Celebrate World Gin Day with Vaum Tonics: A Refreshing Twist on Classic Gin & Tonic

Celebrate World Gin Day with Vaum Tonics: A Refreshing Twist on Classic Gin & Tonic

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on June 7, 2024

World Gin Day is the perfect occasion to raise a glass and celebrate the diverse and delightful world of gin. Whether you're a seasoned gin enthusiast or a casual sipper, there's no better way to enjoy this special day than by experimenting with some exciting Gin & Tonic recipes. Sasha Vanjour, a mixologist based in Goa, brings a fresh perspective with four unique and invigorating recipes featuring Vaum Tonics. These recipes blend traditional gin flavors with innovative twists, offering a refreshing experience for your taste buds. Let’s dive into these vibrant concoctions.

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1. Cucumber Mint Gin & Tonic

A cool and refreshing take on the classic G&T, this recipe infuses the crispness of cucumber and the freshness of mint, perfect for a hot day.

Ingredients:

  • 30ml gin

  • 4-5 slices of cucumber

  • 4-5 fresh mint leaves

  • Vaum Cucumber Mint Botanical Water

  • Ice cubes

Instructions:

  • Muddle the cucumber slices and mint leaves at the bottom of a glass.

  • Add ice cubes and pour in the gin.

  • Top it off with Vaum Cucumber Mint Botanical Water and stir gently.

  • Garnish with a slice of cucumber and a sprig of mint.

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2. Grapefruit Rosemary Gin & Tonic

This sophisticated mix combines the tangy taste of grapefruit with the aromatic touch of rosemary, creating a balanced and refreshing drink.

Ingredients:

  • 30ml gin

  • 1/2 cup fresh grapefruit juice

  • 1 sprig of fresh rosemary

  • Vaum Grapefruit Rosemary Botanical Water

  • Ice cubes

Instructions:

  • Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.

  • Pour in the gin and fresh grapefruit juice.

  • Top it off with Vaum Grapefruit Rosemary Botanical Water and stir gently.

  • Garnish with a sprig of rosemary.

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3. Strawberry Lime Gin & Tonic

Sweet strawberries and zesty lime come together in this vibrant cocktail, with a hint of black pepper adding an unexpected twist.

Ingredients:

  • 30ml gin

  • Handful of fresh strawberries, sliced

  • Juice of half a lime

  • 2-3 cracked black peppercorns

  • Vaum Classic Indian Tonic Water

  • Ice cubes

Instructions:

  • Add ice cubes, fresh strawberry slices, and cracked black pepper to a glass.

  • Pour in the lime juice and gin.

  • Top it off with Vaum Classic Indian Tonic Water and stir gently.

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4. Ginger Lime Mint Gin & Tonic

For those who enjoy a bit of zing, this G&T blends the spicy warmth of ginger with the tang of lime and the coolness of mint.

Ingredients:

  • 30ml gin

  • 1/2 inch piece of fresh ginger, thinly sliced

  • Juice of half a lime

  • Fresh mint leaves

  • Vaum Classic Indian Tonic Water

  • Ice cubes

Instructions:

  • Muddle the sliced ginger in a glass.

  • Add ice cubes and pour in the gin.

  • Squeeze in the lime juice.

  • Top it off with Vaum Classic Indian Tonic Water and stir gently.

  • Garnish with a lime wedge, mint leaves, and a thin slice of ginger (optional).

Each of these Gin & Tonic variations offers a unique flavor experience, thanks to the high-quality Vaum Tonics that enhance the natural botanicals of the gin. Whether you prefer fruity, herbal, or spicy notes, these recipes are sure to elevate your World Gin Day celebrations. So, gather your ingredients, mix up a glass, and toast to the wonderful world of gin. Cheers!


Al Habtoor City Unveils Refined Ramadan Dining Experiences for 2026

Al Habtoor City Unveils Refined Ramadan Dining Experiences for 2026

By Hariharan U

Published on February 7, 2026

As the Holy Month of Ramadan approaches, Al Habtoor City is set to offer a season of mindful gatherings and indulgent dining through a series of curated Iftar and Suhoor experiences across its landmark hotels. Located between Sheikh Zayed Road and the Dubai Water Canal, the destination brings together serene settings, thoughtful hospitality and diverse culinary offerings that reflect the spirit of togetherness and reflection central to Ramadan.

At Al Habtoor Palace Dubai, the Ramadan Garden at the Winter Garden returns as an elegant open-air venue designed to host up to 800 guests. Enhanced with Islamic-inspired décor, soft lighting and comfortable seating, the space creates a welcoming ambience for breaking the fast. The Iftar buffet features a wide spread of Arabic and international favourites, including hot and cold mezze, lamb ouzi, live cooking stations and traditional Ramadan beverages such as Jallab, Tamer Hindi and Kamer El Dine. Desserts like baklava, knafeh and Um Ali complete the experience. As the evening transitions into Suhoor, guests can enjoy lighter fare, interactive food stations, gentle oud music and classic board games, creating a relaxed late-night setting. Guests staying across the Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection can also enjoy a special Stay & Dine offer with savings at the Ramadan Garden.

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For those seeking a vibrant family-friendly setting, The Market at Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City presents an expansive Iftar buffet from mid-February to mid-March. Featuring live kitchens and a rotating menu, the spread includes Middle Eastern Ramadan staples such as Madfoon, Harees, Machboos and Luqaimat alongside international selections, making it suitable for both small and large gatherings. Special group pricing further enhances its appeal for corporate and social bookings.

