6 Best Indian Gins That Deserve a Spot in Your Bar
Best Indian gins” is the exact phrase I typed into Google at 11 pm on a Friday, standing in front of a liquor store shelf in Goa that had somehow gone from two dusty bottles of imported gin to an entire wall of Indian labels I didn’t recognize.I’d heard my bartender friends rave about Indian […]
Best Indian gins” is the exact phrase I typed into Google at 11 pm on a Friday, standing in front of a liquor store shelf in Goa that had somehow gone from two dusty bottles of imported gin to an entire wall of Indian labels I didn’t recognize.
I’d heard my bartender friends rave about Indian craft gin for two years and kept nodding along like I understood the difference between a “London Dry style” and whatever was in my usual bottle.
That night, I finally bought four different bottles, took them home, and spent the next three weekends doing the one kind of research I never get tired of.
This isn’t a copy-paste “top 10” list. I actually tasted these, mixed them into G&Ts with different tonics, and checked prices across three cities before writing a single word.
If you’re hunting for the best Indian gins to stock your bar cart in 2026, this guide covers exactly that: six bottles, real prices, and which one actually deserves your money, depending on your budget and your palate.
Why Indian Craft Gin Is Having a Moment
Five years ago, this shelf didn’t exist. Today, India is the world’s second-largest gin market by volume, with consumption crossing 102 million liters in 2024, just behind the United States.
The Indian gin market itself is valued at roughly USD 550–630 million and is projected to keep growing at a steady 4–7.6% CAGR through the early 2030s, driven almost entirely by premiumization and a wave of craft distilleries using Indian botanicals instead of copying London Dry recipes line for line.
That’s the real story here. Brands are steeping their gins in gondhoraj lime, Himalayan juniper, turmeric, cardamom, and vetiver instead of importing a foreign flavor profile. The result is a category of gin that doesn’t taste like anywhere else in the world, which is exactly why I got obsessed with it.
6 Best Indian Gins
India’s craft gin revolution is redefining premium spirits with locally sourced botanicals, bold flavors, and award-winning craftsmanship.
Whether you enjoy classic G&Ts or creative cocktails, these six exceptional Indian gins deserve a place in your home bar and should be on every gin lover’s must-try list.
1. Greater Than: Best All-Rounder
If you are only going to purchase a single bottle from this list of the best Indian gins, then I could readily recommend Greater Than Gin. Nao Spirits makes it in Goa and is one of the first names to get India’s craft gin scene off the ground.
Even today, its consistent quality, smooth taste, and low price have made it one of the most trusted and loved Indian craft gin brands in the country.
In contrast to the myriad of boutique gins that utilize quirky botanicals or avant-garde flavors, Greater Than remains firmly rooted in the London Dry tradition.
Providing a clean juniper-forward flavor paired with fresh Indian citrus and coriander, it’s smooth and easy to drink whether or not you’ve been a gin lover forever.
Why It Stands Out
- One of the first and best-loved craft gins in India
- Produced by Goa-based Nao Spirits
- An Ancient Style of London Dry with Botanicals from India
- Smooth, clean, and well-balanced flavor
- Excellent value for money
- Easy to find across India
- Great for cocktails or even just a plain G&T
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Bright citrus and fresh, green juniper with delicate coriander.
- Palate: Crisp, refreshing & evenly balanced with soft spice.
- Complete: Clean, dry, and silky with no hot alcoholic burn!
Price
₹1,500–₹2,000 (750 ml, varies by state)
Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
42.8%
Best Gin for Gin and Tonic in India
If you’re looking for the best gin for gin and tonic in India, Greater Than is one of the easiest recommendations. Its classic flavor profile pairs beautifully with tonic water without overpowering the drink.
Perfect Serve
- 60 ml Greater Than Gin
- Premium Indian tonic or classic tonic water
- Plenty of ice
- Garnish with a fresh lime wedge or a slice of orange
My Opinion
After trying several Indian gin brands to try, I still find myself coming back to Greater Than. It doesn’t rely on flashy packaging or unusual botanicals to impress. Instead, it focuses on doing the basics exceptionally well. The juniper remains the hero, while the citrus adds just the right amount of freshness.
2. Stranger & Sons: Best for Impressing Guests
For example, until you try out what might be one of the best Indian gins (which will always be Stranger & Sons), one of the best Indian craft gin brands, this award-winning spirit is an offering from Third Eye Distillery in Goa.
Multi-international gold medal winner at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) and appears year on year on global lists of the world’s best gins.
