Raise Your Glass: Haku Vodka from Japan Hits India's Shores

Raise Your Glass: Haku Vodka from Japan Hits India's Shores

By Author

Published on September 29, 2023

India, brace yourself for a taste of Japan like never before, as Beam Suntory, the global leader in premium spirits, unveils the latest gem from the House of Suntory. Following the resounding success of The House of Suntory portfolio's launch in December 2019, the spotlight now shines on India with the introduction of Haku® Vodka.

Derived from the finest Japanese ingredients, Haku® Vodka is a testament to the nature and spirit of Japan. It embodies the core principles of Suntory founder Shinjiro Torii's Monozukuri craftsmanship—a relentless pursuit of perfection, meticulous attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

In a country where vodka's versatility has captured the hearts of consumers, the arrival of Haku® Vodka is set to make waves in the vodka market. Neeraj Kumar, Managing Director of Beam Suntory India, expresses their excitement, stating, "Vodka continues to gain prominence as a sought-after spirit amongst Indian consumers due to its versatility. Delivering a distinctive experience and establishing a unique presence in the vodka market, we bring yet another addition from our esteemed House of Suntory portfolio in India with the launch of Haku® Vodka."

The name "Haku," meaning 'white and brilliant' in Japanese, pays homage to the key ingredient, "Hakumai," a pure, white Japanese rice symbolising Japan's essence. This rice is meticulously milled, polished, and distilled, resulting in a "junpaku," a clear, clean, and luminous vodka. What makes Haku® Vodka truly exceptional is its filtration process through bamboo charcoal, adding a touch of sophistication and complexity to the vodka's natural flavour.

Haku® Vodka's design blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern sensibilities, creating a minimalist and artisanal product that beautifully celebrates Japanese craftsmanship.

India is not the sole destination for Haku® Vodka. This premium spirit is set to take flight across multiple markets, including Maharashtra, Goa, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Telangana. With prices ranging from INR 3,950 to INR 6,140, it promises to set an unprecedented benchmark in the vodka category.

Haku® Vodka, an embodiment of quality, tradition, and innovation, marks a significant step in Beam Suntory's mission to elevate its premium portfolio in India, further enriching the vibrant landscape of Indian spirits.

As The House of Suntory celebrates a century of whisky innovation, the introduction of Haku® Vodka reaffirms Suntory's commitment to heritage and a relentless pursuit of crafting exceptional spirits. Beam Suntory invites India to savour the essence of Japanese craftsmanship with each sip of Haku® Vodka.

Image Source: The Whiskey Exchange


Copenhagen Sparkling Tea and Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Introduce Non-Alcoholic Fine Dining

Copenhagen Sparkling Tea and Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Introduce Non-Alcoholic Fine Dining

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 20, 2026

Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center has partnered with Copenhagen Sparkling Tea to introduce India's first five-course, 100% non-alcoholic pairing menu at its Nikkei restaurant, Tomo Kei. The collaboration also marks the launch of India's first co-branded Copenhagen Sparkling Tea bottle, offering guests a new way to enjoy fine dining without alcohol.

The menu has been designed by Head Chef Bobby T. Recto, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options created around Copenhagen Sparkling Tea rather than adapting a traditional wine-pairing experience. The tasting begins with three signature zero-proof cocktails: Whitefield Sky, which combines BLÅ with agave, citrus, jasmine tea and grapefruit foam; Lalbagh Botanisk, made with LYSEGRØN, cranberry, lemon and matcha tea; and Tivoli Kempu, blending LYSERØD with lychee, cranberry and citrus.

The food menu continues the pairing experience with LYSERØD served alongside appetizers such as compressed watermelon and mushrooms. LYSEGRØN accompanies main courses, including young jackfruit and zucchini roulade or smoked maíz and wild mushroom, while BLÅ is paired with the Foragers Phoenix dessert. Together, these combinations showcase how sparkling tea can add depth and complexity to a fine-dining experience without alcohol.

Launched at Tomo Kei on 15 October 2026, the collaboration also introduces Copenhagen Sparkling Tea zero-proof cocktails as a permanent addition to the restaurant's beverage menu. Guests can request the food-and-tea pairing menu with at least one day's advance notice.

Speaking about the partnership, Elton Hurtis, General Manager, Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center, said, "A guest who isn't drinking should not be the guest we serve least well, at a tasting menu or at a wedding of six hundred. Putting our name on this bottle is a commitment, not a gesture,"

Jacob Kocemba, Founder, Copenhagen Sparkling Tea, added, "We set out to create an entirely new beverage category using tea, one of the world's oldest, most complex and refined beverages. We believed sparkling tea could offer the same depth, complexity and sophistication as Champagne or fine wine. Chef Bobby's thoughtfully crafted menu, built around our sparkling teas, is a beautiful expression of that vision and proof that tea can be just as integral to the fine-dining experience,"

The collaboration has been brought together by Bebida Hospitality, Copenhagen Sparkling Tea's India market-entry partner. The company works with leading hotel brands, including Four Seasons, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, JW Marriott, Sheraton, Taj, ITC and The Leela, along with restaurants such as Masque, Naar and Papa's. Beyond introducing global luxury brands to India, Bebida Hospitality focuses on building partnerships that create distinctive experiences for guests.

