Toast to Togetherness: Crafting Memorable Cocktails for Your Diwali Gatherings!

Toast to Togetherness: Crafting Memorable Cocktails for Your Diwali Gatherings!

By Nishang Narayan

Published on November 1, 2024

As Diwali approaches, embrace the season of light, love, and togetherness with cocktails inspired by the vibrant spirit of the festival. These creations, blending traditional flavors with a contemporary twist, infuse Indian spices, fresh fruits, and aromatic herbs. Designed to celebrate Diwali's essence, each cocktail is a tribute to cherished moments, bringing friends and family together for a festive toast.

Diwali Delight

Brand: The Glenwalk
Attribution: Jiitin Merani, Co-founder of The Glenwalk

This elegant cocktail combines Glenwalk scotch with saffron syrup, capturing the richness of the season. A hint of orange juice adds brightness, while edible gold sparkles like Diwali lights. A perfect drink to toast the festival’s splendor!

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Ingredients:

  • 60 ml Glenwalk Whisky
  • 20 ml Saffron-infused honey water
  • 15 ml Lemon juice
  • 2 dashes Cardamom bitters
  • Glenwalk Ginger ale for topping

Method:

  1. Fill a shaker with ice.
  2. Add lemon juice, saffron honey water, cardamom bitters, and Glenwalk whisky.
  3. Shake well until chilled.
  4. Strain into an old-fashioned glass with fresh ice.
  5. Top up with Glenwalk Ginger ale and gently garnish with edible gold leaf and a mint sprig.

Pataaka Punch

Brand: Zyto
Attribution: Kashyap Salla

The Pataaka Punch bursts with vibrant flavors using Zyto Vodka, igniting Diwali's festive spirit in a glass. Celebrate the evening with this fiery, bold cocktail!

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Ingredients:

  • 60 ml Zyto Luxe 5x Vodka
  • 60 ml Saffron and Gondhoraj cordial
  • Soda to top
  • Garnish with a chakli

Saffron and Gondhoraj Cordial Recipe:

  1. Steep a pinch of saffron in 60 ml warm water for 30 minutes.
  2. Blend 200 ml coconut water, 100 g jaggery, 50 g raw sugar, 5 g Gondhoraj lime peels, 25 ml Gondhoraj lime juice, 5 g citric acid, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Strain through a cheesecloth.

Nostalgic Berry

Restaurant: Baliboo
Attribution: Mixologist Pramod Desai

A cocktail that captures nostalgic Indian flavors with kala jamun crush and a touch of chaat masala, sparkling with soda for a refreshing sip.

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Ingredients:

  • 45 ml Kala khatta syrup
  • 15 ml Lime juice
  • 15 ml Soda

Method:

  1. Rim the glass with chaat masala.
  2. Garnish with a slice of burnt malta orange.

Diwali Sparkler

Restaurant: The Bluebop Cafe
Attribution: Sr. Bartender Kuber Bhatt

The Diwali Sparkler, with rose syrup, citrus, and ginger liqueur, brings together a perfect sweet-spicy balance. A splash of sparkling rose wine makes it the ideal toast for Diwali nights.

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Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Vodka
  • 1 oz Rose syrup
  • 1 oz Fresh citrus juice (lemon or orange)
  • 1/2 oz Homemade ginger liqueur
  • Splash of sparkling rose wine

Method:

  • Build in glass, garnishing with rose petals and a lemon wheel.

As you gather with loved ones to celebrate Diwali, let these cocktails add a festive sparkle to the evening. Each sip embodies the warmth, happiness, and joy of the season, making every moment unforgettable. Raise a glass to new beginnings, shared laughter, and cherished memories—creating a Diwali to remember!


Mirth Bar Opens in Indiranagar, A Nostalgic Yet Modern Tribute to Old Bangalore’s Pub Culture

Mirth Bar Opens in Indiranagar, A Nostalgic Yet Modern Tribute to Old Bangalore’s Pub Culture

By Hariharan U

Published on September 12, 2025

 In a city buzzing with new-age bars and polished lounges, a fresh entrant is raising its glass to nostalgia. Mirth, a 65-seater tucked just off Indiranagar’s 100 Feet Road, is not chasing trends but rewriting them with heart, history, and handcrafted detail.

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Founded by four lifelong friends, Sundeep Reddy, Arsau Elango, Santosh Balan, and Prasanna Govindappa, Mirth is built on twenty-five years of shared pub memories in old Bangalore. Once just an idea in their group chat, it is now a warm, whiskey-rich cocktail bar designed for easy conversations, cosy evenings, and nights that blur seamlessly into laughter.

Once a corporate office, the space has been transformed into a glowing, golden-lit haven with interiors meant to flow as naturally as the drinks. Every corner carries the imprint of the founders’ friendship, creating an atmosphere that feels both personal and contemporary.

 The beverage program, crafted by Dev Narveker (Petisco, Goa) and led by Head Mixologist Omkar Vidhyadhar Parab, leans into bold signatures and refined classics. Highlights include Pour Me A Slice (whiskey infused with gouda and blue cheese, swirled with cherry and hibiscus sake), Martini Revolver (a tequila–mezcal mix with house-made jalapeño brine), and Slow Current (a chilli-spiced highball with Gundu pepper and sumac). For lighter sips, options like Clear Intention and Lavender Line add a fizzy, playful edge.

“Start light and finish strong, move from fizzy and fruity to bold and boozy,” says Omkar, laying down the path through Mirth’s cocktail map. The extensive back bar ensures purists won’t feel left out either.

