Gin has a unique and storied history in India, intertwined with the colonial era. The British East India Company played a pivotal role in introducing gin to the Indian subcontinent in the 18th century. To counteract the bitter taste of quinine, they mixed it with gin, creating a drink that became emblematic of British colonial life in India. Today finding the best gin brands in India can be confusing.
Gin’s popularity has surged in recent years, thanks to India’s burgeoning middle class and a growing appreciation for artisanal and craft spirits. To help you discover the best ones we have curated a list that you must check out:
Table of Contents
Understanding Gin: A Brief Overview
Gin is a distilled alcoholic beverage derived primarily from juniper berries. The spirit’s origins may be traced back to the Netherlands in the 17th century, when it was first made as a medicinal beverage known as “jenever.” During the Eighty Years’ War, British soldiers discovered jenever and carried it back to England, where it eventually evolved into what we today call gin.
Key Ingredients | Distillation Process
Gin is crafted using a variety of botanicals, with juniper berries being the essential ingredient. Other common botanicals include coriander seeds, angelica root, citrus peels, and various herbs and spices, which contribute to the spirit’s complex flavor profile.
The distillation process involves several steps:
- Maceration: The botanicals are steeped in a base spirit, typically a neutral grain alcohol, to extract their flavors.
- Distillation: The macerated mixture is then distilled, usually in a pot still. During this process, the alcohol vapors pass through the botanicals, capturing their aromatic compounds.
- Cutting: The distillate is separated into three parts: the heads, hearts, and tails. Only the “hearts” are used to ensure the highest quality spirit.
- Dilution and Bottling: The distilled gin is diluted with water to the desired alcohol content and then bottled for consumption.
Modern gin distilleries may use different techniques, such as vapor infusion, where the botanicals are placed in a basket within the still and the alcohol vapors pass through them, or cold compounding, where the flavors are added to the spirit without redistillation. These methods allow for a wide range of flavor profiles, contributing to gin’s versatility and appeal.
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Criteria for Selecting The Best Gin Brands
Factors Considered for Ranking the Best Gin Brands in India
When ranking the best gin brands in India, several key factors are considered:
- Taste: The overall flavor profile, balance of botanicals, and smoothness of the gin.
- Quality: The purity of the base spirit, quality of botanicals, and consistency of production.
- Innovation: Unique approaches to botanicals, distillation methods, and packaging.
- Brand Reputation: The brand’s history, awards, and recognition in the industry.
- Consumer Feedback: Reviews and ratings from gin enthusiasts and experts.
Taste, quality, and innovation are crucial in the selection process because they directly impact the consumer experience. A gin with a well-balanced and distinctive flavor profile, crafted with high-quality ingredients, stands out in a competitive market. Innovation keeps the brand relevant and exciting, attracting both new and seasoned gin drinkers.
Best Gin Brands in India
Below is a consolidated and compiled list of the best gin brands in India:
1. Bombay Sapphire
Bombay Sapphire, one of the most iconic gin brands globally, traces its roots back to 1761. The brand as it is known today was launched in 1987 by IDV (International Distillers & Vintners) and later acquired by Bacardi. The name and packaging were inspired by the Star of Bombay, a famous sapphire from Sri Lanka, reflecting the brand’s heritage and connection to the British colonial era in India.
Unique Botanical Blend and Flavor Profile
Bombay Sapphire is renowned for its unique botanical blend, which includes ten carefully selected botanicals from around the world:
- Juniper Berries
- Lemon Peel
- Coriander
- Angelica Root
- Orris Root
- Grains of Paradise
- Cubeb Berries
- Cassia Bark
- Almonds
- Liquorice
These botanicals are vapor-infused, a process where the botanicals are placed in perforated copper baskets, and the alcohol vapors pass through them, capturing their flavors. This method results in a smooth and balanced gin with a complex flavor profile, featuring a harmonious blend of citrus, floral, and spice notes.