The thing about Stranger & Sons that’s different is its unabashed Indian use of botanicals. Rather than following a classic London Dry profile, it embraces Indian flavours with ingredients ranging from gondhoraj lime to mango, black pepper and coriander based along with many
Why It Stands Out
- The first craft gin of the most awarded Indian Gin internationally
- From the house of Third Eye Distillery, Goa
- Gold Medal IWSC Winner
- Made with unique Indian botanicals
- Strong citrus flavour, with a spicy aftertaste
- One of the global bartenders’ and gin lovers’ top favourites
Tasting Notes
- Palate: Lively gondhoraj lime with floral citrus, fresh herb & a hint of spice.
- Palate: Fresh, zingy citrus and ripe mango notes with a hint of coriander and black pepper.
- Finish: Soft, refreshing, and here’s the kicker: a pleasantly lingering warm peppery spice.
Price
Cost: ₹2,000–₹3,000 (750 ml, state permitting)
Style
Forward with citrus, gondhoraj lime, mango, black pepper, and coriander
The Top Gin for National Tonic Day in India
Stranger & Sons is definitely one of the finest gins available in India, if you love a refreshing but also bold G&T. The bold citrus flavors sit perfectly against premium tonic water.
Perfect Serve
- 60 ml Stranger & Sons Gin
- Premium tonic water
- Plenty of ice
- Top with a sliver of fresh ginger and a light sprinkle of pepper
My Opinion
Stranger & Sons is by far the most interesting Indian gin to try; this is my recommendation from all the Indian gin brands. The traditional gondhoraj lime gives it a perfumed, floral scent that standard lime simply cannot provide.
3. Hapusa: Best for Gin Purists
Convinced they were the best gins in India, if you want something that tastes like nothing else, where to buy it and for the far more floral inspired bottle which should be on every bartender’s back shelf, while Greater Than is indeed life!
Greater Than keeps with a traditional London Dry style whilst Hapusa showcases the beautiful botanicals of India found in the Himalayas, so felt this was one of the more special (and best) craft Indian gin brands currently around.
Hapusa, which comes from the Sanskrit for juniper, with this gin working around that. The distilleries, instead of imported juniper, the spirit is made using wild-foraged Himalayan juniper berries which gives the spirit an earthy and resinous scent with a heavily aromatic earthiness.
These are then inspired with a few Indian botanicals such as turmeric, cardamom, gondhoraj lime, raw mango and coriander
why It Stands Out
- One of the finest Indian gins to experience
- Crafted by Goa-based Nao Spirits
- Made with wild-foraged Himalayan juniper
- Showcases only Indian botanicals such as turmeric, cardamom, gondhoraj lime and raw mango
- A recipe of rich, earthy, and botanical-inspired flavors
- Ideal for sipping neat or making a classy Gin & Tonic
It has been a well-liked one, particularly for gin lovers as well as craft spirit drinkers
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Herbal spices and citrus zest with fresh Himalayan juniper and subtle earthy notes.
Palate: Big juniper, warming cardamom, subdued baking spices of turmeric, touch of raw mango, and flowery gondhoraj lime.
Finish: Long, silky-smooth, earthy, and freaking aromatic with lingering botanical complexity.
Price
₹2,500–₹3,500 (750 ml, state-dependent)
Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
43%
Style
- Earthy, botanical-forward Himalayan Dry Gin
- The Ultimate List of the Best Gin for G&Tonics in India
If you like delicious botanical-driven cocktails, you can easily rank Hapusa among the best gins in India for gin and tonic. Its powerful flavors beg for a quality tonic, and don’t get lost in it.
- Perfect Serve
- Hapusa Himalayan Dry Gin 60 ml
- Premium tonic water
- Plenty of ice
Garnish the cocktail with a fresh sprig of rosemary and an orange peel strip
My Opinion
All the Indian gin brands are worth a try, but Hapusa is the most authentic and unforgettable. Even on the first sip, you can tell how good the Himalayan juniper is, bringing a depth that very few other gins could deliver.
The use of Indian botanicals creates a taste that is warm, aromatic, and strays from the traditional London Dry gin.
4. Jaisalmer: Best Widely Available Option
Optimal Indian gins that achieve a wonderful crossing of superior quality and accessibility.
Created by Radico Khaitan, one of the largest and most reputable spirit companies in India — Jaisalmer has become one of the most known and best Indian craft gin brands that is available both in India and abroad.
One of the big advantages of Jaisalmer over many smaller craft distilleries that are only available in a few select cities is its strong distribution channel.
