World Gin Day 2026: Bengaluru’s Mixologists Unveil a Bold Line-Up of Signature Gin Cocktails

World Gin Day 2026: Bengaluru’s Mixologists Unveil a Bold Line-Up of Signature Gin Cocktails

By Hariharan U

Published on June 11, 2026

As World Gin Day 2026 is celebrated across global cocktail communities, Bengaluru’s bar scene is marking the occasion with a creative showcase of gin-forward cocktails that highlight the spirit’s versatility. From botanical complexity and tropical freshness to playful heat and citrus-driven refreshment, the city’s mixologists are presenting drinks that reflect both craftsmanship and contemporary drinking trends.

Java Jolt – Maize and Malt, Whitefield

Created by mixologist Mahesh Bhatt, Java Jolt is an aperitif-style gin cocktail that bl  ends botanical depth with Indian inspiration. Gin is paired with sweet vermouth and aromatic bitters, while Nannari bubbles add a distinctly earthy sweetness and refreshing effervescence.

The cocktail delivers layered herbal notes balanced with subtle spice and floral undertones, making it both nostalgic and modern in expression.

Ingredients: Gin, Sweet Vermouth, Aromatic Bitters, Nannari Bubbles
Palate: Herbal, Aromatic, Effervescent, Balanced, Refreshing

Festum – Gladia Brewery & Kitchen

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Festum is a vibrant, botanical-forward creation crafted for World Gin Day, built on Gondraj lemon-infused gin. The cocktail layers floral hibiscus, ripe peach sweetness, and homemade ginger ale, resulting in a bright and refreshing highball.

Light, aromatic, and citrus-led, Festum captures the celebratory spirit of gin with an easy-drinking yet flavour-rich profile.

Ingredients: Gondraj lemon-infused gin, hibiscus, peach, homemade ginger ale
Style: Floral citrus highball
Palate: Bright citrus, floral, fruity, refreshing, lightly spiced

Lime Emerald – Oasis Brewery, Whitefield

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Crafted by mixologist Abhijeet, Lime Emerald is a refined tropical gin cocktail built on clarified coconut water and fresh lime juice. Kaffir lime leaves add aromatic complexity, creating a clean yet layered drinking experience.

Served in a coupe glass, the cocktail is designed to be visually elegant while delivering crisp citrus freshness and subtle tropical depth.

Ingredients: Gin, clarified coconut water, sugar syrup, fresh lime juice, kaffir lime leaves
Glassware: Coupe glass
Palate: Crisp, Citrusy, Tropical, Aromatic, Refreshing

Knock Out Kick – Amoeba Sports Bar

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Created by mixologist Arindam Das, Knock Out Kick is a high-energy gin cocktail inspired by game nights and celebratory moments. It balances peach syrup sweetness with fresh jalapeño heat, lifted by citrus and tonic water.

The drink starts fruity and smooth before building into a gentle spicy kick, making it a bold yet approachable celebratory serve.

Ingredients: Gin, peach syrup, fresh jalapeño, citrus, tonic water
Palate: Bright, Fruity, Crisp, Subtly Spiced, Refreshing

As gin continues to evolve as one of the most expressive spirits in modern mixology, Bengaluru’s bar landscape reflects a growing appetite for creativity, regional ingredients, and experiential drinking. Whether it is herbal complexity, tropical clarity, citrus brightness, or spicy indulgence, each cocktail offers a distinct interpretation of celebration—perfectly timed for World Gin Day 2026.


Kura Bengaluru Adds a Halloween Twist with Its 'Halloween After Dark' Menu

Kura Bengaluru Adds a Halloween Twist with Its 'Halloween After Dark' Menu

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 30, 2026

Halloween gets a darker and sweeter twist at Kura, the specialty coffee and all-day dining space on Double Road, Indiranagar, Bengaluru. The café has introduced 'Halloween After Dark', a limited-edition dessert and bakes menu that brings the season's playful and mysterious side to the table.

Built around the tagline Not Everything Sweet Is Innocent, the menu has been created by Kura's culinary team, combining bold colours, interesting flavours and creative presentation. The collection features three special creations that give familiar treats a Halloween-inspired makeover.

The first offering, The Black Magic Apple, brings a dark twist to the classic fruit, with a presentation designed to tempt dessert lovers. Bloody Velvet puts a Halloween spin on red velvet with its rich flavour and creamy texture, while Devil's Double Croissants adds a playful touch to the menu with its striking red-and-black theme. Each creation reflects the fun and slightly wicked spirit of Halloween while staying true to Kura's style.

The limited-edition menu will be available at Kura until 31st October, giving guests a chance to try the seasonal creations before they disappear. The Halloween specials will be served alongside the café's regular menu, which will continue as usual.

With its mix of creative desserts, distinctive presentation and seasonal flavours, Halloween After Dark offers Bengaluru's dessert lovers another way to enjoy the Halloween season.

Quick Facts

  • Address: Craig Park Layout, 26, Stage 3, Double Road, Indiranagar, Bengaluru
  • Timings: 8:00 am to 11:00 pm (Monday–Sunday)
  • Menu Availability: Until 31st October.


