Giving whisky cocktails a summer twist
Then there's Oliviya, the kind of drink that makes you do a double-take. Bourbon meets olive brine, sweet and sour, and ginger ale—an unlikely mix that somehow works beautifully. It's savory, intriguing and just the right amount of offbeat.advertisement
From left to right: Bay of Kaffir, Whisky Orchard Cocktail, Raspberry Sour, The Throughaway, and the Passion Blossom
Crafted with care, intuition, and a dash of playful rebellion, each cocktail on this list embraces whisky's rich soul while giving it space to breathe, surprise and delight—shaken, stirred and crafted into something brighter, bolder, and undeniably summery. For those who like their cocktails with a bit of fire, The Bout goes all in. Smoky whisky, honey, and grapefruit come together in a drink that's unapologetically bold and full of character. And if you're after something vibrant and layered. Summer Ember is your glass of sunshine—whisky meets passion fruit, lime, orange, and a surprising note of bell pepper. It's juicy, zesty, and just unpredictable enough to keep things interesting.Sample the Eastern Breeze served at The Leela Palace Hotel, which has bourbon whisky as its base. This drink adds peach syrup, lime juice, and a generous splash of champagne. Served in a tulip glass with a twist of orange, it's everything you want on a languid summer afternoon—light, sparkling, and just a little indulgent.advertisementThen there's Bay of Kaffir, where Scotch whisky is paired with pineapple juice and passion fruit syrup, shaken with lime, and finished with a fragrant kaffir lime leaf. It's tropical, textured, and beautifully balanced—a sip of seaside in a glass.Raspberry Sour leans into classic cocktail craftsmanship but with a juicy, berry-forward twist. With fresh lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and a silky egg white foam, this is one of those cocktails that feels both familiar and completely new.If you prefer your whisky with a little more depth, Passion Blossom is your go-to cocktail. It mixes pomegranate juice and passion fruit syrup with a whisky base, delivering a sweet-tart profile that plays beautifully against the warmth of the spirit. The garnish of fresh pomegranate seeds adds a visual sparkle and a burst of freshness.Of course, no whisky-forward menu feels complete without a nod to the modern icons. The Laphroaig Penicillin has a smoky, honeyed appearance. Ginger-honey syrup and lemon juice balance the bold peat of Laphroaig for a drink that feels both restorative and refreshing. And then there's the Whisky Paloma, reimagined from its agave roots. Grapefruit soda, lime, and a touch of agave bring whisky into bright, fizzy territory—surprising in the best way.advertisement
The bout
Joining this vibrant summer whisky renaissance is The Claridges, New Delhi, with cocktails that speak of craft, freshness, and elegant restraint. Their Sunlit Sour celebrates sunset in a glass—blending peaty whisky, Campari, citrus, and raspberries, shaken with egg white for a soft, velvety texture. It's tart, smoky, and just sweet enough, topped with a dehydrated strawberry that hints at its delicate finish.Equally refreshing is Whisky Orchard, a garden-inspired cocktail that marries bourbon with citrus juice, cucumber, and honey cordial. Muddled with garden herbs and finished with bitters, it's shaken and served over clear ice in a rock glass.Whether you're lounging in linen, chasing the sunset, or simply looking to elevate your evening, these cocktails offer a new way to meet an old friend. This summer, whisky doesn't smoulder—it sparkles.Subscribe to India Today Magazine
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Today
2 days ago
- India Today
Spirits: The Patrón saint of indulgence
(NOTE: This article was originally published in the India Today Spice issue dated June 2025)At the heart of the celebration were two icons—Patron and Karan Aujla—coming together to launch Patron El Alto, a super-premium tequila crafted in Hacienda Patron which is is located in the municipality of Atotonilco el Alto in the Mexican state of Jalisco. Tradition, craftsmanship, and contemporary cool came alive at Bastian on Top, the swanky roof-top lounge that hosted this magnificent dapper in black, brought his magnetism and electric energy to the stage. His performance was a spectacle—Wavy, On Top 2, and the mega-hit Tauba Tauba had the crowd dancing nonstop. Sleek bars lined with Patron Silver, Reposado, and Anejo—its classic variants—set the tone, while silver-accented agave leaf installations evoked the brand's Mexican torchlights, and glowing wristbands fired up Aujla's pan-Indian and global fanbase red hot. Just six months after his last sold-out concert in the city, the Punjabi music icon had returned with an even bigger bang. The Patron El Alto, poured in