful twists on classics. The “Bee’s Knees” combines whiskey with homemade liqueur, lemon chillo, and coffee bean, while the “Smoked Whisky Sour with Mango Tree Woods” adds a touch of smoky intrigue.

Gaylord, Churchgate

The iconic Gaylord brings a selection of whiskey cocktails that are both familiar and exciting. The “Apricot Sour” balances bourbon with apricot, honey, and citrus, while the “Cinnamon Old Fashioned” adds aromatic bitters and cinnamon smoke. “The Royal Mysore” blends bourbon with cherry, sandalwood extract, and a hint of cinnamon for a regal experience.

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One8 Commune

Modernize your whiskey experience at One8 Commune with the “Banana Old Fashioned,” offering a tropical twist, or the dessert-inspired “Tiramisu Monk.”

Yazu

Yazu steps up the whiskey game with innovative creations like the "Holy Smoke," featuring smoky notes from curry leaves and cacao. The "South Asia" uses betel-nut-washed whiskey and rose syrup for a unique Asian experience, while the "Shiitake Old Fashioned" offers subtle umami notes.

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Koa

Celebrate World Whiskey Day with a coastal detour at Koa. The “Coastal Crush” is a refreshing mix of whiskey, honey, and lime, perfect for a warm evening.

Pa Pa Ya

Groove at Pa Pa Ya with the “Honey Herd Old Fashioned,” a complex blend of 100 Piper whiskey, honey liqueur, jägermeister, and rosemary.

Cray Craft

For those who crave the classics, Cray Craft’s “Boulevardier” combines American whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Campari, satisfying any purist’s palate.

Ditas

Spice things up at Ditas with the “Pepper Palette,” a fiery blend of bourbon, Aperol, jaggery, lime, and bitters for those who like a kick in their cocktail.

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Sesame, Hyatt Centric Juhu

Don’t miss Sesame’s “Bourbon Sour,” an exquisite mix of Jim Beam bourbon, aromatic bitters, and egg white for a frothy texture.

The Glenwalk Scotch Whisky

Get creative with The Glenwalk Scotch Whisky by crafting inventive cocktails. Try the refreshing “Leafed Glenwalk” with ginger, curry leaves, and citrus, or the “Glenwalk Fashioned” with green tea, lemongrass, and kaffir lime.

Charlee

Nestled in Santacruz, Charlee offers the ultimate whiskey experience with their classic “Whiskey Sour,” a perfect blend of whiskey, simple syrup, citrus, and bitters.

Sante Spa

For a healthy twist, check out the “Matcha Highball” at Sante Spa, combining whiskey, lime juice, honey syrup, matcha powder, and soda.

The Nines Juhu

End your evening on a sweet note at The Nines Juhu with their “Creme Brulee Martini,” a dessert cocktail of whiskey, roasted hazelnut, and sweetness served in a chilled glass.

From smoky masterpieces to tropical twists and dessert-inspired delights, there’s a perfect whiskey concoction waiting for every palate. Cheers to a World Whiskey Day you won't forget!


403 Forbidden Bar Hosts Chef Takeover with Priyam Chatterjee and Rishabh Seal

403 Forbidden Bar Hosts Chef Takeover with Priyam Chatterjee and Rishabh Seal

By Hariharan U

Published on April 26, 2026

403 Forbidden Bar is set to host a two-day Chef Takeover as part of its 403 OVERRIDE FIREWALL X series, featuring Priyam Chatterjee and Rishabh Seal on April 25 and 26.

Positioned as a high-intent, limited-period dining experience, the collaboration brings together two distinct culinary perspectives, blending heritage-driven narratives with contemporary interpretation. Designed as an immersive format, the takeover moves beyond conventional dining to present a structured and non-replicable culinary journey.

Chef Priyam Chatterjee, known for his progressive approach to modern Indian cuisine, brings a style shaped by classical technique and global exposure. His cooking focuses on elevating familiar flavours through precision and refined execution.