Cocktail Recommendations and Serving Suggestions
Bombay Sapphire’s versatility makes it an excellent choice for a variety of cocktails. Few recommendations include:
1. Classic Gin & Tonic
Requirements:
- 50ml Bombay Sapphire
- 100ml premium tonic water
- Garnish with a wedge of lime and a few juniper berries
2. Bombay Sapphire Martini
Requirements:
- 60ml Bombay Sapphire
- 10ml dry vermouth
- Stir with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass
- Garnish with a lemon twist or olive
3. Negroni
Requirements:
- 30ml Bombay Sapphire
- 30ml Campari
- 30ml sweet vermouth
- Stir with ice and strain into a glass with a large ice cube
- Garnish with an orange peel
5. Tom Collins
Requirements:
- 50ml Bombay Sapphire
- 25ml fresh lemon juice
- 15ml simple syrup
- Top with soda water
- Serve in a tall glass with ice and garnish with a lemon slice and cherry
These cocktails highlight Bombay Sapphire’s balanced botanical blend, making it a favorite among gin enthusiasts and mixologists alike.
2. Hendrick’s Gin
Hendrick’s Gin is known for its distinctive characteristics that set it apart from other gins. Launched in 1999 by William Grant & Sons, Hendrick’s Gin is distilled in Scotland and is celebrated for its unique infusion process and unusual flavor profile.
Hendrick’s Gin stands out due to its infusion of cucumber and Bulgarian rose petals, which are added post-distillation. This creates a refreshing, floral, and slightly sweet profile, balanced with traditional gin botanicals like juniper, coriander, and citrus peels. The result is a gin that is both aromatic and smooth, with a delicate complexity.
Pairing Suggestions and Mixology Tips
Hendrick’s Gin pairs wonderfully with lighter, more aromatic mixers and garnishes that complement its unique botanicals. Some of the mixology tips and pairing suggestions include:
1. Hendrick’s Gin & Tonic
Requirements:
- 50ml Hendrick’s Gin
- 150ml tonic water
- Garnish with cucumber slices and a twist of lime
2. Cucumber Martini
Requirements:
- 60ml Hendrick’s Gin
- 10ml dry vermouth
- Shake with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass
- Garnish with a slice of cucumber
3. Hendrick’s Mule
Requirements:
- 50ml Hendrick’s Gin
- 150ml ginger beer
- Squeeze of fresh lime juice
- Serve in a copper mug with ice
- Garnish with a cucumber ribbon
3. Monkey 47
Monkey 47 is a premium gin produced in the Black Forest region of Germany. Introduced in 2010, it was created by Montgomery Collins, a British expatriate who settled in Germany after World War II. The “47” in its name refers to both the number of botanicals used and the gin’s alcohol content of 47%.
Composition
Monkey 47 boasts an extraordinarily complex botanical composition, featuring 47 different botanicals. This includes traditional ingredients like juniper, as well as unusual additions such as lingonberries, elderflower, acacia flowers, spruce shoots, and bramble leaves. This intricate blend results in a rich, layered flavor profile with floral, fruity, and herbal notes.
Cocktail Recipes Featuring Monkey 47
Given its complexity, Monkey 47 is best showcased in cocktails that allow its diverse flavors to shine:
1. Monkey 47 Gin & Tonic
- 50ml Monkey 47
- 150ml premium tonic water
- Garnish with a slice of grapefruit and a sprig of rosemary
2. Black Forest Negroni
- 30ml Monkey 47
- 30ml Campari
- 30ml sweet vermouth
- Stir with ice and strain into a glass with a large ice cube
- Garnish with an orange peel
3. Monkey 47 Martini
- 60ml Monkey 47
- 10ml dry vermouth
- Stir with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass
- Garnish with a twist of lemon
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4. Tanqueray
Tanqueray Gin has a rich legacy, dating back to its creation by Charles Tanqueray in 1830. This London Dry Gin has become a benchmark for quality and consistency in the gin world.
Tanqueray is celebrated for its classic London Dry style, featuring a straightforward yet elegant flavor profile dominated by juniper, with subtle notes of angelica root, coriander, and liquorice.