Nadia Sood, Co-Founder, Bebida Hospitality, said, "We believe the best experiences happen when great brands meet. We don't just place a product on a list; we find a partner who shares its standards and build something together that guests can't have anywhere else. Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield is that partner for Copenhagen Sparkling Tea, so we brought the two together, shaped the experience and created a distinctive design for the collaboration, wherein every element has been thoughtfully considered to reflect the craftsmanship behind the product and the exclusivity of this partnership,"

The partnership also features a specially designed bottle that combines Copenhagen Sparkling Tea's signature label with an elegant neck band carrying the Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield name. Each band is applied by hand, highlighting the care behind the presentation. The design retains the brand's identity while making the bottle exclusive to the hotel.


Susegado Reopens at The St. Regis Goa Resort with Coastal Dining Experience

Susegado Reopens at The St. Regis Goa Resort with Coastal Dining Experience

By Hariharan U

Published on October 19, 2026

Susegado at The St. Regis Goa Resort is reopening this October with a refreshed dining experience that celebrates India's coastal culinary traditions through regional flavours, contemporary preparations, drinks and live music.

Titled The Shore Calls Again, the reopening introduces guests to an à la carte menu inspired by coastal kitchens across India. Set along the shores of South Goa, the restaurant combines regional cuisine with a relaxed seaside setting and live band performances.

A Culinary Journey Along India's Coastline

The refreshed menu draws inspiration from the diverse culinary traditions of India's coastal regions, bringing together the peppery heat of Chettinad, the coconut-rich preparations of Malabar, the grills of the Konkan coast and the distinctive flavours of Goan cuisine.

Rooted in traditional recipes and regional cooking practices, the menu reinterprets familiar coastal dishes through a contemporary approach while retaining the character and warmth associated with seaside dining.

The offering is designed to showcase the variety of India's coastal food culture, giving guests an opportunity to explore different regional influences within a single dining destination.

A Relaxed Seaside Setting with Live Music

Susegado's refreshed interiors complement its coastal culinary identity, combining rustic textures with a refined aesthetic. The setting transitions from a bright, airy atmosphere during the day to a warmly lit space in the evening.

Live band performances add to the experience, bringing together food, drinks and music in a setting suited to relaxed lunches, sunset gatherings and leisurely dinners by the sea.

With its reopening, Susegado begins a new chapter at The St. Regis Goa Resort, focusing on India's coastal culinary heritage while retaining the easygoing spirit associated with Goa.

Restaurant Details

  • Experience: The Shore Calls Again

  • Venue: Susegado, The St. Regis Goa Resort

  • Reopening: October 2026

  • Timings: 12:30 PM–10:30 PM

  • Pricing: À la carte menu and drinks

  • Reservations: +91 9175681087

  • Hotel website: The St. Regis Goa Resort


Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach Brings Picnic Charm to Sunday Brunch

Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach Brings Picnic Charm to Sunday Brunch

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 18, 2026

Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach is bringing the charm of leisurely outdoor picnics to its Sunday brunch at The Square. Inspired by the joy of relaxed gatherings, the experience combines familiar picnic favourites with interactive culinary stations in a family-friendly setting overlooking the Arabian Sea.

The specially curated spread features picnic baskets filled with sandwich rolls and fresh fruit skewers, alongside barbecue grills, sliders and flatbread stations. A refreshing lemonade station adds to the outdoor-inspired theme, while dessert offerings such as classic brownies, a chocolate fountain and DIY s’mores bring a playful touch to the afternoon.

Interactive live stations allow guests to explore freshly prepared dishes, adding variety to the brunch experience. Beyond the food, live singing and engaging activities for children create an inviting atmosphere for families and friends looking to spend their Sunday together.

Located at The Square, the brunch combines contemporary interiors, natural light and alfresco dining with views of the Arabian Sea. Pool access further complements the experience, offering guests an opportunity to unwind and enjoy a leisurely afternoon by the coast.

Designed around the nostalgia of traditional picnics, the Sunday brunch brings together food, entertainment and family activities in one setting.

Brunch Details:

  • Venue: The Square, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach

  • When: Every Sunday

  • Timings: 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM

  • Highlights: Interactive live stations, live singing, children's activities and pool access.

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