Chef Rishabh Seal complements this with a culinary philosophy rooted in cultural memory and subtle innovation, presenting dishes that balance regional influences with a contemporary lens.

Together, the chefs introduce a bespoke menu built around the theme “From Heritage to Haute Cuisine Reimagined”, where traditional flavours are reinterpreted using modern techniques. The experience unfolds as a layered, sensory journey, encouraging guests to engage with each course as part of a larger narrative.

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The culinary offering is paired with the bar’s technique-driven cocktail programme, where methods such as distillation, clarification, and infusion are used to create drinks that align closely with the menu, enhancing the overall experience.

Set within a space inspired by the concept of a digital 403 access denied code, the venue is designed to encourage guests to disconnect from external distractions and immerse themselves fully in the experience. From lighting and sound to service, every element is curated to create a cohesive and engaging environment.

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Speaking on the collaboration, Chef Priyam Chatterjee noted that the experience focuses on storytelling through food, presenting familiar flavours in a way that feels both intuitive and unexpected. Chef Rishabh Seal added that the menu aims to respect traditional roots while allowing flavours to evolve naturally.

Aman Dua, Co-Founder of 403 Forbidden Bar, highlighted that the series is designed as a platform for chefs with distinct culinary voices to engage with the space in a meaningful and immersive format.

With limited seating, the takeover offers a rare, experiential dining format, bringing together craft, creativity, and narrative-led cuisine in one of Bengaluru’s most conceptually distinctive venues.


Matcha Craze in Delhi NCR Here Are 5 Cafes Doing It Right

Matcha Craze in Delhi NCR Here Are 5 Cafes Doing It Right

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 13, 2026

Matcha has found a strong fanbase in Delhi NCR, and the city’s café scene has fully embraced the trend. The Japanese green tea that has been enjoyed for centuries is now becoming a favourite among young consumers looking for something refreshing yet energising.

Unlike coffee, matcha is often known for providing a calmer and more steady energy boost without the sudden crash later in the day. The trend first gained popularity among Gen Z, and soon millennials followed, turning matcha into more than just a drink. Today, it has become a lifestyle choice, often associated with wellness and mindful living.

The matcha wave has also evolved beyond simple lattes. Cafés are experimenting with seasonal flavours and creative combinations, from fruity strawberry blends to refreshing coconut-based drinks. With so many options available, expectations for a good matcha experience have also grown. Across Delhi NCR, a few cafés are standing out for doing it particularly well.

Barista Coffee is one of the most accessible places to try matcha in the region. The brand introduced a special menu titled “Dhoom Matcha De,” bringing several variations of the drink to its customers. The range includes the Matcha Iced Latte, Matcha Strawberry, Matcha Frappe, and Matcha Hot Latte. With outlets spread across Delhi NCR, Barista offers an easy entry point for those curious to explore matcha for the first time.

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Hinoki Slow Bar has quietly built a loyal following among matcha enthusiasts in Delhi. Founded by two friends, the café focuses on a slow and thoughtful preparation style. Each cup of matcha is freshly prepared in front of guests, allowing them to see the process up close. The menu includes both milk-based and water-based matcha drinks along with a selection of flavours and add-ons, making it a welcoming spot for both newcomers and regular visitors.

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Got Tea takes a slightly different route by sourcing its matcha directly from Japan. The quality of the ingredient is clearly noticeable in its drinks. One of its most popular offerings is the Strawberry Matcha, which features a house-made strawberry compote layered with vibrant matcha. The menu also includes options such as a citrus matcha tonic, a matcha blueberry blend, and even matcha-inspired baked goods. With most outlets open until midnight, it has become a reliable stop for matcha lovers at almost any time of the day.