Signature Cocktails and Recommended Garnishes
Tanqueray’s robust juniper-forward profile makes it ideal for a variety of classic gin cocktails. Some of the signature cocktails and garnishes include:
1. Tanqueray & Tonic
- 50ml Tanqueray
- 150ml tonic water
- Garnish with a lime wedge
2. Tanqueray Martini
- 60ml Tanqueray
- 10ml dry vermouth
- Stir with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass
- Garnish with a lemon twist or olive
3. Tanqueray Negroni
- 30ml Tanqueray
- 30ml Campari
- 30ml sweet vermouth
- Stir with ice and strain into a glass with a large ice cube
- Garnish with an orange peel
5. Brooklyn Gin
Brooklyn Gin is crafted in New York using an artisanal approach that emphasizes quality and craftsmanship. The gin is produced in small batches, ensuring meticulous attention to detail in every step of the process. This hands-on approach results in a distinctive and premium product.
One of the hallmarks of Brooklyn Gin is its use of fresh citrus peels, which are hand-cut just before distillation to ensure vibrant, lively flavors. Additionally, the juniper berries are hand-cracked to release their full aroma and essential oils, contributing to the gin’s robust and aromatic profile.
Ideal Cocktail Pairings and Garnishes
Brooklyn Gin’s fresh and citrus-forward profile makes it ideal for a variety of cocktails like:
1. Brooklyn Gin & Tonic
- 50ml Brooklyn Gin
- 150ml premium tonic water
- Garnish with a slice of grapefruit and a sprig of rosemary
2. Brooklyn Martini
- 60ml Brooklyn Gin
- 10ml dry vermouth
- Shake with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass
- Garnish with a twist of lemon
3. Brooklyn Bramble
- 50ml Brooklyn Gin
- 25ml fresh lemon juice
- 15ml simple syrup
- 15ml blackberry liqueur
- Shake the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice, strain into a glass with crushed ice, and drizzle blackberry liqueur on top
- Garnish with fresh blackberries and a lemon wheel
6. Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin
Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin is a premium gin produced in India by Radico Khaitan. Named after the historic city of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, this gin embodies the spirit and grandeur of India’s rich heritage.
Jaisalmer Gin combines traditional gin elements with a unique fusion of Indian botanicals. It includes hand-picked botanicals such as coriander, vetiver, sweet orange peel, cubeb pepper berries, lemongrass, and Darjeeling green tea. This blend creates a complex and aromatic gin with a distinctive Indian twist.
Innovative Cocktail Recipes Inspired by Indian Flavors
To highlight Jaisalmer Gin’s unique botanical blend, here are some innovative cocktail recipes:
1. Jaisalmer Gin & Tonic
- 50ml Jaisalmer Gin
- 150ml premium tonic water
- Garnish with a slice of orange and a sprig of mint
2. Indian Summer
- 50ml Jaisalmer Gin
- 25ml fresh lime juice
- 20ml honey syrup
- 5-6 fresh mint leaves
- Muddle mint leaves with lime juice and honey syrup, add gin and ice, shake well, and strain into a chilled glass
- Garnish with a mint sprig
3. Spiced Negroni
- 30ml Jaisalmer Gin
- 30ml Campari
- 30ml sweet vermouth
- Stir with ice and strain into a glass with a large ice cube
- Garnish with a slice of star anise and an orange twist
7. Greater Than
Greater Than Gin, produced by Nao Spirits in India, is known for being the first craft gin made in India. It boasts a juniper-forward taste with a modern twist, incorporating a blend of nine botanicals, including coriander seeds, angelica root, and fresh ginger.
Greater Than stands out for its bold juniper flavor, complemented by a balance of citrus and spice notes. This classic yet contemporary taste profile makes it versatile for various cocktails.
Cocktail Creations to Enhance the Greater Than Experience
Some of the cocktail ideas that enhance the distinctive flavors of Greater Than Gin are:
1. Greater Than Gin & Tonic
- 50ml Greater Than Gin
- 150ml premium tonic water
- Garnish with a wedge of lime and a few juniper berries
2. Greater Than Gimlet
- 60ml Greater Than Gin
- 30ml fresh lime juice
- 20ml simple syrup
- Shake with ice and strain into a chilled glass
- Garnish with a lime wheel
3. Ginger Spice
- 50ml Greater Than Gin
- 20ml ginger syrup
- 25ml fresh lemon juice
- Shake with ice and strain into a glass with ice
- Garnish with a slice of fresh ginger and a sprig of thyme
8. Samsara
Samsara Gin is another premium Indian gin, known for its blend of exotic botanicals and fragrant spices. Crafted with precision, it offers a complex and aromatic experience.