teal coloured flutes advertisementAt 28, Aujla has achieved what few have—his music is rooted in raw emotion, his global footprint has seen more than 48 crore views for his song Tauba Tauba, a collaboration with Vicky Kaushal which went viral last year. His roster of upcoming concerts across seven countries reflects just how widely his music resonates with younger audiences. In fact, in May this year, his laidback hit hip-hop number Courtside debuted on Billboard Canadian Hot has painstakingly set his own rules. The songwriter- singer's appeal extends far beyond India with global audiences drawn to his voice, his style and his soulful words. Described by Jassie Gill, in an earlier interview, as a 'prolific writer', Aujla's poetry probably comes from pain; he lost his parents when he was a young boy, and turned to songwriting, eventually breaking out with a hit Range in 2014 alongside Gill. Aujla effortlessly blends Punjabi music with hip-hop and rap beats, creating a sound that is unique and appealing, which has propelled him to global acclaim. His sold-out concerts have surpassed ticket sales of big international acts. Artists performing to the foot-tapping music played by the DJ Patron cocktails poured over artisanal branded ice cube It's no surprise that the Punjabi-Canadian singer-musician was handpicked by Patron as its global ambassador. 'At Patron, we are relentless in our pursuit of excellence—crafting tequila with an uncompromising commitment to quality, tradition, and innovation. Karan Aujla's journey—from breaking barriers in the music industry to becoming a global icon—embodies the same ambition and pioneering spirit that defines Patron El Alto. This collaboration is a celebration of those who push boundaries, challenge conventions, and continuously strive for greater heights,' says Roberto Ramirez-Laverde, Global Senior Vice President, Patron has long collaborated with musicians and creators whose work is path-breaking and aspirational. In the past, the brand has partnered with Grammy Award-winner Michelle Zauner, artist Jessie Reyez and supported the More Than Tequila Music Series. Aujla is the new popular musical name that promises to take the brand to new big-market audiences in India and the Asian, Middle East and African latest launch, the El Alto is a super-premium tequila crafted in the Mexican highlands of Jalisco and is a meticulous blend of Reposado, Anejo, and Extra Anejo tequilas. It is distilled from hand-harvested 100 per cent Weber Blue agave grown in Jalisco and handmade in small batches using only three ingredients—agave, water, and yeast. Rich, smooth, and luxurious, it symbolises the soul of modern tequila global partnership with Aujla is emblematic of Patron's ethos—rooted in heritage but global in reach and innovation. The partnership between the two creative brands is a powerful statement. Both embody bold ambition, artistic precision with a global appeal that eschews boundaries. El Alto, crafted in the Mexican highlands and celebrated across the globe, redefines luxury tequila. Aujla, with his fusion of Punjabi rhythm and global sound, has transformed music for an entire generation, and is one of the most influential voices in the industry today. Together, they represent a collusion of craftsmanship, creativity, and charisma. Karan Aujla steps into the world of handcrafted luxury tequila at the Patron hacienda in Mexico The Patron El Alto launch in Mumbai was sheer spectacle as the El Alto bottle was unveiled and Aujla's high-energy chartbusters kept the spirits high and the room grooving to the beats of Fireball, Ishq, Magic In The Air and other dance tracks spun by a young DJ, until Aujla took to the stage. Amid a rousing welcome, the rapper-singer belted out chartbusters such as Wavy, On Top 2, and Tauba Tauba and his magnetic stage presence simply raised the bar. Every detail about the evening spoke of tasteful extravagance. The venue shimmered in a luxe palette of teal and silver, a visual nod to the distinctive El Alto the crowning glory was reserved for the evening's finale: the Patron El Alto, poured into elegant teal-hued flutes added a melodic rhythm to Aujla's pulsating music. The singer, whose creative journey recently took him into the heart of Jalisco's agave fields as Patron's global partner, mirrored the brand's sentiment. 'Success isn't instant; it's built over years of dedication, perseverance, and passion. That's why Patron speaks to me. It's about staying true to your craft as you play by your own rules. I'm proud to collaborate with a brand that embodies this pursuit of excellence and is part of truly unforgettable moments.'Once a party-ender gulped down with salt and a wedge of lemon, tequila is now the soul of an evening, inspiring innovative cocktails or sipped neat on artisanal ice. The charm of Patron El Alto lies in its exclusivity. The hand-harvested agave is distilled in traditional processes and each bottle is inspected and individually labelled and Alto's India launch at duty free stores in Mumbai and Delhi comes during the peak travel months of international travel. As the music finally winds down, the spirited evening prepares for another tequila to India Today Magazine- Ends
