Shankar Distillers Opens High-Tech Distillery in Troy, Michigan

Shankar Distillers Opens High-Tech Distillery in Troy, Michigan

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on July 28, 2024

Shankar Distillers, the latest venture by tech entrepreneur Varchasvi Shankar, has officially opened in Troy, Michigan. This advanced distillery features a state-of-the-art 45-foot continuous distillation column, so large that the distillery's roof had to be modified to accommodate it. Located in an industrial park, the distillery's glass ceiling is a distinctive landmark visible from I-75, just north of the 14 Mile exit near Oakland Mall.

Varchasvi Shankar, the first Indian immigrant to open an American whiskey distillery, celebrated the grand opening of Shankar Distillers on Friday, July 12. Shankar has also expanded into international markets, making the Varchas Whiskey line the first American craft bourbon exported to India. The distillery team includes master distiller Kylash Sivakumar and senior advisor Dennis Archer Jr., who have together crafted several award-winning spirits. Among their accolades is the Varchas Reserve 102 Straight Bourbon Whiskey, which won gold at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its smooth, earthy flavor profile featuring notes of wood, leather, tobacco, and caramel.

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Shankar expressed his enthusiasm for sharing these whiskeys directly with the public. “This is a dream come true for me. I never imagined that I would open a distillery in the USA. I came here for a technology career, but whiskey has always been my passion, and I'm thrilled to bring this unique cultural experience to the people of this country,” he said. “I'm excited to see visitors experience in person the fusion of Eastern and Western traditions in our spirits.”

Shankar Distillers offers a range of spirits, including Varchas Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Varchas Straight Rye Whiskey, Dasara Gin, and Varchas Vodka. Visitors can purchase these products along with branded merchandise like whiskey glasses, flasks, and T-shirts. The tasting room features plush lounge seating and a premium atmosphere, with a diverse cocktail menu that includes classics like Manhattans and barrel-aged sazeracs, as well as a unique gin and tonic made with Indian tonic. House specialties also include the “Gimme Some More,” made with Varchas Vodka, cucumber, and elderflower liqueur.

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Shankar Distillers stands out not just for its story of transitioning from tech to distilling but also for the beauty of its bottles. The 750 ml glass bottles feature a two-headed eagle on the label, a symbol of Shankar’s home state of Mysore in southern India, and a 3D eagle on the cork, highlighting Shankar’s accomplishments in the United States. The distillery is proud of its Michigan roots, using locally sourced water and corn in its products.

For those interested in visiting, Shankar Distillers at 1030 Chicago Road in Troy is open from 3-10 p.m. Wednesday through Thursday, 3 p.m.-midnight on Friday, 11 a.m.-midnight on Saturday, and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday. Tours are available on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons. 

For more information, visit shankardistillers.com.


Easy Summer Drinks to Stock: From K-Bombs to Seltzers

Easy Summer Drinks to Stock: From K-Bombs to Seltzers

By Hariharan U

Published on May 3, 2026

As summer sets in, plans often take a backseat to spontaneity. Long evenings, unexpected gatherings, and relaxed settings are exactly why ready-to-drink beverages are becoming a go-to choice. They’re convenient, consistent, and designed for moments that don’t need preparation.

What’s changed in recent years is the variety. The category has moved beyond overly sweet coolers to include balanced, flavour-forward options from sparkling soju to crafted canned cocktails.

Here are a few easy summer drinks worth stocking this season:

1. So Good K-Bomb
Inspired by Korean drinking culture, this one is built for social settings. Light, fizzy, and easy to sip, it works well for casual gatherings where the energy builds naturally. It’s simple, fun, and ideal when you want something effortless for a group.

2. So Good Yuzu Lime
For a fresher profile, this variant stands out. Yuzu brings a layered citrus note—slightly floral and aromatic—while lime adds a crisp finish. It’s a great fit for daytime occasions like brunches or slow summer evenings.

3. Jimmy’s Cocktails Ready-to-Drink Range
This range offers familiar cocktail flavours without the need for mixing. Options like Mojito, Margarita, and Whisky Sour provide variety, making them practical for hosting when guests prefer different styles in one setting.

4. Bombay Sapphire Gin & Tonic Ready to Drink
A more refined option, this ready-to-drink version of the classic gin and tonic delivers subtle herbal and citrus notes with a balanced bitterness. It’s clean, not overly sweet, and suited for those who prefer a more classic profile.

5. Bacardi Breezer Flavoured Range
A long-time favourite, Breezers remain one of the easiest options to pick up. Fruity, approachable, and best served chilled, flavours like cranberry, orange, and lime continue to be popular for uncomplicated sipping.

Final Thought

Summer drinking doesn’t need to be complicated. The appeal of these beverages lies in how easily they fit into real moments—whether it’s a quiet evening or a last-minute gathering.

Keeping a mix of these on hand ensures you’re always ready—no prep, no fuss, just good drinks when you need them.


Mumbai’s Seasonal Mango Menus You Should Not Miss

Mumbai’s Seasonal Mango Menus You Should Not Miss

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 3, 2026

Mango season in the city always brings with it a sense of excitement, and this year, several restaurants are turning the spotlight on the king of fruits with menus that feel both creative and comforting. From relaxed cafés to refined dining spaces, these seasonal offerings celebrate mango in ways that are easy to enjoy and hard to miss.

