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!


Oohmami Debuts at Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru with Rooftop Pan-Asian Dining

Oohmami Debuts at Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru with Rooftop Pan-Asian Dining

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 21, 2026

 Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru has unveiled Oohmami, a new rooftop dining destination that brings together contemporary Pan-Asian cuisine, signature cocktails and immersive entertainment in a vibrant setting overlooking the city.

Located on the 12th floor of the hotel, Oohmami has been designed as a day-to-night destination where guests can enjoy bold flavours, curated music and a lively social atmosphere. The concept blends modern dining with engaging hospitality, offering an experience that extends beyond a traditional restaurant visit.

The opening marks a new addition to Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru's food and beverage portfolio, with a focus on creating memorable culinary and social experiences for both residents and visitors.

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Commenting on the launch, Manuj Sawhney, General Manager, Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru, said:

“We are incredibly excited to reveal Oohmami to Bengaluru. This has been a deeply collaborative journey, with our teams thoughtfully curating every detail, from the design language and interiors to the culinary and beverage experiences to create a destination that feels distinctive, welcoming and relevant to a wide range of occasions. As we open our doors, we are excited to invite the city to TURN UP THE HEAT with us.”

The menu features a range of contemporary Pan-Asian dishes, including Cream Cheese Dim Sum, Seoul Spicy Prawn Ramyun, Bang On Shrimp, Tokyo Chicken Karaage, and Thai Galangal Dumpling Soup, showcasing a modern interpretation of Asian flavours.

Complementing the food is a thoughtfully curated beverage programme centred on contemporary cocktails, while live performances, curated music and immersive programming add to the rooftop venue's energetic atmosphere.

Launched on July 17, 2026, Oohmami is currently accepting reservations for dinner service, welcoming guests to experience a new rooftop dining destination where flavour, music and city views come together.


Jaypee Hotels Celebrates Mango Season with 'More Mango' Menu at The Boomerang Café

Jaypee Hotels Celebrates Mango Season with 'More Mango' Menu at The Boomerang Café

By Hariharan U

Published on July 21, 2026

Jaypee Hotels has introduced its exclusive seasonal 'More Mango' menu at The Boomerang Café, offering guests a refreshing culinary experience inspired by India's favourite summer fruit.

Curated by Executive Chef Harsha Pal Singh, the limited-period menu brings together fresh seasonal mangoes, premium ingredients, and contemporary culinary techniques to showcase the versatility of the king of fruits across beverages, appetisers, salads, and desserts.

Designed to celebrate the vibrant flavours of the season, the specially crafted menu combines traditional favourites with innovative creations, highlighting the natural sweetness of ripe mangoes while pairing them with complementary ingredients that enhance every dish.

The beverage selection includes refreshing classics such as Aam Panna, Mango Shake, and Mango Lassi, all prepared using handpicked seasonal mangoes. Guests can also enjoy a variety of light and flavourful starters including Mango Salsa with Nachos, Mango Avocado Salad, and Chicken Mango Salad, offering a refreshing balance of fresh produce, herbs, and vibrant dressings.

The culinary experience concludes with indulgent desserts such as Cut Mango with Ice Cream and the traditional Mango Shrikhand, bringing together classic Indian flavours with the richness of seasonal mangoes.

Commenting on the launch, Executive Chef Harsha Pal Singh said that mango is much more than a seasonal fruit, representing nostalgia, celebration, and togetherness. He added that the "More Mango" menu has been designed to honour this beloved ingredient while presenting it through fresh and contemporary culinary interpretations that create memorable dining experiences.

The introduction of the seasonal menu reflects Jaypee Hotels' continued focus on creating innovative dining experiences centred around fresh, locally inspired ingredients. By blending authentic Indian flavours with modern culinary craftsmanship, The Boomerang Café continues to offer guests unique gastronomic experiences throughout the year.

Available for a limited period, the "More Mango" menu invites families, food enthusiasts, and mango lovers to savour the flavours of the season while experiencing Jaypee Hotels' signature hospitality.


Dhaba Estd. 1986 Expands North India Presence with New Kanpur Restaurant

Dhaba Estd. 1986 Expands North India Presence with New Kanpur Restaurant

By Hariharan U

Published on July 21, 2026

Azure Hospitality has strengthened the expansion of its flagship North Indian restaurant brand, Dhaba Estd. 1986, with the successful launch of a new outlet in Civil Lines, Kanpur, marking another milestone in the brand's North India growth strategy.

Since opening, the restaurant has received an encouraging response from diners, reinforcing the brand's growing popularity and presence in the region.

Inspired by the timeless charm of India's traditional roadside dhabas, the new restaurant serves Dhaba Estd. 1986's signature menu featuring favourites such as Dal Dhaba, slow-cooked Balti Meat, Galouti Kebabs, robust tandoor specialities, handcrafted Indian breads, and an extensive selection of regional North Indian dishes. Guests can also enjoy the brand's recently introduced Desi Chinese menu, which blends nostalgic Indo-Chinese flavours with authentic recipes and consistent quality.

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The Kanpur restaurant was launched under the leadership of Chef Kartik, Regional Brand Chef – Dhaba Estd. 1986, who led the entire pre-opening process. His responsibilities included kitchen planning, menu execution, recipe standardisation, chef recruitment and training, equipment planning, operational readiness, and ensuring the outlet opened in line with the brand's culinary standards.

Commenting on the launch, Chef Kartik said the response from Kanpur diners has been extremely encouraging since opening. He noted that the vision was to create a restaurant that remains true to the spirit of India's legendary dhabas while delivering the consistency and quality expected from a contemporary hospitality brand.

He added that signature dishes such as Dal Dhaba, Balti Meat, and Galouti Kebabs continue to be guest favourites, while the newly introduced Desi Chinese range has also received an excellent response, reflecting the brand's philosophy of preserving traditional flavours while introducing thoughtful innovation.

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With over 15 years of culinary experience, Chef Kartik has played a significant role in the expansion of Dhaba Estd. 1986, leading menu innovation, recipe standardisation, restaurant openings, and culinary training across the brand. His emphasis on operational excellence and authentic North Indian cuisine has helped maintain consistency across every outlet.

The Kanpur launch marks another step in Azure Hospitality's expansion plans for Dhaba Estd. 1986. By combining traditional recipes, regional flavours, and contemporary dining experiences, the brand continues to strengthen its position in India's casual dining sector while introducing the essence of the country's iconic dhaba culture to a wider audience.

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