 At the helm of the kitchen is Chef Baljeet Singh Mehra, whose stints across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, New Zealand, and top Indian kitchens bring “fusion without confusion” to the table. Expect dishes like Sunny Side South (Mirth’s take on Goa’s Ros Omelette stuffed with Asian chicken, served with Malvani curry), East Meets Mezze (a hummus-edamame-sriracha blend), Crackle Theory pork, and Napoli Heatwave spaghetti in chilli oil.

 Each founder brings a unique flavour to the venture, Sundeep Reddy, active partner at Roxie, blends engineering precision with F1 fandom. Arsau Elango, finance professional-turned-nightlife enthusiast, contributes global influences and music sensibilities. Santosh Balan, with 20 years of risk advisory, adds depth alongside his passion for cooking. Prasanna Govindappa, an IT veteran, returned from global assignments to help carve a niche for Mirth.

Together, their shared history is visible in every cocktail, playlist, and plate. Guests may even catch them at the bar, sipping on Mirth’s signature Old Flame (a sherry-whiskey concoction) while digging into wok-tossed chilli basil chicken. In an age of Instagram-driven dining, Mirth is refreshingly old-school, prioritising good music, warm hospitality, bold drinks, and food that comforts while surprising. It’s a neighbourhood bar designed not for flash-in-the-pan trends but for the timeless joy of gathering.

Location:
 Mirth Bar, 2nd Floor, Ashok Terrace, 303, 100 Feet Road, Indiranagar 1st Stage, Bengaluru – 560038


Chin Lung Brewery Indiranagar Celebrates First Anniversary as a Beloved Community Bar

Chin Lung Brewery Indiranagar Celebrates First Anniversary as a Beloved Community Bar

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 12, 2025

Bangalore’s iconic community bar, Chin Lung Brewery Indiranagar, has marked its first anniversary, celebrating a year of bringing people together through food, drinks, and meaningful connections. Located at No. 1135, HAL 2nd Stage, 100 Feet Road, Indiranagar, the outlet has quickly become a favorite hangout in one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

Over the past year, Chin Lung Indiranagar has lived up to its promise of delivering quality food, exceptional beverages, and a warm atmosphere. From milestone celebrations and business meetings to casual gatherings, the restaurant has played host to countless memorable moments for its patrons.

The Indiranagar outlet is part of Chin Lung’s growing network of six outlets across Bangalore, including Marathahalli, Residency Road, New Bel Road, Koramangala, and Gandhinagar. Each outlet reflects the brand’s long-standing commitment to affordability without compromising on quality or experience.

Known for its curated Asian menu and an extensive beverage program featuring craft beers and creative cocktails, the Indiranagar location has won appreciation from both food enthusiasts and casual diners. Its welcoming vibe and versatile setting have made it a reliable choice for everything from lunch meetings to lively evening celebrations.

“For over six decades, Chin Lung has been more than just a bar, we’ve been the heart of countless celebrations, first dates, business deals, and lifelong friendships,” said Prajwal Lokesh, Founder of Chin Lung Brewery. “The success of our Indiranagar outlet in its first year reinforces our commitment to bringing people together through exceptional food, drinks, and experiences. Every pint poured here carries the warmth and stories of our legacy.”

As the Indiranagar outlet enters its second year, the focus will remain on community engagement and enhancing the dining experience for loyal customers. The milestone not only celebrates the success of the restaurant but also highlights the vibrant community it continues to foster in Bangalore’s buzzing social hub.


Raiya’s Fusion of Global Flavours & Indian Elegance Arrives in Delhi

Raiya’s Fusion of Global Flavours & Indian Elegance Arrives in Delhi

By Hariharan U

Published on September 11, 2025

South Delhi has welcomed a striking new entrant to its premium dining scene with the launch of Raiya, a cosmopolitan restaurant that reimagines Indian fusion dining. Officially opened on 5th September, Raiya takes inspiration from the Sanskrit word for treasure, bringing together global flavours, Indian artistry, and immersive design to redefine modern casual luxury.

At Raiya, food is treated as celebration. The menu blends cosmopolitan inspirations with Indian refinement, featuring dishes that embody the philosophy of fusion. Highlights include Mooradabadi with Thinly Sliced Sourdough, a heritage recipe reinvented with contemporary technique, and Pinwheel Ravioli, where ghee-roasted mushrooms meet delicate pasta craftsmanship. The mains showcase indulgent creations like Maharaja Cauli and Royal Spring Chicken, while desserts such as Timeless Tiramisu and Lotus Biscoff Royale Cheesecake bridge tradition with modern indulgence.

The bar too is designed as an experience, offering signature cocktails that surprise and delight. Standouts include Mystic Gold, a sparkling elderflower-based drink; The Hidden Gem, presented in a treasure box with smoky theatrics; and Elixir of Gold, Raiya’s showstopper featuring real edible gold glitter.

Raiya’s philosophy extends beyond the plate into its design. The restaurant’s interiors are a study in duality, one half inspired by India’s cultural opulence with temple-like textures, warm tones, and intricate details, and the other half echoing Victorian elegance through arched detailing, soft lighting, and curated vintage European accents. Together, these contrasting elements create a dialogue between past and present, East and West, and tradition and modernity, offering guests more than a meal, an immersive journey.

Speaking at the launch, Priyam Chauhan, Founder of Raiya, shared, “For me, it is a dream turned into a treasure, built from passion and a deep love for storytelling through food and design. One half of Raiya celebrates the warmth of India, while the other embodies contemporary global elegance. Together, they tell the story of a new India: rooted in heritage, yet confident in its global expression.”

With its distinctive culinary approach and immersive atmosphere, Raiya positions itself as a cultural treasure in the heart of South Delhi, inviting diners to explore its unique interpretation of fusion.

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