At Kefi in Versova, the mood is calm, warm and inviting, making it the perfect setting to enjoy its limited-time Mango Menu: Summer Escape. Built around the idea of finding joy in simple moments, the café keeps things light and familiar while adding a playful twist. The menu flows naturally between refreshing and indulgent, with drinks like the Spicy Mango Chilli Mojito bringing a hint of heat, while the Mango Matcha Latte surprises with its balance. For those who prefer something classic, the Mango & Cream offers a comforting choice, alongside lighter options like the Zesty Affair salad and Mango Smoothie Bowl. The Mango Dream Cake rounds it off with a soft, creamy finish that stays true to the fruit’s flavour. It’s the kind of place where you don’t overthink your order, you simply enjoy the moment. The menu is available till 10th June 2026.

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In Lower Parel, Epitome brings a more layered and exploratory take on mango with its specially curated seasonal menu. Known for its global vegetarian and vegan approach, the restaurant blends creativity with familiar flavours. Dishes like the Mango Baked Brie and Deconstructed Mango Sushi set an interesting tone, while options such as Mango Tacos and Thai Yellow Mango Coconut Curry add depth and comfort. Desserts here lean towards indulgence, with highlights including Alphonso Tres Leches, Mango in Box and the White Chocolate Mango Dome. The experience is not just about the food, but about slowing down and enjoying how each dish unfolds. The mango menu will be available till July 2026.

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Over in Juhu, Luuma House keeps things relaxed and enjoyable with its Summer Menu, where mango appears across dishes in a way that feels natural and easy. The approach here is subtle, letting the fruit shine without making it feel forced. Light starters like the Thai Raw Mango Salad and Mango & Tadgola Salad offer a refreshing start, while the Aam Ras Puri adds a familiar touch for those looking for something traditional. For a more filling meal, dishes such as the Mangalorean Mockmeat Curry and BBQ Jackfruit Bao bring variety to the table. Desserts like the New York Baked Mango Cheesecake and Mango Soufflé with Mango Ice Cream keep things simple yet satisfying. The menu is available till 31st May.

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With each restaurant bringing its own style to the table, Mumbai’s mango menus this season offer something for every mood, whether it’s a quick café stop, a relaxed meal or a more indulgent dining experience. It’s the perfect time to explore how this beloved fruit can be enjoyed in so many different ways across the city.


Sofitel Mumbai BKC Celebrates Mother’s Day with Brunch and Wellness Experiences

Sofitel Mumbai BKC Celebrates Mother’s Day with Brunch and Wellness Experiences

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 3, 2026

Sofitel Mumbai BKC is celebrating Mother’s Day with a thoughtful mix of food, relaxation and meaningful experiences, all centred around giving mothers the care and attention they truly deserve. With a theme of rest, indulgence and joy, the hotel has planned a special brunch along with a month-long wellness offering.

The celebration begins with a specially curated brunch at Pondichéry Café, designed to be both vibrant and comforting. Guests are welcomed with a refreshing sip station offering rose lemonade, berry kombucha, pink guava cooler and sparkling mocktails. The brunch then opens up to a wide spread of global and Indian flavours, including a Fresh Garden Salad Bar, Live Brunch Grill, Comfort Kitchen selections and an Indian Soul Corner. There is also a dedicated section for kids and a Sweet Love Table filled with desserts to complete the experience.

Adding to the occasion, the bar presents its Summer of Cocktails menu featuring six signature drinks — the Golden Snitch, 90's Mood, A Star is Born, Breakfast Ritual, Summer Sour and Wrapped in Time. The entire setting is designed to slow things down and create a warm, family-friendly atmosphere where mothers are treated with special gifts while children enjoy engaging experiences.

While the brunch marks the highlight of the celebration, Sofitel Mumbai BKC extends the experience beyond a single day. Throughout May, the focus shifts to wellness at Sofitel Spa, where guests can gift their mothers moments of deep rest and rejuvenation.

The spa introduces the Art of Sleep experience, built around the idea that quality sleep plays a key role in overall well-being. This experience is designed to help mothers unwind both physically and mentally, offering a chance to pause, relax and recharge. It is based on the understanding that mothers constantly give their time and energy, often without enough moments to rest.

The offering includes two treatments tailored to different needs. The Sleep and Reset ritual is a longer, immersive experience aimed at improving sleep quality and restoring balance. The Power Nap treatment is a shorter session that uses acupressure and focused massage techniques to ease tension and refresh the body. As part of the celebration, every 60-minute Art of Sleep treatment comes with a complimentary 15-minute relaxing eye ritual.

With a blend of indulgent dining and meaningful wellness experiences, Sofitel Mumbai BKC brings together everything that makes Mother’s Day special. From a joyful afternoon at the brunch to a calming spa journey, the entire month is dedicated to celebrating everything mothers do, and everything they deserve.

  • Brunch Details
  • She deserves the World on Plate
  • Date: Sunday, 10th May 2026
  • Time: 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM
  • Venue: Pondichéry Café, Sofitel Mumbai BKC
  • She deserves the World of Rest
  • Date: May (All Days) - Sleep & Reset (60–90 mins); Power Nap (30 mins)
  • Time: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Venue: Sofitel Spa, Sofitel Mumbai BKC

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