World Gin Day, celebrated on the second Saturday of June, is the perfect reason to explore the exciting world of Indian craft gin. Over the past few years, India has quietly built a strong presence in the global gin scene—thanks to homegrown brands blending traditional distilling methods with local flavors and botanicals like tulsi, turmeric, raw mango, Gondhoraj lime, and Himalayan juniper.
These Indian gins don’t just offer a refreshing drink; they tell stories of the land, culture, and biodiversity of the country. From floral and fruity to bold and spicy, here are eight Indian gin brands you must try this Gin Day:
Top 8 Indian Gins You Should Try
1. Greater Than (Goa)
India’s first craft gin. Clean, crisp, and easy to sip. Perfect for beginners. Affordable and great for classic G&Ts.
2. Hapusa (Goa)
A luxurious Himalayan gin made with wild juniper, turmeric, and raw mango. Earthy, bold, and ideal for sipping or martinis.
3. Samsara (Maharashtra)
Smooth and floral with a touch of spice. Made using rose petals, cardamom, vetiver. Beautifully balanced and eco-conscious.
4. Stranger & Sons (Goa)
Spicy, zesty, and full of personality. Packed with Indian botanicals like pepper and Gondhoraj lime. Loved by mixologists worldwide.
5. Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin (Rajasthan)
Inspired by royal India. Rich and warm with ingredients like Darjeeling tea and vetiver. Distilled in copper pots, perfect for elegant gifting.
6. Terai (Rajasthan/Uttar Pradesh)
Smooth, fresh, and herbaceous. Uses tulsi, fennel, and coriander. Designed for those who enjoy mild and garden-like flavors.
7. Jin Jiji (Goa)
A gin inspired by India’s tea heritage. Infused with Darjeeling tea, black pepper, and cashew nut. Earthy, peppery, and great in tea-based cocktails.
8. Pumori (Maharashtra)
Crafted in small batches using Himalayan botanicals. Sweet, woody, and balanced. A comforting gin that’s perfect for winter cocktails.
Easy Gin Cocktails to Try
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Masala G&T – Add a pinch of chaat masala and cucumber slice
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Spicy Negroni – Use Stranger & Sons for a bold twist
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Gin Smash – Samsara with lemon and mint
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Himalayan Martini – Hapusa with dry vermouth and lime
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Tea Time Tonic – Jin Jiji with tonic and a Darjeeling tea bag
Picking the Right Gin for You
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New to gin? Try Greater Than or Terai
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Love spices? Go for Stranger & Sons or Jin Jiji
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Prefer floral notes? Choose Samsara or Pumori
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Enjoy earthy profiles? Sip Hapusa or Jaisalmer
Pair lighter gins with sushi or salads, and spiced ones with kebabs or Indian street food.
Final Cheers!
This World Gin Day, explore the magic of Indian gins. Each bottle supports local craftsmanship and offers a flavorful experience that’s uniquely Indian. Whether you’re mixing cocktails or just enjoying a classic G&T, there’s an Indian gin perfect for your taste. So drink mindfully, enjoy responsibly, and toast to the creativity of India’s growing craft spirit scene. Cheers to sipping local!
