1.5 Degree, India’s leading plant-based dairy alternative brand, has unveiled an exciting new range of signature beverages, frozen sundaes, traditional kulfis, and refreshing popsicles this festive season. The announcement comes on the heels of the company securing seed funding from BITS Pilani and being recognised among its top emerging startups.

The new collection reflects 1.5 Degree’s philosophy of combining indulgence with responsibility. Designed for the conscious consumer, the range features sugar-free café-style beverages like Kesar Badam, Salted Pistachio, Hazelnut Coffee, and Cold Vegan Tea, crafted for refreshing, guilt-free sips.

The Frozen Sundaes promise rich, layered indulgence in flavours like Salted Peanut Butter and Nutty Choco Fudge, while the Kulfi Collection, also sugar-free, reimagines the classic Indian favourite with plant-based innovation. The Popsicle lineup includes fruity and tangy favourites such as Chilly Guava, Jamun, and Shikanji, complemented by rotating seasonal sorbets for an extra-refreshing twist.

“At 1.5 Degree, we believe in indulgence without compromise,” said Vedansh Goyal, Founder of 1.5Degree.co. “With the overwhelming response to our gelatos, this new range brings familiar Indian favourites like kulfi and shikanji into the plant-based space, while also offering global café-style beverages, now with sugar-free options that keep taste front and centre.”

All products are 100% plant-based, dairy-free, lactose-free, and cholesterol-free, made using natural ingredients without artificial additives or preservatives. Ethically sourced and responsibly produced, the brand reinforces its mission to support a cooler planet while offering full-flavoured experiences.

1.5 Degree’s new offerings are available across Delhi NCR and Mumbai through select retail outlets, quick-commerce platforms, kiosks, and cloud kitchens. Orders can also be placed online via Swiggy, Zomato, or directly at 1.5degree.co.

Founded with a vision to make plant-based indulgence mainstream, 1.5 Degree continues to expand its product line with an aim to merge taste, sustainability, and innovation, one scoop and sip at a time.

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar has opened the doors to its latest dining experience, BarQat, a restaurant that reimagines India’s rich culinary traditions through the lens of heritage and innovation. Meaning “abundance” in Urdu, BarQat captures the spirit of generosity and connection through food, celebrating regional flavours from Kashmir, Lucknow, Bhopal, and Hyderabad.

Designed as a culinary journey along India’s historical route, BarQat brings together the nuanced flavours and stories of these four regions, each offering its own interpretation of classic dishes. The restaurant’s philosophy is simple yet profound, to honour heirloom recipes while giving them a contemporary touch. Every dish tells a story of how shared roots evolved into diverse traditions across India’s culinary landscape.

Speaking about the relaunch, Sachin Mylavarapu, General Manager at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, said, “At JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, we believe true luxury is found in abundance — abundance of flavour, culture, connection, and celebration. The relaunch of BarQat embodies this philosophy. We've created a space where Straight-line Cuisine comes to life and the abundance of India's culinary heritage unfolds through heirloom recipes passed down through generations. Here, every gathering becomes an opportunity to foster deeper bonds with loved ones. From the lavish spread of regional delicacies to the warm embrace of shared meals, BarQat is designed for those special moments of togetherness. It's about celebrating abundance in every form — on your plate, in your conversations, and in the memories you create.”

Open daily from 7:00 PM to midnight, BarQat offers guests a place to unwind, celebrate, and savour the flavours of India’s most storied kitchens. With its rich textures, soulful aromas, and immersive storytelling, BarQat promises a dining experience that feels both timeless and contemporary.

Guests can reserve their tables by calling +91 7710009250 or visiting www.jwmumbai.com.

At the seventh edition of the IWS Awards, held at the iconic Taj Lands End, Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Whisky secured the highest rating and was crowned Best in Show in the Indian Single Malt Whisky category. The recognition cements Crazy Cock’s position among India’s finest whiskies and alongside some of the world’s most celebrated names.

Born from a century-old legacy of craftsmanship at South Seas Distilleries, Crazy Cock is the result of patience, precision, and quiet obsession. Established long before India’s single malt revolution took hold, South Seas Distilleries stands today among the few whose heritage can be mentioned in the same breath as Yamazaki Distillery of Japan and Glenturret Distillery of Scotland.

Hosted by Vinexposium Paris, the IWS Awards are regarded as one of the world’s most respected wine and spirits recognitions. This year’s event was curated by Sonal C. Holland, Chairperson of the IWS Awards, and graced by Grace Ghazale.

Over the years, South Seas has built India’s largest private cask collection, sourcing exclusive bourbon and sherry casks from across the globe. Each drop of Crazy Cock Single Malt is drawn from this collection, matured with precision, and bottled in limited batches, ensuring every release remains truly exceptional.

At South Seas, time is the ultimate artisan. Each cask, nurtured under India’s tropical sun between the mountains and the sea, yields whisky with profound depth and bold character. The result is a spirit of extraordinary complexity and distinction, admired by connoisseurs worldwide.

“The distillery has always been obsessed with quality and meticulous in its attention to detail. Its unique location gives our whiskies the benefit of tropical maturation, creating Indian single malts of unmatched richness and character,” says Hamavand Chinoy, Director, South Seas Distilleries.

Available in select domestic markets and duty-free locations, Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Whisky offers a rare and refined experience for those who seek India’s best.