News18
12-06-2025
- News18
Dad Deserves the Best: Top Places to Celebrate Father's Day
Last Updated: Celebrate Dad with exclusive Father's Day specials from indulgent meals to heartfelt surprises, there's something for every kind of hero. Father's Day is just around the corner, and it's time to raise a toast to the man who's been your rock, guide, and superhero. Whether he's a beer lover, a brunch enthusiast, or someone with a sweet tooth, here are the best places to treat Dad on June 15th, 2025. ITC Maurya – A Father's Day to Remember Indulge in a lavish lunch at The Pavilion, the hotel's all-day dining destination with a globally inspired menu. Sweeten the experience with handcrafted creations from Fabelle, or gift Dad a thoughtful treat from the Nutmeg Menu, featuring gourmet desserts. For a truly exquisite experience, book a table at Avartana, where modern Southern Indian cuisine meets fine dining artistry. Want to go the extra mile? Plan a luxurious staycation — the perfect way to pause, reconnect, and create cherished memories together. 🕒 June 15, 2025 📞 For reservations: 011-26112233 Independence Brewing Company – Cheers to Dad Celebrate Father's Day with bold brews and hearty bites. Every dad gets a complimentary craft beer on the house. Whether he prefers a crisp lager or punchy IPA, this is the perfect spot to relax, feast, and bond. Step into the comfort of Out of the Blue's charming courtyard and enjoy a wholesome brunch with live music. Think pasta counters, chaat stations, and decadent desserts — all set in a feel-good vibe. 📍 Khar, Mumbai 🕒 June 15 | 12 PM – 4 PM 💰 ₹1,499 + taxes per person Lil Gamby – Pizza, Pints & 20% Off With a bold street-style vibe, Lil Gamby is serving up 20% off on dining. Dads can dig into quirky pizzas like The Revolver (Mexican Macha chicken) and Gully Boy (jerk chicken + crispy spinach), or veg favorites like Desi Angrez and Bang Bang. 📍 All outlets 🕒 June 15 | All day 💥 20% off on dining Khandani Rajdhani – A Royal Thali for a King Celebrate tradition with a feast fit for a king. Treat Dad to a lavish thali, surprise him with handcrafted mithai, and capture memories with a complimentary photo keepsake. 📍 All outlets 🕒 June 15 | Lunch: 12–4 PM, Dinner: 7–11 PM Mad Over Donuts – Say It with Donuts Gift your dad a sweet Box of Happiness or the iconic 'I ❤️ U DAD" box. 100% eggless and handcrafted, these donuts are available in-store and online — a small but thoughtful gesture. 🕒 June 15 | All day Naturals Ice Cream – A Scoop of Nostalgia Revisit childhood memories with Naturals' Spicy Guava ice cream — a creamy, spicy-sweet scoop that's as bold and timeless as Dad. 📍 All outlets 🕒 June 15 | All day Bayroute – Middle Eastern Feast & Freebies Treat Dad to bold Middle Eastern flavours, soulful music, and a complimentary artisanal drink. Dine-in dads also get a 15% bounce-back voucher valid till July 15. Petite Pie Shop – Fried Chicken & Beer Combo For a fun and flavourful day, indulge in their crispy fried chicken sandwich + chilled beer combo. Perfect for dads who love buttery crusts, bold bites, and laid-back charm. 📍 Worldmark, Sector 65, Gurugram 🕒 June 15 | 9 AM – 11 PM 💰 From ₹1,000++ for two Novotel New Delhi City Centre – All-Day Dining & Rooftop Vibes Celebrate at Novotel with an all-day dining spread at Food Exchange and rooftop views. Live kitchen counters, signature brews, and a blend of Old and New Delhi charm await. 📍 DeshBandhu Gupta Road 🕒 June 15 | All day 💰 From ₹2,500 per person The Westin Goa – Brunch & Korean Hot Pot Father's Day Brunch (June 15): Celebrate with Chandon & Satiwa at a serene brunch by the lotus pond, complete with live music and surprise activities. Dads get 50% off. 📍 The Market, The Westin Goa 🕒 12:30 PM – 4 PM 💰 From ₹2,200++ per person Korean Hot Pot (June 18–24): A slow, soulful dining ritual at Tao & Anise. Pick from seafood, meat, or veg spreads in a bubbling broth. 🕒 7 PM onwards 💰 ₹1,650++ (veg), ₹1,860++ (non-veg) JW Marriott New Delhi – A Taste of Italy Chef Dario Trevisan brings the heart of Italy to K3 with handmade pasta, seafood, and soulful desserts. Enjoy Italian aperitifs, live music, and piazza-style decor. Don't miss the Father's Day Sunday Brunch on June 15. 📍 K3, JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity 🕒 Dinner: June 11–15 | 7–11 PM top videos View all 🕒 Brunch: June 15 | 12:30 – 3:30 PM 💰 ₹3,850++ (Dinner) | ₹4,399++ (Non-alcoholic brunch), ₹5,699++ (Alcoholic brunch) About the Author Swati Chaturvedi Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 More The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 12, 2025, 08:48 IST News lifestyle » food Dad Deserves the Best: Top Places to Celebrate Father's Day
