Bengaluru Mixologists Put a Contemporary Spin on the Classic Negroni for Negroni Week

Bengaluru Mixologists Put a Contemporary Spin on the Classic Negroni for Negroni Week

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 20, 2026

Bengaluru mixologists are marking Negroni Week by giving the classic cocktail a contemporary spin through creative techniques, house infusions and thoughtful use of ingredients. With the Negroni among India’s most popular cocktails and the country’s best-selling gin cocktail, the week gives bars an opportunity to bring their own character to the familiar favourite.

This year, several Bengaluru bars are also drawing inspiration from Slow Food’s focus on good, clean and fair food, bringing ideas around sustainability and responsible ingredient use into their cocktail creations.

At 403 Forbidden in Indiranagar, Founder Aman Dua presents Negroni Noir, a zero-waste take on the classic. The cocktail combines 30 ml London Dry Gin, 30 ml cacao-nib infused Campari, 30 ml Sweet Vermouth infused with dried orange peel and two drops of saline solution. The Campari is infused with roasted cacao nibs, while dried orange peel collected from the bar’s garnish trimmings is used to infuse the vermouth. It is served over a large clear ice cube with an orange peel garnish, alongside sugar-free dark chocolate and orange discs finished with spent cacao nibs from the infusion. Negroni Noir will be available from September 21 to 27.

At Janot by Avinash Martins, Mixologist Bidur Bikram Singh brings a coastal touch with Coastal Negroni. Made with 30 ml gin, 20 ml Campari, 20 ml sweet vermouth, 10 ml kokum cordial and two dashes of fresh orange bitters, the drink combines botanical notes, bittersweet depth and the subtle tartness of kokum. It is priced at ₹950 plus taxes and garnished with orange peel.

Pangeo’s Mixologist Ajay Sharma presents the Pangeo Signature Negroni Twist, using 30 ml house botanicals-infused gin, 30 ml coffee-infused Campari and 30 ml sweet red vermouth. The house infusion adds botanical freshness, while coffee brings roasted depth to the classic bittersweet profile. The cocktail is stirred with ice and served over a large clear ice cube with an orange peel garnish.

At Chin Lung Brewery, Mixologist Vinay brings a more tropical direction with Golden Hour Rush. The cocktail combines 60 ml gin, 30 ml pineapple juice, 15 ml Campari, 10 ml agave syrup and 15 ml fresh lemon juice. Shaken with ice and served over fresh ice, it balances tropical sweetness, citrus freshness and Campari’s bitterness. It is finished with a pineapple leaf or lemon wheel.

Together, these creations show how Bengaluru’s cocktail scene is using familiar classics as a base for local flavours, house-made infusions and more thoughtful approaches to ingredients during Negroni Week.


Kura Bengaluru Adds a Halloween Twist with Its 'Halloween After Dark' Menu

Kura Bengaluru Adds a Halloween Twist with Its 'Halloween After Dark' Menu

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 30, 2026

Halloween gets a darker and sweeter twist at Kura, the specialty coffee and all-day dining space on Double Road, Indiranagar, Bengaluru. The café has introduced 'Halloween After Dark', a limited-edition dessert and bakes menu that brings the season's playful and mysterious side to the table.

Built around the tagline Not Everything Sweet Is Innocent, the menu has been created by Kura's culinary team, combining bold colours, interesting flavours and creative presentation. The collection features three special creations that give familiar treats a Halloween-inspired makeover.

The first offering, The Black Magic Apple, brings a dark twist to the classic fruit, with a presentation designed to tempt dessert lovers. Bloody Velvet puts a Halloween spin on red velvet with its rich flavour and creamy texture, while Devil's Double Croissants adds a playful touch to the menu with its striking red-and-black theme. Each creation reflects the fun and slightly wicked spirit of Halloween while staying true to Kura's style.

The limited-edition menu will be available at Kura until 31st October, giving guests a chance to try the seasonal creations before they disappear. The Halloween specials will be served alongside the café's regular menu, which will continue as usual.

With its mix of creative desserts, distinctive presentation and seasonal flavours, Halloween After Dark offers Bengaluru's dessert lovers another way to enjoy the Halloween season.

Quick Facts

  • Address: Craig Park Layout, 26, Stage 3, Double Road, Indiranagar, Bengaluru
  • Timings: 8:00 am to 11:00 pm (Monday–Sunday)
  • Menu Availability: Until 31st October.


Barista Coffee Opens Its 555th Café in Salt Lake, Kolkata

Barista Coffee Opens Its 555th Café in Salt Lake, Kolkata

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 30, 2026

Barista Coffee, the largest homegrown coffee chain, has opened its 555th café in Salt Lake, Kolkata, marking its seventh outlet in the city. The new café introduces a hybrid format that brings together food, beverages and flexible spaces for work, meetings and socialising.

