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!


Hangyo Launches Belagavi Kunda Ice Cream as a Year-Round Flavour

Hangyo Launches Belagavi Kunda Ice Cream as a Year-Round Flavour

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 2, 2026

Hangyo has launched Belagavi Kunda Ice Cream, bringing a much-loved Indian milk sweet into a frozen dessert format. The new flavour is a permanent addition to its range, allowing consumers to enjoy the familiar taste of Kunda beyond festive occasions.

Known by different names across India, the sweet is called Kunda in Karnataka, Paalkova in Tamil Nadu, Khava in Marathi-speaking households and Mawa across much of North India. While the name varies by region, the traditional milk-based sweet remains a familiar favourite in many Indian homes.

Fresh milk cake is generally best consumed within around 48 hours. By transforming the sweet into ice cream, Hangyo aims to extend the enjoyment of its traditional taste, making it available as an everyday dessert rather than a short-lived treat.

The company spent years balancing milk, sugar and milk solids to recreate the original sweet's texture and caramel depth. Instead of offering an ice cream with a simple Kunda-style flavour, the aim was to capture the character of the traditional dessert in a new format.

Belagavi Kunda Ice Cream is also the first product in Hangyo's planned range of traditional Indian sweets reimagined as ice cream.

The flavour is available in 100 ml tubs for individual consumption and 4-litre bulk packs. It will be available across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Kerala and Goa. The product is made with real milk.


UK-Based Oodles Wok Enters India as Its Fifth International Market

UK-Based Oodles Wok Enters India as Its Fifth International Market

By Hariharan U

Published on November 1, 2026

UK-founded Asian fusion quick-service restaurant (QSR) brand Oodles Wok has announced its entry into India, marking its fifth international market. The brand has partnered with FranGlobal, the international business arm of Franchise India Group, to support its expansion through franchise development and local partnerships.

Founded in Leicester, UK, in 2010, Oodles Wok began as a family-owned restaurant with a focus on making freshly prepared, flavour-led Asian fusion food accessible to a wider audience. Over the past 16 years, it has grown into a multi-award-winning international restaurant franchise with more than 50 locations across the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Canada and Qatar.

India will become the brand's fifth market as it looks to extend its international footprint and tap into the country's established quick-service restaurant sector.

Bringing the Oodles Wok Experience to India

A key feature of the brand's offering is its signature Build Your Own Box concept, which allows customers to customise meals by selecting from a range of bases, sauces and freshly wok-prepared dishes.

The format combines live cooking, customisation and Asian-inspired flavours within an accessible QSR dining model. Oodles Wok aims to bring this experience to Indian consumers while building a presence suited to the local market.

Through its partnership with FranGlobal, the company will focus on franchise development, identifying local partners and establishing a foundation for long-term growth. Further details about its launch plans and expansion roadmap in India are expected to be announced in due course.

Commenting on the expansion, Shoyab Umar, Founder and CEO of Oodles Wok, said, "Expanding into India as our fifth market is another huge milestone for us, especially with its incredible food culture and appreciation for bold flavours. We're looking forward to introducing Oodles Wok to a whole new audience and continuing our journey as a global brand."

Ismail Patel, Co-Founder and COO of Oodles Wok, added, "As we enter this vibrant market, our focus is on building strong local partnerships, delivering the Oodles Wok experience and creating a brand that Indian customers can connect with."

Strengthening Its International Franchise Network

The India expansion forms part of Oodles Wok's wider strategy to strengthen its position as an international Asian fusion QSR franchise. Its existing presence across four markets provides a base for further growth through franchise partnerships.

For the Indian market, the partnership with FranGlobal will be central to developing the brand's franchise network and identifying opportunities for expansion. The approach will need to bring together the brand's established menu concept and operating model with local market requirements.

With more than 50 locations across its existing markets, Oodles Wok is now looking to build its next phase of international growth in India.

About Oodles Wok

Founded in Leicester, UK, in 2010, Oodles Wok is an Asian fusion quick-service restaurant brand specialising in freshly prepared, wok-cooked dishes. Its signature Build Your Own Box concept allows customers to customise meals with different bases, sauces and ingredients. The brand currently operates more than 50 locations across the UK, UAE, Canada and Qatar


Quattro Opens Second Mumbai Restaurant at Sky City Mall, Borivali

Quattro Opens Second Mumbai Restaurant at Sky City Mall, Borivali

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 31, 2026

Quattro has opened its second restaurant in Mumbai at Sky City Mall, Borivali, bringing its premium pure-vegetarian Italian and Mexican cuisine to the western suburbs. The opening marks 15 years of the brand's culinary journey and introduces a refreshed dining experience with redesigned interiors and an enhanced menu.

The new restaurant offers 66 indoor seats and 43 outdoor seats on a terrace overlooking the surrounding area. Designed to complement the mall's contemporary setting, the space features abundant natural light and striking interiors, creating an inviting atmosphere for family meals, social gatherings and special occasions.

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The addition further strengthens Sky City Mall's food and beverage offering, giving visitors another dining option alongside its retail and lifestyle experiences. Located in Borivali, the mall caters to residents and visitors across Mumbai's western suburbs, including those looking for vegetarian dining options.

For Quattro, the opening marks a new phase of growth as it builds on the success of its Lower Parel restaurant. The brand has reworked its identity, interiors and menu while continuing to focus on authentic Italian and Mexican flavours, quality ingredients and consistency.

Speaking about the launch, Aditya Gupta and Anuj Gupta, Founders of Gupta Brands, said, “Quattro was born from the idea to give an authentic Italian and Mexican premium dining experience to the guest. We didn’t want to give the same Indianized version of the cuisines to guests. We spent months sourcing ingredients like tomatoes from Italy, chillis from Mexico and then subsequent months of trials to get a unique dining experience that did justice to the cuisines. We went to great lengths to source our cheese without animal rennet. Chocolate was sourced from Belgium to give it the rich deep flavours of real chocolate in our desserts.

“With the success of Lower Parel, we are excited to bring the brand to Borivali. After 15 years of the brand, we have spent months redesigning and reimaging the brand, to bring a completely new dining experience for the guests, whilst retaining the same brand values and quality. We hope to become a restaurant that guests think of not just for celebrations, but for everyday dining with family and friends.”

Tanu Prasad, CEO – Malls, Oberoi Realty, said, “At Sky City Mall, our vision is to create a vibrant destination that brings together retail, dining and lifestyle experiences for the community. The arrival of Quattro further strengthens our evolving food and beverage offering, bringing its distinctive take on Italian and Mexican vegetarian cuisine to our rooftop, which is emerging as a lively destination for dining and social experiences. We look forward to welcoming Quattro and giving visitors yet another reason to make Sky City Mall a destination for dining, socialising and spending quality time with family and friends.”

The launch reflects Sky City Mall's continued focus on expanding its dining options and creating spaces where visitors can shop, dine and spend time with family and friends.

Following the opening in Borivali, Quattro is preparing for further expansion, building on its 15-year journey and the response to its Lower Parel restaurant.

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