The gin is sold in more than 20 Indian states and exported to over 50 countries which makes it one of the most easily available brands of Indian gin that you can get both in India as well as abroad
Why It Stands out
- Manufactured by Radico Khaitan, one of India’s oldest spirits companies that deals in the premium segment
- Across 20+ Indian States & 50+ Countries
- Crafted with 11 high-quality botanicals inspired by Rajasthan
- Smooth and approachable flavor profile
- Suited to cocktails, gin & tonics, and all-day drinking
- Comes in two versions, including Classic and Gold Edition
Tasting Notes
Nose: Bright Juniper up front, Light Citrus, herbal spices, and a touch of floral (hello?).
Mouth: Gentle on the palate, crisp juniper, cool Darjeeling green tea, earthy vetiver, gentle citrus & easy spice.
Finish: Soft, clean, and slightly sweet with a delicate finish of botanicals.
Price
- Jaisalmer Classic: ₹2,200–₹3,000 (750 ml)
- Jaisalmer Gold Edition Price in India: ₹4,000–₹7,000 (500 ml)
(Prices vary by state.)
Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
43%
Style
Rajasthan-inspired ingredients for a smooth, slightly sweet, and floral-forward taste.
Top Gins for Gin and Tonics in India
Jaisalmer is a great choice if you are looking for the best gin in India for a gin and tonic. The fine balance of botanicals marries beautifully with high-quality tonic water without saturating the mouth.
Perfect Serve
- 60 ml Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin
- Premium tonic water
- Plenty of ice
Serve with a wedge of fresh pink grapefruit for a seasonal citrussy touch
My Opinion
From all the Indian gin brands to taste, Jaisalmer is probably one of the most consistent selections. My favorite thing about it is its consistency; unlike the craftiest of limited-production gins, you can find it in most every liquor store in India. It’s smooth, clean, and
5. Samsara: Best for Experimenting
If you’re looking beyond the popular names and want to discover one of the most exciting Indian gin brands to try, Samsara Gin deserves a place on your list.
Founded by Aditya Aggarwal, Riddhi Aggarwal, and Jai Prakash Chopra, Samsara has quickly built a reputation as one of the best Indian craft gin brands thanks to its creative approach to distilling and its use of carefully selected Indian botanicals.
While Samsara follows the traditional London Dry Gin method, it isn’t afraid to experiment with bold and innovative expressions. Along with its flagship gin, the brand also produces limited-edition variants like its beautifully crafted Pink Gin, infused with wild roses for a delicate floral character.
This balance of classic craftsmanship and modern creativity makes Samsara one of the most interesting and best Indian gins available today.
Why It Stands Out
- One of the fastest-growing best Indian craft gin brands
- Founded by Aditya Aggarwal, Riddhi Aggarwal, and Jai Prakash Chopra
- Crafted using the traditional London Dry distillation method
- Distilled with 11 carefully selected botanicals
- Features Indian ingredients like green cardamom, rose petals, and vetiver grass
- Available in innovative variants, including a floral Pink Gin
- Ideal for premium cocktails and refreshing Gin & Tonics
Tasting Notes
- Aroma: Fresh juniper with delicate rose petals, citrus zest, and herbal spices.
- Palate: Smooth floral notes balanced by green cardamom, coriander, and subtle earthy vetiver.
- Finish: Clean, aromatic, and long-lasting with a refreshing botanical sweetness.
Price
₹1,800–₹2,500 (750 ml, depending on the state)
Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
42–43%
Style
London Dry Gin with 11 botanicals, including green cardamom, rose petals, and vetiver grass.
Best Gin for Gin and Tonic in India
If you enjoy floral and refreshing cocktails, Samsara is easily one of the best gin for gin and tonic in India. Its botanical profile pairs perfectly with a light tonic, allowing the floral notes to shine.
Perfect Serve
- 60 ml Samsara Gin
- Light premium tonic water
- Plenty of ice
- Garnish with a fresh rose petal or a thin slice of grapefruit for an elegant finish
My Opinion
Among all the Indian gin brands to try, Samsara stands out because it offers something different from the usual juniper-forward gins. I love how it combines traditional London Dry techniques with modern Indian botanicals to create a spirit that’s fresh, floral, and incredibly smooth.
6. Terai: Best Grain-to-Glass Story
If you enjoy a traditional London Dry gin with a modern Indian twist, Terai Craft Gin is one of the best Indian gins worth adding to your collection.
Produced by the India Craft Spirit Company, a family-owned business with four generations of distilling experience, Terai combines time-honored craftsmanship with locally sourced ingredients to create a premium craft gin that stands out in India’s growing spirits market.
