Gins of the Week: Spiced Gins of India 🇮🇳
India’s gin game is on the rise, and if you haven’t explored it yet, you’re missing out! Distillers across the country are mixing traditional gin botanicals with bold Indian flavors—think fragrant spices, citrusy zest, and even Himalayan juniper. Whether you're a gin lover or just getting started, these five Indian gins are worth pouring into your glass.
Let’s dive in!
- Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin 🌿🍵
Flavor Profile: Smooth, balanced, and aromatic, with earthy notes from Darjeeling green tea, vetiver, and classic juniper.
Why Try It? This gin is like India in a bottle, offering a rich depth of flavors that make it perfect for sipping neat or mixing into a solid G&T. If you enjoy a well-rounded, botanical-forward gin, this one’s a must-try.
- Hapusa Himalayan Dry Gin 🏔️🌶️
Flavor Profile: Bold and earthy with a hint of spice, thanks to Himalayan juniper, turmeric, and cardamom. Expect a refreshingly piney taste with a warm, spicy kick.
Why Try It? This gin has a wild, untamed vibe that makes it stand out. If you love martinis or want to mix up something adventurous, Hapusa brings bold, distinct flavors to the table.
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Stranger & Sons Gin 🌶️🍊
Flavor Profile: Warm and spicy with black pepper, nutmeg, and a citrusy zing. It’s got a solid juniper backbone but with a fun, Indian-inspired twist.
Why Try It? This gin plays with your senses! It’s perfect for Negroni lovers or anyone who enjoys a punchy, complex G&T. If you want something with layers of spice and a lively citrus pop, this one’s for you.
- Pumori Gin 🌊🌿
Flavor Profile: Crisp, light, and floral, with Himalayan juniper and locally sourced botanicals. It’s smooth and refreshing from start to finish.
Why Try It? This gin is like a breath of fresh air—easygoing and perfect for warm evenings. Pair it with tonic and a wedge of lime for an effortlessly refreshing drink.
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Seqer Gin 🌿🥜
Flavor Profile: Herbaceous and creamy with a unique mix of cashew nuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, and rosemary. A subtle blend of spice and citrus with a smooth, lingering finish.
Why Try It? If you’re looking for something truly unique, Seqer is the gin for you. Crafted in Goa, it reflects the region’s spice markets and tropical flavors, making it a must-try for those who love bold and distinctive gins.
Which one will you try first?
Read about the story - Love Affair with Gin 🍸 👇
Story: India’s Unexpected Love Affair with Gin 🍸
It all started with necessity! Back in the days of the British Raj, malaria was a deadly threat, and quinine—an extremely bitter compound—was the only known remedy. British officers stationed in India found a way to make it more drinkable by mixing it with sugar, lime, water, and, of course, gin. Just like that, the gin and tonic was born—a cocktail that not only helped fight disease but also became a colonial favorite. While gin was originally brought in by the British, it didn’t take long for Indian botanicals like cardamom, black pepper, and Gondhoraj lime to subtly influence its flavors, laying the groundwork for a uniquely Indian take on gin.
Fast forward to today, and India has embraced gin in its own way. Once overshadowed by whisky and rum, gin is now having a massive renaissance, with local distillers crafting spirits that truly reflect the country’s diverse landscape. Goa has become India’s craft gin capital, home to innovative brands like Stranger & Sons and Seqer Gin, which incorporate native ingredients like cashew nuts, nutmeg, and turmeric. Then there’s Hapusa, made with wild juniper berries from the Himalayas, giving it a crisp, earthy punch unlike anything else in the world. These brands aren’t just making gin—they’re rewriting the story of what gin can be.
What makes Indian gin so exciting is its fearless experimentation. Traditional London Dry gins rely heavily on juniper, but Indian gins go further, using everything from Darjeeling tea to vetiver, bringing spices and botanicals into the spotlight like never before. And it’s not just the gin that’s evolving—tonic water brands are emerging too, crafting locally inspired mixers that enhance these flavors even more. From a colonial survival drink to a booming craft industry, gin has come full circle in India, proving that sometimes, history has a funny way of turning old habits into new obsessions. 🍸✨
NEXT, Check out the Masterclass on DIY Flavor Boost 🧪👇
Masterclass: DIY Flavor Boost 🧪
So, you’ve got a bottle of gin, but you want to give it a little something extra? Maybe a citrusy kick, a herbal twist, or a smooth tea-infused depth? The good news is, you can easily enhance your gin at home with just a few simple ingredients—no fancy equipment or weeks of waiting required!
Step 1: Pick Your Flavor
The key to a great infusion is choosing the right ingredients. Here are a few classic options:
🍋 Citrus peels (lemon, orange, grapefruit) – Adds a bright, zesty punch.
🌿 Herbs (basil, rosemary, thyme, mint) – Brings in freshness and depth.
🍵 Teas (Earl Grey, chamomile, green tea) – A unique twist with floral or smoky notes.
🌶 Spices (cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, peppercorns) – For a warm, spicy edge.
Step 2: Prep Your Ingredients
- Citrus: Peel the fruit, avoiding the bitter white pith.
- Herbs: Lightly bruise them to release their oils.
- Spices: Toast them briefly in a dry pan to bring out their aroma.
- Tea: Use 1–2 teaspoons of loose tea or a tea bag for a delicate infusion.
Step 3: Infuse Your Gin
Pour your gin into a clean glass jar or bottle.
Add your chosen ingredient(s)—start with a small amount; you can always add more!
Let it sit at room temperature to infuse.
⏳ How long to infuse?
- Herbs – 12 to 24 hours
- Fruits – 2 to 4 days
- Spices & Tea – 1 to 2 hours (tea infuses quickly, so don’t overdo it!)
Taste along the way to see when the flavors are just right!
Step 4: Strain & Store
Once you’re happy with the taste, strain out the solids using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Pour your newly flavored gin back into a bottle and store it as usual.
Step 5: Enjoy Your Creation!
Now it’s time to taste! Try it neat, mix it into a Gin & Tonic, or shake up a cocktail with your customized gin. Experimenting is the fun part, so mix and match flavors to find your signature infusion.
Final Tip: Start small—too much spice or citrus can overpower your gin. If in doubt, you can always add more later! Now, go grab your gin and get creative!
Checkout our Cocktail for the week Saffron Gin Fizz 👇
Cocktail for the week: Saffron Gin Fizz 💛
A luxurious Indian twist on the classic gin fizz, infused with saffron's rich aroma and warm spices for an elegant, golden-hued cocktail.
Ingredients:
- 50ml gin (preferably an Indian craft gin)
- 3-4 saffron strands (soaked in 10ml warm water for 5 minutes)
- 25ml fresh lime juice
- ½ tsp honey or jaggery syrup
- 1 egg white (optional, for a silky froth)
- 100ml soda water
- Ice cubes
- Garnish: A few saffron strands & an orange twist
Instructions:
- In a shaker, mix gin, saffron-infused water, lime juice, and honey/jaggery syrup.
- Add the egg white (if using) and dry shake (without ice) for 10 seconds.
- Add ice and shake again until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled glass and top with soda water.
- Garnish with a few saffron strands and an orange twist for a fragrant finish.
Why Try It? This cocktail is smooth, citrusy, and beautifully aromatic, with saffron adding a touch of luxury and spice. Perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress!
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