Complementing the dining experiences, Silk Spa at Al Habtoor City offers restorative spa rituals designed to rejuvenate the body and mind during the fasting period. Together, these experiences position Al Habtoor City as a refined destination for meaningful Ramadan moments in 2026.


ZYLO by Kakapo Unveils a New Global-Inspired Menu in Mehrauli

ZYLO by Kakapo Unveils a New Global-Inspired Menu in Mehrauli

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 7, 2026

ZYLO by Kakapo, the rooftop dining destination located atop Ambawatta One in Mehrauli, has unveiled its newly curated menu, further strengthening its position as one of Delhi’s most immersive dining experiences. With sweeping views of the city and the Qutub Minar forming a striking backdrop, ZYLO continues to redefine rooftop dining through a blend of mystical design, elevated cuisine, and a lively yet refined atmosphere.

The refreshed menu represents a natural evolution of ZYLO’s culinary approach, bringing together global inspirations, modern cooking techniques, and chef-led creativity. Curated to appeal to both adventurous diners and seasoned food lovers, the menu offers a vibrant mix of flavours and textures drawn from international cuisines.

Signature highlights include Vietnamese Tacos with a playful twist, the bold and indulgent Spicy Crunchy Sushi, succulent New Zealand Lamb Chops, and the comforting yet flavour-forward Kra Pao. These dishes sit alongside a wider selection of thoughtfully crafted plates that showcase global flavours with a contemporary edge.

Desserts continue the same attention to detail, with standout offerings such as Kakapo’s Nest designed to provide a rich and memorable end to the meal, balancing indulgence with visual appeal.

Beyond the menu, ZYLO’s experience is defined by its ability to shift seamlessly from day to night. As the sun sets and the city lights begin to glow, the mood transitions from relaxed and reflective to energetic and vibrant. Curated music, dynamic lighting, and the open-air rooftop setting come together to create an atmosphere that complements both dining and social experiences.

With the launch of its new menu, ZYLO by Kakapo invites guests to rediscover its evolving culinary story, where food, music, energy, and panoramic views come together under the stars, offering a complete sensorial experience above the city.


Chinese Wok Redefines Valentine’s Week for Gen Z with ‘Crush Hour’

Chinese Wok Redefines Valentine’s Week for Gen Z with ‘Crush Hour’

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 7, 2026

Chinese Wok, India’s leading Desi Chinese QSR brand from Lenexis Foodworks, is reshaping Valentine’s Week with the launch of ‘Crush Hour’, a youth-first campaign that moves away from romance-led celebrations and taps into craving-led moments. Designed around Gen Z’s evolving relationship with food, love, and social culture, the campaign positions Valentine’s as a shared experience not just for couples, but also for crushes, best friends, situationships, solo diners, and late-night food cravings.

At the core of ‘Crush Hour’ is a relatable insight: cravings behave much like crushes, sudden, emotional, personal, and worth sharing. With this idea, Chinese Wok turns food into a modern love language, transforming its outlets into casual hangout spaces where young consumers can come with their crush or simply satisfy their cravings. The campaign consciously avoids candlelight clichés, choosing instead to reflect a more fluid, expressive, and food-driven youth culture.

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Commenting on the brand’s broader vision, Aayush Madhusudan Agrawal, Founder and Director, Lenexis Foodworks, said, “At Chinese Wok, we have always believed that QSR brands need to reflect how young India actually lives, eats, and socialises today. Occasions like Valentine’s are evolving, and so are consumer expectations from brands. ‘Crush Hour’ is an extension of our larger philosophy of building a culture-forward brand that stays relevant by celebrating real moments, everyday indulgence, and shared experiences, not just traditional calendar marketing.”

As part of the Valentine’s Week rollout, Chinese Wok has introduced limited-edition Valentine-themed packaging across its stores and delivery platforms. The in-store experience is supported through DMB screens, standees, tent cards, and tray liners. Adding an entertainment layer, the brand has also launched Crush Hour at Wok, the latest album on its owned music platform Wok FM. The album is available across in-store channels as well as YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music, and other leading streaming platforms, reinforcing the brand’s focus on building long-term cultural IPs rather than one-off campaigns.

Explaining the creative thinking behind the campaign, Vikas Iyer, Marketing Head, Lenexis Foodworks, said, “Crush Hour was built on the insight that Valentine’s today is less about grand romantic gestures and more about who you choose to hang out with and what you choose to eat. By tapping into crush culture instead of clichés, we wanted to create a campaign that feels playful, inclusive, and instinctively relatable to Gen Z. Food becomes the anchor, but the communication is driven by emotion, humour, and high recall.”

The campaign is being amplified through a high-energy digital rollout across social platforms, featuring reels, static content, and influencer collaborations with micro, nano, and select macro creators. The communication maintains a youthful, flirty, and slightly mischievous tone, deliberately steering clear of overt romance in favour of craving-led storytelling.

From an offer standpoint, Chinese Wok is presenting indulgence as a treat rather than a discount, with a Buy One Get One (BOGO) offer on starters available from 8th to 15th February across its 260+ stores. With ‘Crush Hour’, Chinese Wok continues to strengthen its position as a youth-first, culture-driven QSR brand, turning seasonal moments into relevant, high-engagement experiences that reflect how young India eats today.

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