Indian craft gin surges in popularity

A pink gin infused with botanicals from Samsara, an Indian drinks company, turned Shruti Khanna, a Bengaluru advertising professional, into a fan last year. She savored its light, refreshing taste on March 29, 2025, sparking her love for a spirit now sweeping India’s young drinkers. Once tied to British colonial rule, gin is staging a bold comeback—crafted locally this time.

The shift reflects a growing thirst among Generation Z and millennials for innovative, homegrown spirits. Yangdup Lama, a Delhi mixologist and Sidecar bar owner, calls Indian gin “young and experimental,” fueling its rise in a vibrant cocktail scene. With craft distilleries popping up nationwide, the drink’s appeal lies in its versatility and distinctly Indian flavors.

Unlike its European past, today’s Indian gin thrives on regional ingredients and small-batch production. Samsara’s botanical blends cater to a lighter palate, drawing fans like Khanna who shun heavier drinks. Bars like Sidecar amplify this trend, mixing gin into cocktails that resonate with India’s diverse tastes.

This resurgence isn’t just a fad—it’s a cultural pivot. As India’s youth embrace the spirit, local makers are redefining gin’s legacy with optimism and flair, one sip at a time.