A Toast for Every Guest: The Inclusive Diwali Gifting Guide to Alcohol and Non-Alcoholic Drinks

A Toast for Every Guest: The Inclusive Diwali Gifting Guide to Alcohol and Non-Alcoholic Drinks

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 15, 2025

Diwali is here, and the air is electric! It’s the season of dazzling lights, high-spirited card parties, and the comforting hum of laughter that fills every home. This year, make every celebratory clink count with a curated gifting guide that brings together distinguished whiskies, refined wines, and sophisticated non-alcoholic options. Whether you’re elevating your home bar or searching for the perfect gift for a client or loved one, the right beverage can set the tone for the perfect festive mood.

1. The Glenwalk

A dependable star for your festive bar, The Glenwalk by Sanjay Dutt and Cartel Bros is a premium Blended Scotch Whisky that embodies elegance and warmth. Perfect for card parties or as a refined corporate gift, this whisky offers hints of warming spice, treacle, and a lingering buttery finish. Smooth, balanced, and classic, it’s everything a good Diwali pour should be.

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2. The GlenJourneys

For a truly unforgettable impression, The GlenJourneys by actor and entrepreneur Ajay Devgn and Cartel Bros stands apart. This ultra-premium 21-year-old Single Malt Scotch, available in the rare Pioneer’s Edition and diverse Cask Series, makes for an extraordinary collector’s piece. Expect velvety vanilla and ripe fruit layered into a mellow, elegant finish. A fitting choice for those who celebrate milestones with distinction.

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3. Aquatein

This festive season, go beyond the usual sweets and snacks with Aquatein’s "A Fresh New Diwali Tradition". Offer a thoughtful gift that blends taste, wellness, and innovation, giving a modern twist to the traditional Diwali gifting. The bottles are perfect to be enjoyed chilled or elevate your celebrations by mixing them into vibrant, healthy mocktails at your festive gatherings. The Diwali Pack includes a variety of functional beverages: Protein Water, Electrolyte Water, Vitamin Drink, and Collagen Water. It's a convenient pack of 12 bottles, simplifying your festive nutrition and glow. With this special Diwali pack, you can celebrate the festival differently, with a focus on Health ka Pataka (a burst of health) and Taste ka Dhamaka (an explosion of taste).

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4. Bubz

Add some fizz to your gifting with Bubz, India’s next-generation soda for those who love indulgence without compromise. Each 250 ml can is enriched with 6g of prebiotic fiber, contains no added sugar, and has just 18 kcal, naturally sweetened with monk fruit. With four playful flavours, Cola, Lemon Lime, Citrus, and Strawberry, Bubz is perfect for clean cocktails or festive refreshment.

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Vibrant, fun, and functional, it’s an ideal choice for health-conscious friends who still love their fizzy indulgence. This Diwali, gift Bubz, because health and celebration can fizz together.

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5. Morgan Beverages (Paladin Wines)

Bring a touch of European sophistication to your celebrations with Morgan Beverages, the official distributor of Italy’s acclaimed Paladin Wines. The Paladin Pinot Grigio Rosé makes an exceptional gift, offering delicate floral aromas of violet and dried flowers. Its palate reveals a crisp, dry texture with a gentle complexity and an elegant, lingering finish, a sip of pure la dolce vita that adds sparkle to every Diwali gathering.

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As the Festival of Lights shines bright, choosing the perfect drink is that final touch that completes the celebration. Whether it’s a premium whisky for the connoisseur, a fine European wine for the host, or a modern zero-proof beverage for the mindful celebrant, your thoughtful choice ensures every toast becomes a cherished moment.

Here’s to Diwali, a celebration of taste, togetherness, and timeless joy. Cheers!


Comfort Meets Craft at Anardana with a Winter Menu Inspired by Indian Classics

Comfort Meets Craft at Anardana with a Winter Menu Inspired by Indian Classics

By Hariharan U

Published on December 16, 2025

As winter sets in, Anardana welcomes the season with a specially curated Winter Menu that celebrates India’s much-loved seasonal dishes, reimagined with a contemporary approach. Rooted in freshness and familiar flavours, the menu reflects the restaurant’s focus on comfort-driven food crafted with care and balance.