Barista Coffee Opens Its 555th Café in Salt Lake, Kolkata

Barista Coffee Opens Its 555th Café in Salt Lake, Kolkata

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 30, 2026

Barista Coffee, the largest homegrown coffee chain, has opened its 555th café in Salt Lake, Kolkata, marking its seventh outlet in the city. The new café introduces a hybrid format that brings together food, beverages and flexible spaces for work, meetings and socialising.

The outlet offers more than the usual café experience, with a setting where customers can enjoy their favourite coffee, have a meal, work remotely or catch up with friends. The concept reflects the changing role of cafés, which are increasingly becoming spaces for both social interactions and professional activities.

The beverage menu includes Barista's signature drinks, protein coffee, matcha and bubble tea. On the food front, customers can choose from gourmet sandwiches, pizzas, pasta, rolls and English breakfast options. The varied menu caters to different preferences, whether customers are stopping by for a quick coffee, planning a casual meal or spending time at the café.

The new outlet also provides an alternative workspace for work-from-home professionals, along with a setting for groups to meet for collaborative sessions or casual conversations. By combining food, work and community in one place, Barista Coffee aims to cater to customers looking for more flexibility in how they spend their time at cafés.

Commenting on the milestone, Rajat Agrawal, CEO, Barista Coffee, said, “Reaching the milestone of 555 cafés is a proud moment for Barista Coffee and a testament to the trust our customers have placed in us, the dedication of our teams, and the commitment of our partners. Every café represents our promise to deliver memorable coffee experiences, meaningful connections, and warm hospitality.

As we continue to expand our presence, our focus remains on strengthening our brand, innovating our offerings, and making Barista a preferred destination for coffee lovers across India and beyond. This milestone is not just a celebration of how far we have come, but also a reflection of our ambition to reach new markets, create more opportunities, and bring people together over great coffee.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our customers, employees, franchise partners, and stakeholders who have been an integral part of this journey. At Barista, every cup tells a story, and with 555 cafés, we look forward to brewing many more stories together.”

The opening marks another step in Barista Coffee's expansion, as the brand continues to grow its presence while exploring café formats that bring together coffee, food and everyday customer needs.


Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Whisky and Six Brothers Mahura Spotlight India's Mahua Heritage at Bengaluru Duty Free

Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Whisky and Six Brothers Mahura Spotlight India's Mahua Heritage at Bengaluru Duty Free

By Hariharan U

Published on October 30, 2026

Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Whisky Madhuca I is bringing the distinctive character of a mahua cask to Bengaluru Duty Free, offering travelers an opportunity to discover an indigenous Indian ingredient through the lens of contemporary single malt whisky-making.

Known for its deep cultural roots across India, mahua is increasingly finding a place in the country's modern spirits landscape. At Bangalore Duty Free, Crazy Cock Madhuca I is being showcased alongside Six Brothers Mahura, Mahua Spirit bringing together two expressions that explore the character and heritage of the indigenous flower in different ways.

Crafted by South Seas Distilleries, makers of India's oldest single malt whiskies, Crazy Cock Madhuca I reflects the brand's approach to exploring Indian ingredients and craftsmanship through single malt whisky. The expression has received international recognition, winning a Gold Medal at the World Whisky Masters 2026 and a top 3 rank at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) UK 2026. It undergoes maturation in ex-brandy and ex-bourbon casks before being finished in ex-Mahura casks, bringing the character of mahua into the whisky. Its profile combines floral and earthy notes with layers of fruit, spice and oak.

Gijs van de Ven, Chief Executive Officer, Bengaluru Duty Free, said "Travel retail is about discovery, and our goal is to create memorable experiences for every traveler who visits Bengaluru Duty Free. Crazy Cock Madhuca I and Six Brothers Mahura, Mahua Spirit introduce passengers to a uniquely Indian ingredient through premium and contemporary expressions, offering a story they can take home with them.

The showcase also features Six Brothers Mahura, Mahua Spirit, a spirit inspired by the longstanding place of mahua in Indian culture and traditions. Made from mahua flowers and double-distilled in copper pot stills, the expression presents the indigenous ingredient in a contemporary spirit format.

Dilpreet Singh Mehta, Country Commercial Director, Bengaluru Duty Free, said Mahua holds deep cultural significance across many parts of India, and it is inspiring to see this heritage being reinterpreted through modern spirits-making. Through our partnership with South Seas Distilleries, we are delighted to provide travelers with an opportunity to discover an authentic and uniquely Indian story.

Together, Crazy Cock Madhuca I and Six Brothers Mahura, Mahua Spirit offers travelers a closer look at the evolving role of mahua in Indian spirits, from an ingredient deeply rooted in tradition to one being explored through contemporary techniques and premium expressions..

With Crazy Cock Madhuca I and Six Brothers Mahura Mahua Spirit taking the spotlight, Bangalore Duty Free now a contemporary perspective on mahua and its growing place in India's modern spirits story.

Travelers can discover Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Whisky Madhuca I and Six Brothers Mahura, Mahua Spirit at Bengaluru Duty Free. They are also available in Delhi, Mumbai, Goa and Bhutan airports

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