The outlet offers more than the usual café experience, with a setting where customers can enjoy their favourite coffee, have a meal, work remotely or catch up with friends. The concept reflects the changing role of cafés, which are increasingly becoming spaces for both social interactions and professional activities.

The beverage menu includes Barista's signature drinks, protein coffee, matcha and bubble tea. On the food front, customers can choose from gourmet sandwiches, pizzas, pasta, rolls and English breakfast options. The varied menu caters to different preferences, whether customers are stopping by for a quick coffee, planning a casual meal or spending time at the café.

The new outlet also provides an alternative workspace for work-from-home professionals, along with a setting for groups to meet for collaborative sessions or casual conversations. By combining food, work and community in one place, Barista Coffee aims to cater to customers looking for more flexibility in how they spend their time at cafés.

Commenting on the milestone, Rajat Agrawal, CEO, Barista Coffee, said, “Reaching the milestone of 555 cafés is a proud moment for Barista Coffee and a testament to the trust our customers have placed in us, the dedication of our teams, and the commitment of our partners. Every café represents our promise to deliver memorable coffee experiences, meaningful connections, and warm hospitality.

As we continue to expand our presence, our focus remains on strengthening our brand, innovating our offerings, and making Barista a preferred destination for coffee lovers across India and beyond. This milestone is not just a celebration of how far we have come, but also a reflection of our ambition to reach new markets, create more opportunities, and bring people together over great coffee.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our customers, employees, franchise partners, and stakeholders who have been an integral part of this journey. At Barista, every cup tells a story, and with 555 cafés, we look forward to brewing many more stories together.”

The opening marks another step in Barista Coffee's expansion, as the brand continues to grow its presence while exploring café formats that bring together coffee, food and everyday customer needs.


Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Whisky and Six Brothers Mahura Spotlight India's Mahua Heritage at Bengaluru Duty Free

Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Whisky and Six Brothers Mahura Spotlight India's Mahua Heritage at Bengaluru Duty Free

By Hariharan U

Published on October 30, 2026

Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Whisky Madhuca I is bringing the distinctive character of a mahua cask to Bengaluru Duty Free, offering travelers an opportunity to discover an indigenous Indian ingredient through the lens of contemporary single malt whisky-making.

Known for its deep cultural roots across India, mahua is increasingly finding a place in the country's modern spirits landscape. At Bangalore Duty Free, Crazy Cock Madhuca I is being showcased alongside Six Brothers Mahura, Mahua Spirit bringing together two expressions that explore the character and heritage of the indigenous flower in different ways.

Crafted by South Seas Distilleries, makers of India's oldest single malt whiskies, Crazy Cock Madhuca I reflects the brand's approach to exploring Indian ingredients and craftsmanship through single malt whisky. The expression has received international recognition, winning a Gold Medal at the World Whisky Masters 2026 and a top 3 rank at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) UK 2026. It undergoes maturation in ex-brandy and ex-bourbon casks before being finished in ex-Mahura casks, bringing the character of mahua into the whisky. Its profile combines floral and earthy notes with layers of fruit, spice and oak.

Gijs van de Ven, Chief Executive Officer, Bengaluru Duty Free, said "Travel retail is about discovery, and our goal is to create memorable experiences for every traveler who visits Bengaluru Duty Free. Crazy Cock Madhuca I and Six Brothers Mahura, Mahua Spirit introduce passengers to a uniquely Indian ingredient through premium and contemporary expressions, offering a story they can take home with them.

The showcase also features Six Brothers Mahura, Mahua Spirit, a spirit inspired by the longstanding place of mahua in Indian culture and traditions. Made from mahua flowers and double-distilled in copper pot stills, the expression presents the indigenous ingredient in a contemporary spirit format.

Dilpreet Singh Mehta, Country Commercial Director, Bengaluru Duty Free, said Mahua holds deep cultural significance across many parts of India, and it is inspiring to see this heritage being reinterpreted through modern spirits-making. Through our partnership with South Seas Distilleries, we are delighted to provide travelers with an opportunity to discover an authentic and uniquely Indian story.

Together, Crazy Cock Madhuca I and Six Brothers Mahura, Mahua Spirit offers travelers a closer look at the evolving role of mahua in Indian spirits, from an ingredient deeply rooted in tradition to one being explored through contemporary techniques and premium expressions..

With Crazy Cock Madhuca I and Six Brothers Mahura Mahua Spirit taking the spotlight, Bangalore Duty Free now a contemporary perspective on mahua and its growing place in India's modern spirits story.

Travelers can discover Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Whisky Madhuca I and Six Brothers Mahura, Mahua Spirit at Bengaluru Duty Free. They are also available in Delhi, Mumbai, Goa and Bhutan airports

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