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Espresso Anyday is known for its experimental menu and offers one of the more creative matcha selections in the region. In addition to classic lattes, the café serves drinks such as a coconut matcha float, matcha tonic, matcha slush, and a matcha americano for those looking to try something different. Among regulars, the Vanilla Ice Cream Matcha is particularly popular, combining creamy texture with well-balanced matcha flavours.

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Third Wave Coffee takes a simpler approach with a focused matcha menu. Its Japanese Matcha Latte, available both hot and iced, is widely appreciated for being smooth and not overly bitter, making it ideal for beginners. The café also serves a Strawberry Matcha Latte for those who enjoy a slightly fruity twist, while the Vanilla Matcha Bubble Tea offers a more playful option for customers in the mood for something different.

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As matcha continues to grow in popularity, cafés across Delhi NCR are refining how they serve the drink. Whether someone is exploring matcha for the first time or already enjoys it regularly, these cafés offer some of the city’s most interesting ways to experience this vibrant green beverage.


Gadda Da Vida at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach Just Got a Major Upgrade, Meet GDV 2.0

Gadda Da Vida at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach Just Got a Major Upgrade, Meet GDV 2.0

By Hariharan U

Published on March 10, 2026

If Gadda Da Vida was already your go-to for sundowners in Mumbai, GDV 2.0 is about to give you even more reasons to show up. The beachfront restaurant at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach has just launched a full culinary and cocktail reinvention,and it's a confident, coastal-forward step up from everything that came before it.

This isn't just a menu tweak. GDV 2.0 is a proper reimagination of what the space can be,leaning hard into the seafood-driven identity that a venue sitting right by the Arabian Sea honestly should have. The food is bolder, the cocktails are sharper, and the whole experience feels more alive and social while still holding on to the relaxed sundowner energy that made the place a favourite in the first place.

The Food - Coastal, Layered and Genuinely Exciting

The new menu reads like a tour of coastal flavours done with real finesse. Headlining the seafood section are dishes like Lobster Tail with Mustard Butter, Seared Salmon with Lemon Butter, Caribbean Blackened Snapper with Plantain Purée, and Miso Glazed Seabass,each one bringing something distinct to the table. Charcoal-Grilled Prawns in Jerk Marinade and Fish Cafreal with Smoked Potato Mash round out a lineup that's as thoughtfully composed as it is satisfying.

For the table-sharing crowd, the shareable plates section is equally strong,Fennel-Smoked Fried Prawns, Jerk Chicken Skewers, and Crispy Calamari Rings sit alongside some genuinely interesting vegetarian options like Malvani Soy Tacos and Truffle Mushroom Xacuti Tartlets. The kind of spread that makes ordering for the whole table actually fun.

Desserts close things out on a tropical high,Tropical Fruit Pavlova, Coconut Mango Panna Cotta, and an Espresso Tiramisu that feels like the perfect full stop to a coastal meal.

The Cocktails - Built to Match

What sets GDV 2.0 apart from a standard menu relaunch is the intentional pairing of cocktails with the food. The drink menu has been designed to complement the seafood-forward dishes, with signature creations,Angel's Delight, Synapse Sour, Temple Smoke, Gadda's Secret, and Plumnori each bringing layered aromatics and vibrant profiles to the mix. Progressive infusions and a strong element of mixology theatre add visual drama to the whole experience, turning what could be a regular evening out into something genuinely multisensory.

Kunal Shanker, General Manager at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, explained the thinking behind it all,"With GDV 2.0, our vision was to go beyond a menu refresh and reimagine the entire beachfront experience at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach. Gadda Da Vida has always been synonymous with sundowners, and this change allows us to align the culinary narrative more closely with our seaside setting. With this menu revamp, we aim to elevate the value proposition of our F&B portfolio while reinforcing our standing as one of Mumbai's most dynamic beachfront hospitality destinations."

Sunset, seafood, cocktails with personality, and the Arabian Sea as your backdrop,GDV 2.0 makes a strong case for being Mumbai's most complete beachfront dining experience right now.

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