India Today
10-06-2025
- India Today
Giving whisky cocktails a summer twist
(NOTE: This article was originally published in the India Today Spice issue dated May 2025 )Whisky in summer? At first glance, it might sound like a one night stand, but it's turning out to be an affair to remember. Step into any bar this season, and you'll find that the rules have changed. No longer confined to the clink of winter ice or the comfort of leather armchairs, whisky is being shaken, stirred, and crafted into something brighter, bolder, and undeniably season's summer cocktail menu is an ode to reinvention. Crafted with care, intuition, and a dash of playful rebellion, each cocktail on this list embraces whisky's rich soul while giving it space to breathe and surprise. Think tropical fruits, garden herbs, crisp citrus, and even savoury twists—all curated to complement the whisky's ITC Maurya, whisky takes a fresh turn—creative, unexpected, and still rooted in solid craft. The Throughway is a fine example—bold yet balanced, it layers whisky with orange marmalade, citrus, falernum, and a hint of spice. It is rich in flavour like a well-told story. Then there's Oliviya, the kind of drink that makes you do a double-take. Bourbon meets olive brine, sweet and sour, and ginger ale—an unlikely mix that somehow works beautifully. It's savory, intriguing and just the right amount of From left to right: Bay of Kaffir, Whisky Orchard Cocktail, Raspberry Sour, The Throughaway, and the Passion Blossom Crafted with care, intuition, and a dash of playful rebellion, each cocktail on this list embraces whisky's rich soul while giving it space to breathe, surprise and delight—shaken, stirred and crafted into something brighter, bolder, and undeniably summery. For those who like their cocktails with a bit of fire, The Bout goes all in. Smoky whisky, honey, and grapefruit come together in a drink that's unapologetically bold and full of character. And if you're after something vibrant and layered. Summer Ember is your glass of sunshine—whisky meets passion fruit, lime, orange, and a surprising note of bell pepper. It's juicy, zesty, and just unpredictable enough to keep things the Eastern Breeze served at The Leela Palace Hotel, which has bourbon whisky as its base. This drink adds peach syrup, lime juice, and a generous splash of champagne. Served in a tulip glass with a twist of orange, it's everything you want on a languid summer afternoon—light, sparkling, and just a little there's Bay of Kaffir, where Scotch whisky is paired with pineapple juice and passion fruit syrup, shaken with lime, and finished with a fragrant kaffir lime leaf. It's tropical, textured, and beautifully balanced—a sip of seaside in a Sour leans into classic cocktail craftsmanship but with a juicy, berry-forward twist. With fresh lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and a silky egg white foam, this is one of those cocktails that feels both familiar and completely you prefer your whisky with a little more depth, Passion Blossom is your go-to cocktail. It mixes pomegranate juice and passion fruit syrup with a whisky base, delivering a sweet-tart profile that plays beautifully against the warmth of the spirit. The garnish of fresh pomegranate seeds adds a visual sparkle and a burst of course, no whisky-forward menu feels complete without a nod to the modern icons. The Laphroaig Penicillin has a smoky, honeyed appearance. Ginger-honey syrup and lemon juice balance the bold peat of Laphroaig for a drink that feels both restorative and refreshing. And then there's the Whisky Paloma, reimagined from its agave roots. Grapefruit soda, lime, and a touch of agave bring whisky into bright, fizzy territory—surprising in the best The bout Joining this vibrant summer whisky renaissance is The Claridges, New Delhi, with cocktails that speak of craft, freshness, and elegant restraint. Their Sunlit Sour celebrates sunset in a glass—blending peaty whisky, Campari, citrus, and raspberries, shaken with egg white for a soft, velvety texture. It's tart, smoky, and just sweet enough, topped with a dehydrated strawberry that hints at its delicate refreshing is Whisky Orchard, a garden-inspired cocktail that marries bourbon with citrus juice, cucumber, and honey cordial. Muddled with garden herbs and finished with bitters, it's shaken and served over clear ice in a rock you're lounging in linen, chasing the sunset, or simply looking to elevate your evening, these cocktails offer a new way to meet an old friend. This summer, whisky doesn't smoulder—it to India Today Magazine
