Mixing Tradition with Innovation: The Craft Cocktail Revolution in India

A fresh wind of change is sweeping through the diverse cocktail space in India making it more vibrant and exciting. While consumer awareness is increasing, brands too are innovating interesting fusions and flavors to bring cocktails centrestage. Consumers today are looking at enhancing their drinking experience, and craft cocktails are the new go-to drink. According to Statista, alcohol consumption in India amounted to about five billion liters in 2020 and is estimated to reach about 6.21 billion liters by 2024, with cocktails holding a strong position in consumer preference. 

Traditional, with a twist

Vocal for local, is the new mantra across sectors, and this currently also holds true for the Indian cocktails industry. It is the Indian spices that are revolutionizing cocktails by infusing exotic ingredients such as saffron, turmeric, and cardamom into refined spirits, transcending these beverages into works of art. These innovative mixing traditions offer a delightful fusion of flavors, embarking drinkers on a unique sensory journey. The craft cocktails seamlessly blend local spices with traditional or modern spirits with bold innovation, resulting in invigorating new cocktails that are being loved by all. These cocktails embody India’s cultural and culinary opulence, and very effectively bring forth the Indian flavors to a larger audience. It is like carrying forward the Indian tradition with a modern twist. The outcome is a burst of flavors that harmoniously awaken the palate, showcasing the potential of Indian spices in mixology. 

Craft cocktails, the new normal

The last few years have seen a sea change in consumer preferences. While consumers today are more open to trying new flavors, the lockdown has also resulted in shifting gears and bringing cocktails in its new avatars to the forefront. Brands have been innovating extensively with new flavors, and the market too has responded exceptionally well. Data shows an increase in consumption of cocktails and crafted cocktails in Tier II cities besides the metros. The young Indians are always looking for newer flavor and craft cocktails are a favorite among them. While classic cocktails always find a place in bar menus, it is the new-age craft cocktails that are ruling the roost.  

Indian mocktails have come of age. This creative use of Indian ingredients not only celebrates the diversity of flavors that the Indian spices have but also pushes the boundaries of cocktail craftsmanship, delivering an unforgettable drinking experience. It underscores how spices can elevate and redefine the drinking experience, transforming each cocktail into a vibrant testament of cultural heritage and culinary excellence. Thanks to the adventurous Indian consumer and the zeal of innovating bartenders, the Indian craft cocktail space will be a witness to a lot more innovations and exceptionally intoxicating cocktails in the future.