Unlike many brands that outsource parts of their production, Terai follows a true grain-to-glass philosophy. The gin is distilled in traditional copper pot stills at the company’s own distillery in Rajasthan, giving the makers complete control over every stage of production, from selecting the grains and botanicals to the final bottling.
This dedication to quality has helped Terai establish itself as one of the most promising and best Indian craft gin brands available today.
Why It Stands Out
- One of the most authentic Indian gin brands to try
- Produced by the India Craft Spirit Company with over four generations of distilling expertise
- Distilled in traditional Carl copper pot stills
- True grain-to-glass production with complete control over the distillation process
- Crafted at the company’s own distillery in Rajasthan
- Classic London Dry style with carefully selected Indian botanicals
- Also available in innovative expressions like Litchi & Mulberries
Tasting Notes
- Aroma: Fresh juniper, citrus zest, delicate herbs, and subtle floral notes.
- Palate: Smooth juniper balanced with coriander, regional botanicals, gentle spice, and refreshing citrus.
- Finish: Crisp, clean, and dry with a lingering botanical freshness.
Price
₹1,600–₹2,200 (750 ml, depending on the state)
Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
42%
Style
Classic London Dry Gin with regional Indian botanical influences.
Best Gin for Gin and Tonic in India
If you prefer a crisp, refreshing, and traditional G&T, Terai is one of the best gin for gin and tonic in India. Its balanced botanical profile lets the classic juniper flavor shine while the Indian botanicals add subtle complexity.
Perfect Serve
- 60 ml Terai Craft Gin
- Premium tonic water
- Plenty of ice
- Garnish with a fresh lemon wheel to highlight the botanicals without overpowering the gin
My Opinion
Among all the Indian gin brands to try, Terai impresses me because of its commitment to quality and craftsmanship. I really appreciate that the brand controls the entire production process instead of relying on third-party distilleries. That attention to detail is reflected in every sip.
Quick Comparison Table
| Gin | Price Range | ABV | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greater Than | ₹1,500–₹2,000 | 42.8% | Everyday Gin & Tonics |
| Stranger & Sons | ₹2,000–₹3,000 | 43% | Impressing guests with bold botanical flavors |
| Hapusa Himalayan Dry Gin | ₹2,500–₹3,500 | 43% | Slow sipping and premium botanical experience |
| Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin | ₹2,200–₹3,000 | 43% | Easy availability and versatile cocktails |
| Samsara Gin | ₹1,800–₹2,500 | 42–43% | Trying unique floral and botanical flavors |
| Terai Craft Gin | ₹1,600–₹2,200 | 42% | Classic London Dry Gin lovers |
How I'd Actually Buy My First Bottle
This is your first time exploring the best Indian gins on the shelf, don’t buy the most expensive bottle first. Start with Greater Than under ₹2,000, it’s the most “textbook” gin on this list, so it’ll teach your palate what you actually like before you spend ₹3,000+ on something more experimental like Hapusa or Samsara
Conclusion
A year ago, I couldn’t have told you the difference between an Indian craft gin and an imported one. Now my bar cart has four of the six bottles on this list, and I genuinely reach for Stranger & Sons before anything imported when I’m making drinks for friends.
The best Indian gins right now aren’t just “good for the price“, several of them are winning international awards and genuinely competing with the best gins in the world. Start with one bottle, make a proper G&T, and you’ll understand the hype within one sip.
FAQs
Where can I buy these Indian gins?
Jaisalmer has the widest distribution across Indian states. Greater Than, Stranger & Sons, and Hapusa are easiest to find in Goa, Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, and increasingly on quick-commerce apps in metro cities.
What is the best Indian gin overall?
For most people, Greater Than offers the best balance of price, availability, and flavor. It's juniper-forward, clean, and easy to mix — the safest first bottle from any Indian craft gin brand.
Which Indian gin is best for a gin and tonic?
Stranger & Sons and Greater Than both make excellent G&Ts. Stranger & Sons works best with a premium tonic and a ginger garnish, while Greater Than pairs well with almost any tonic on the market.
Are Indian craft gins actually good, or just trendy?
They're genuinely good. Stranger & Sons has won gold at the International Wine & Spirit Competition, and India is now the world's second-largest gin market by consumption volume, which reflects real demand, not just hype.
What makes Indian gin different from London Dry gin?
Indian gins use local botanicals, gondhoraj lime, Himalayan juniper, turmeric, cardamom, vetiver, instead of relying purely on classic European ingredients. This gives them a flavor profile you won't find in imported bottles.