Samsara Gin includes a variety of botanicals such as vetiver, cardamom, nutmeg, and pepper, alongside traditional gin elements like juniper and citrus peels. This blend creates a spicy and aromatic profile that is distinctly Indian.
Fusion Cocktails to Complement Samsara’s Flavor Profile
To complement Samsara’s unique flavor profile, these are some fusion cocktail ideas:
1. Samsara Gin & Tonic
- 50ml Samsara Gin
- 150ml premium tonic water
- Garnish with a slice of green apple and a cinnamon stick
2. Spiced Martini
- 60ml Samsara Gin
- 10ml dry vermouth
- Shake with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass
- Garnish with a star anise and a twist of orange
3. Cardamom Collins
- 50ml Samsara Gin
- 25ml fresh lemon juice
- 15ml cardamom syrup
- Top with soda water
- Serve in a tall glass with ice and garnish with a lemon slice and crushed cardamom pods
9. Hapusa Himalayan Dry Gin
Hapusa, meaning “juniper” in Sanskrit, is a premium Indian gin from Nao Spirits. This gin uniquely incorporates Himalayan juniper berries, offering a true taste of India’s natural bounty.
Hapusa uses wild juniper berries from the Himalayas, which provide a rich and earthy flavor. Combined with other local botanicals like turmeric, mango, and gondhoraj lime, Hapusa offers a distinctive and robust gin experience.
Pairing Suggestions with Indian Cuisine
Hapusa’s bold flavors pair well with Indian cuisine. some of the common cocktail pairings include:
1. Hapusa Gin & Tonic
- 50ml Hapusa Gin
- 150ml premium tonic water
- Garnish with a slice of mango and a sprig of basil
2. Himalayan Mule
- 50ml Hapusa Gin
- 150ml ginger beer
- Squeeze of fresh lime juice
- Serve in a copper mug with ice
- Garnish with a lime wedge and a piece of fresh ginger
3. Turmeric Twist
- 50ml Hapusa Gin
- 25ml fresh lemon juice
- 15ml turmeric syrup
- Shake with ice and strain into a chilled glass
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and a turmeric root slice
10. Stranger & Sons
Stranger & Sons Gin, produced in Goa, India, is celebrated for its blend of Indian botanicals and contemporary distillation techniques. This gin has quickly gained a reputation for its innovative and high-quality approach.
Stranger & Sons uses a mix of traditional and local botanicals, including black pepper, nutmeg, mace, coriander, and a citrus blend, creating a complex and balanced gin with a contemporary twist.
Cocktail Recipes That Showcase the Essence of Stranger & Sons
Below mentioned are some cocktail recipes that highlight the essence of Stranger & Sons Gin:
1. Stranger & Sons Gin & Tonic
- 50ml Stranger & Sons Gin
- 150ml premium tonic water
- Garnish with a slice of orange and a few black peppercorns
2. Spicy Gimlet
- 60ml Stranger & Sons Gin
- 30ml fresh lime juice
- 20ml simple syrup
- Shake with ice and strain into a chilled glass
- Garnish with a lime wheel and a sprinkle of black pepper
3. Coriander Cooler
- 50ml Stranger & Sons Gin
- 25ml fresh lemon juice
- 15ml coriander syrup
- Top with soda water
- Serve in a tall glass with ice and garnish with a lemon slice and fresh coriander leaves
These cocktails and pairing suggestions highlight the unique characteristics of each gin, showcasing their versatility and enhancing their distinctive botanical profiles.
The Rise of Gin Culture in India
India’s gin culture is experiencing a remarkable transformation, largely driven by the emergence of craft gin distilleries. These distilleries are tapping into the rich tapestry of Indian botanicals, creating unique gin expressions that cater to both domestic and international markets. Some notable Indian craft gin brands include:
- Greater Than: Launched by Nao Spirits in 2017, Greater Than is India’s first craft gin. It features a mix of traditional botanicals like juniper and coriander with local flavors such as ginger and lemongrass.
- Hapusa: Also from Nao Spirits, Hapusa uses Himalayan juniper and other indigenous botanicals to create a distinctly Indian gin.