The winter offering opens with the Lamb Bone Marrow Soup, a slow-simmered broth that delivers deep, layered flavours and comforting warmth, making it a perfect start to a cold evening. For those who enjoy rich yet delicate preparations, the Murgh Methi Malai stands out with tender chicken gently cooked with fenugreek and malai, finished with charcoal parmesan shards that add a subtle smoky note.

Vegetarian diners can enjoy the Tandoori Broccoli with Masoor Dal Hummus, where smoky, tandoor-roasted broccoli is paired with a smooth and mildly spiced lentil hummus. The dish brings together familiar Indian flavours with a modern presentation, offering balance and depth in every bite.

A true winter favourite, Makke di Roti and Sarson da Saag, anchors the menu with nostalgia and warmth, capturing the essence of the season and the comfort of traditional Indian kitchens.

To complement the food, Anardana also introduces winter beverages designed to warm and soothe. The Anardana Special Mulled Wine is served warm with citrus and spice notes, while the Kashmiri Kahwa offers a lighter option with saffron, green tea, and almonds.

Every dish on the Winter Menu reflects Anardana’s philosophy of honouring Indian culinary heritage while adding thoughtful, contemporary touches. The result is a dining experience that feels familiar, comforting, and quietly elevated — ideal for the winter months.

Address: Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi


Daryaganj Brings a Traditional North Indian Winter Feast Inspired by Timeless Recipes

Daryaganj Brings a Traditional North Indian Winter Feast Inspired by Timeless Recipes

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 16, 2025

This winter, Daryaganj invites diners to experience a thoughtfully curated menu inspired by the timeless flavours of North India. Rooted in closely guarded recipes from 1947, the seasonal offering celebrates the comforting ingredients and traditional cooking techniques that define North Indian winter cuisine. Each dish is crafted to bring warmth, nostalgia and authenticity to the dining table.

The winter journey begins with Bhutta Shorba, a wholesome and warming soup prepared using seasonal corn, setting the tone for a comforting feast. The starter selection includes delicately marinated Paneer Methi Malai Tikka and Chicken Tikka Methi Malai, char-grilled in the tandoor to achieve a fragrant and smoky depth that reflects the essence of traditional North Indian cooking.

The main course highlights the heart of North Indian winter dining with the classic Sarson Ka Saag, served with freshly made Makki Ki Roti and Bathua Ka Raita. This comforting combination captures the true spirit of the season and remains a winter favourite across generations. For those seeking hearty variations, the menu also features Sarson Saag Chicken and Saag Meat, prepared using authentic ingredients and slow-cooked methods inspired by Daryaganj’s culinary legacy.

The experience concludes on a sweet note with Daryaganj’s bestselling Gulab Jamun, soft and rich, offering a nostalgic finish to the traditional winter meal.

At Daryaganj, winter dining goes beyond food. It is an experience rooted in tradition, warmth and heritage, where every dish tells a story of North India’s culinary past, thoughtfully prepared to create lasting memories for families and loved ones.

The Traditional North Indian Winter Feast is available across all Daryaganj outlets for guests to enjoy throughout the winter season.


Your Go-To Christmas Dining Guide in Mumbai for Festive Feasts, Warm Moments, and Memorable Celebrations

Your Go-To Christmas Dining Guide in Mumbai for Festive Feasts, Warm Moments, and Memorable Celebrations

By Hariharan U

Published on December 15, 2025

Christmas in Mumbai is all about coming together over good food, warm conversations, and festive cheer. This season, the city’s dining scene is celebrating the holidays with thoughtfully curated menus, cosy settings, and experiences that feel both comforting and special. Whether you’re planning a relaxed Christmas brunch, a celebratory dinner, or a family meal filled with nostalgia, these restaurants promise flavours and moments worth remembering.

Onrique -  A Christmas Brunch Straight Out of a Winter Fairytale

Onrique brings a sense of European winter nostalgia to Mumbai with its specially curated Christmas menu. Inspired by slow-cooked comfort food and seasonal produce, the menu highlights ingredients like pumpkin, young roots, mulled grapes, and brie. Guests can enjoy dishes such as Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with brie crostini, Brussels Sprouts & Kale Salad with cranberry vinaigrette, Smoked Corn Ravioli, Maple-Glazed Chicken Roulade, and a festive Pumpkin Spiced Tart with rosemary semifreddo.

