Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel's signature restaurant, Zega, has introduced the Mizuwari Series, a curated collection of seven cocktails that draw on the Japanese practice of mizuwari — literally "cut with water." The series translates the seven virtues of the Samurai into contemporary drink profiles, offering guests a tasting journey that pairs mixology with philosophy.
A narrative in every glass
The series opens with Makoto, representing honesty and sincerity, built on vodka, Aperol, yuzu lime, and fizz. Chu, symbolising duty and loyalty, combines bourbon whisky, lime, sesame, and Angostura bitters. Ikigai — the secret to a long and happy life — mixes gin, cherry cordial, hibiscus, and sparkling elements.
Further along the list, Rei reflects beauty in imperfection with vodka, pickled ginger, kaffir lime, cucumber, and watermelon. Jin, embodying compassion, is a blush-pink highball of gin, passion fruit, strawberry sweet vermouth, citrus, and fizz. Yu, heroic courage, comes as an effervescent blend of gin, cherry wine, Campari, lime, and fizz. Finally, Meiyo, honour, pairs white rum, pineapple, Campari, and lime.
Each cocktail is designed to encourage a slower, more contemplative drinking experience, aligning with Zega's broader approach to Japanese-inspired beverage programming. The series is now available at the restaurant, which has carved a niche in Hyderabad's competitive F&B scene for its modern take on Japanese flavours.
The launch follows a broader trend across Marriott International's portfolio of using cocktail programmes to differentiate hotel dining. Earlier this year, Marriott's Liquid City cocktail series toured luxury properties in Greater China, signalling the group's investment in beverage-led guest experiences. Sheraton's Hyderabad outpost is tapping into that same playbook, leveraging local ingredients and cultural narratives to attract both hotel guests and city residents.
For travel professionals, the Mizuwari Series underscores how hotel F&B can serve as a differentiator in urban markets. As business and leisure travel converge, properties like Sheraton Hyderabad are using signature drinks to drive repeat visits and social media visibility. The series also aligns with the growing demand for experiential dining, particularly among younger, experience-driven travellers.
Zega's move is part of a wider push by Sheraton to refresh its brand identity under Marriott's ownership. The hotel group has been rolling out new concepts across Asia, and Hyderabad — a key hub for both corporate travel and tourism — offers a ripe audience for such innovations. The city's status as a MICE destination has also grown, with Singapore's recent MICE incentives highlighting the competitive landscape for business events in the region.
The Mizuwari Series is available now at Zega, Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel. Guests can explore the full range, with each cocktail priced individually. The hotel expects the series to appeal to both connoisseurs and newcomers to Japanese spirits, offering a low-alcohol, flavour-forward alternative to traditional bar menus.
As the hospitality industry continues to recover and evolve, beverage programmes like this one are becoming a key tool for hotels to stand out. Sheraton Hyderabad's initiative demonstrates how a well-executed concept can enhance a property's local reputation and drive incremental revenue — a lesson for hoteliers and F&B directors across the region.