- Stranger & Sons: A Goan gin that incorporates Indian botanicals like pepper, nutmeg, and mace, reflecting India’s diverse spice heritage.
These distilleries emphasize small-batch production, quality ingredients, and innovative distillation techniques, positioning India as a rising star in the global gin landscape.
Influence of Global Trends on Indian Gin Consumption
Global trends have significantly influenced gin consumption in India. The craft spirits movement, with its focus on quality and artisanal production, has resonated with Indian consumers. Additionally, the rise of mixology and cocktail culture has elevated gin’s status as a versatile and sophisticated spirit. International gin brands entering the Indian market and collaborations between Indian and global distilleries have also contributed to the growing interest in gin.
What Made Gin Popular In India Again?
Post-independence, gin consumption in India saw a decline as whisky and rum became more popular among Indian consumers. The resurgence of gin in India can be attributed to several factors:
- Craft and Artisanal Movements: Indian consumers have developed a taste for premium and craft gins, spurred by global trends and local distilleries producing high-quality gin with unique botanicals.
- Cocktail Culture: The rise of modern cocktail bars and mixologists has fueled interest in gin as a versatile spirit, suitable for a variety of innovative cocktails.
- Local Distilleries: New Indian gin brands are emerging, such as Greater Than and Hapusa, which use indigenous botanicals and cater to both domestic and international markets.
- Health-Conscious Consumers: The perception of gin as a ‘lighter’ spirit compared to whisky or rum appeals to health-conscious consumers looking for lower-calorie drink options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some interesting FAQs on the best gin brands in India:
Some of the best gin brands available in India include:
- Greater Than: Known for its bold flavors and premium quality, Greater Than is a popular choice among gin enthusiasts in India.
- Hapusa: This craft gin is made using Indian botanicals like juniper berries sourced from the Himalayas, giving it a unique and refreshing taste.
- Stranger & Sons: With a blend of nine botanicals, including Indian citrus peels and black pepper, Stranger & Sons offers a complex and aromatic gin experience.
- Samsara: Made with a blend of traditional and exotic botanicals, Samsara gin boasts a smooth and balanced flavor profile, making it a favorite among gin connoisseurs.
The best gin brands in India are available at select liquor stores, premium bars, and online platforms. You can check with specialty liquor stores in your area or visit online liquor retailers to purchase these brands.
Additionally, some brands may have their own websites where you can directly order their products.
Indian gin brands often incorporate locally sourced botanicals and spices, giving them a distinct flavor profile that reflects the rich diversity of India’s flora.
From Himalayan juniper berries to Indian citrus peels and spices, these botanicals contribute to the unique taste and aroma of Indian gin brands.
Moreover, many Indian gin distillers emphasize quality craftsmanship and innovation, resulting in premium spirits that stand out in the global market.
Yes, Indian gin brands are well-suited for crafting a wide range of cocktails. Whether you prefer classic cocktails like gin and tonic or innovative creations, Indian gin brands offer versatility and depth of flavor that enhance cocktail experiences.
With their unique botanical profiles, Indian gins can add an exciting twist to traditional cocktail recipes, making them perfect for both amateur mixologists and seasoned bartenders alike.
While international gin brands have long dominated the market, Indian gin brands have been gaining recognition for their quality and innovation in recent years.
Indian gin brands often showcase a distinctive flavor profile influenced by locally sourced botanicals, setting them apart from their international counterparts.
Moreover, the craftsmanship and attention to detail exhibited by Indian gin distillers have earned them acclaim on the global stage, making Indian gins a worthy contender in the world of spirits.
Conclusion
These were some of the best gin brands in India. Gin appreciation is an art that invites exploration and experimentation. Each brand offers a unique story and flavor profile, encouraging enthusiasts to venture beyond the familiar and discover new favorites. Whether you prefer classic London dry gins, locally inspired creations, or innovative blends, the world of gin provides endless opportunities to refine your palate and elevate your drinking experience.
So, pour yourself a glass, try different garnishes, experiment with various mixers, and most importantly, enjoy the journey of discovering the nuanced world of gin.
Cheers to the spirit of exploration and the joy of finding the perfect gin!