The celebrations peak on December 25 with a special Christmas Brunch featuring a live saxophonist, cookie and cupcake painting, tableside mulled wine and hot chocolate, and a chocolate truffle rolling station, making it an ideal afternoon outing for families and friends.

When: 10 December – 15 January | 12 PM onwards
Where: Santacruz (West), Mumbai

DEA – A Christmas Menu of Fire, Ferment, and Festivity

DEA offers a bold take on Christmas dining with a menu rooted in fire-led cooking and fermentation. The festive spread opens with Smoked Tomato Tartare layered with rucola, leek ash, and mustard ice cream, along with Fermented Jalapeño Maki. Comfort-driven mains like Pahadi Morels with water chestnut orzetto, King Chilli Miso Cabbage, Crispy Pork Belly, and a classic Chicken Pot Pie bring warmth and depth to the table.

Desserts such as Smoky Pumpkin Gelato and Sticky Toffee Pudding with jaggery and Sichuan peppercorn round off the experience on a dramatic, festive note.

When: 16 December – 31 December | 7 PM onwards
Where: Prabhadevi, Mumbai

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Luuma House – A Luminescent Christmas Celebration

Luuma House welcomes the festive season with warm décor, comforting flavours, and indulgent cocktails. The Christmas menu features Scotch Eggs, Red Wine Poached Pear Salad, Baked Phyllo Pastry Kofta Biryani, and Pan-Grilled Chilean Seabass. Desserts include classic Christmas Pudding with brandy sauce, Chocolate & Peanut Butter Cheesecake, and a Chocolate & Coconut Yule Log.

Seasonal cocktails like The Snow Globe and Santa’s Slam add to the celebratory mood, making Luuma House a cosy spot for relaxed Christmas gatherings.

When: 16 December – 31 December
Where: Vile Parle West, Mumbai

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Epitome – A Dramatic Vegetarian Christmas Feast

Epitome ushers in Christmas with a decadent vegetarian menu served against its striking “heaven-meets-hell” interiors. Festive highlights include Cream Cheese Avocado Tartare on a Kataifi Nest, Truffle Mushroom Baklava with parmesan emulsion, Tokyo Caesar with crispy nori, and Miso Garlic Linguini finished with house-made chilli oil.

The experience concludes with the restaurant’s signature Dubai Bling Bling dessert, presented tableside for a touch of festive drama.

Where: Lower Parel West, Mumbai

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Devangere Benne – A Homely Christmas with Karnataka Comforts

Devangere Benne brings a warm, nostalgic touch to Christmas with comforting flavours from Karnataka. The festive menu centres around the iconic Benne Masala Dosa made using butter and batter sourced from Davangere. Guests can also enjoy Gini Dosa, Kadi Patta Cashew Idli, Stuffed Medu Vada, and soft Vellayappam, paired with filter coffee and masala chai.

It’s an easy, comforting way to celebrate Christmas mornings with family.

Where: Borivali East, Mumbai

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Sora by The Nines – A Serene, Modern Christmas Escape

Sora by The Nines offers a calm and contemporary Christmas experience with a vegetarian menu that feels light yet festive. Popular dishes include Chimichurri Paneer, Khow Suey, Mock Meat Chilly, and Broccoli Corn Cheese. The bar complements the spread with elegant cocktails like Purple Mist, Elder Blush, and Pink Amber.

With its sky-inspired interiors and relaxed vibe, Sora is ideal for a laid-back Christmas celebration.

Where: Borivali East, Mumbai

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Amritsr – A Christmas Feast Straight from the Heart of Punjab

Amritsr celebrates Christmas with hearty Punjabi flavours and festive warmth. The menu features classics such as Dal Makhni, Butter Chicken, Sarson da Saag, Amritsari Fish Fry, Tandoori Chicken, and the much-loved Amritsari Kulcha. Winter favourites like Gajar ki Kanji, Punjabi Lassi, and Sikanjvi add to the seasonal cheer.

It’s a soulful, flavour-packed way to enjoy Christmas with friends and family.

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