Jigger, India’s first Ready-to-Serve (RTS) shots brand, has announced the launch of Spiced Tamarind, introducing what it describes as India’s first sweet-sour spirit. The product will be available from June 2026 across Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Goa, with plans for expansion into additional markets.

The launch marks a significant milestone for the brand, which has spent over three years developing the product. Inspired by India’s long-standing love for tamarind-based flavours found in street food, chutneys, and traditional treats, the company sought to recreate the familiar sweet-sour balance in a full-strength alcoholic beverage.

According to Jigger, achieving the desired flavour profile required extensive research involving distillers, food chemists, and flavour experts from India, Canada, and the United States. The development process also included studying tamarind’s use in cocktails and beverages in Thailand, where the ingredient has long been incorporated into mixology.

The new Spiced Tamarind variant features a flavour profile built around bright tamarind notes, natural sweetness, and subtle savoury spice. It is offered at 37.5% ABV and is available in both a 60ml double-serve format and a 750ml celebration bottle.

Speaking about the launch, Anubhav Khanna, Co-Founder and CEO of Jigger, said the inspiration came from everyday Indian food culture and nostalgic childhood flavours. He noted that recreating tamarind’s characteristic sweet-sour balance in a spirit was a complex challenge that required years of experimentation and refinement.

Founded in 2023 by Madira Ventures, Jigger has positioned itself around transforming familiar Indian flavours into ready-to-serve spirits. Its portfolio already includes variants such as Meetha Paan, Coffee Toffee, and Litchi Rose.

With Spiced Tamarind, the company continues its focus on celebrating Indian taste profiles while expanding the possibilities within the country’s growing alcobev industry.

Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal is bringing the rich culinary traditions of Kashmir to Bengaluru with “Wazwan Tales,” an exclusive dining showcase at its rooftop restaurant, Nazaara. The festival will run from June 19 to June 28, 2026, offering guests an immersive experience inspired by the celebrated Wazwan heritage.

Curated by Chef Nisaar Ahmad Khan and the hotel’s culinary team, the showcase highlights the slow-cooked flavours, aromatic spices, and royal traditions that define Kashmiri cuisine. Set against the open-air ambience of Nazaara, diners can explore a menu featuring signature dishes such as Rogan Josh, Gushtaba, Tabak Maaz, and Yakhni Pulao.

The experience also includes charcoal-grilled seekh kebabs prepared fresh off the grill, along with vegetarian specialities like Nadru Yakhni and Dum Aloo Kashmiri. Traditional accompaniments including Kahwa, Sheermal, and saffron-and-almond Phirni complete the authentic Kashmiri feast.

Adding to the celebration, The Hebbal Cafe will host a special Wazwan Tales-themed Sunday Brunch on June 28, 2026. The brunch will combine Kashmiri delicacies with an extensive spread of Indian and international favourites, complemented by unlimited mocktails, live music, and a family-friendly atmosphere.

The hotel aims to recreate the grandeur of a traditional Wazwan feast, giving Bengaluru diners an opportunity to experience the flavours and hospitality of Kashmir in an elevated rooftop setting.

To mark International Martini Day on June 19, LOYA at The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai is inviting guests to discover Patria's Martini, a cocktail that combines craftsmanship, heritage, and contemporary mixology.

Inspired by the restaurant's philosophy of reviving and reimagining culinary traditions from North India, Patria's Martini presents a fresh take on the classic cocktail. The drink is crafted using Stoneflower-infused gin, clay-aged vermouth, and finished with pickled capers, creating a flavour profile that is layered, balanced, and deeply connected to regional influences.

Designed to celebrate both tradition and innovation, the cocktail highlights native botanicals and the unique depth of clay-aged vermouth, offering a martini experience that stands apart from the familiar. The result is an elegant drink that reflects LOYA's commitment to storytelling through food and beverages.

At LOYA, cocktails are inspired by forgotten flavours and regional narratives, and Patria's Martini continues that approach. Guests can further enhance the experience by pairing the cocktail with signature dishes such as Chamba Gosht, Kim Khatte Waali Machhi, and Kachhi Haldi aur Chuare ka Paneer, each showcasing the rich culinary heritage of North India.

To round off the celebration, diners can indulge in classic desserts including Doodh Jalebi, Kulfi Pops, and Gud ke Maan. Together, the thoughtfully curated food and beverage pairings create a memorable dining experience that brings together flavour, tradition, and storytelling.

• Venue: LOYA, The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
• Date: June 19, International Martini Day