India’s spices have historically put the country on the global map, whether in delicious food or ayurvedic medicine. Now, they are slipping into our glasses. From saffron-tinged whiskies to vodkas with a dash of anise or chilli, a new wave is unfolding in the country’s drinking culture. Spice-infused spirits are emerging as a distinctly Indian expression of craft, designed to evoke nostalgia yet surprise the palate. What was once confined to kitchens and rituals, is now being distilled into premium experiences.
“Spice-infused alcohol is slowly progressing across India, driven by several factors, including provenance. Consumers are seeking flavours that are homegrown, not borrowed — one that has a culinary connect that feels intuitive in the glass,” said Vikram Damodaran, Chief Innovation Officer, Diageo India.
Innovation perspective
He added that from an innovation perspective, spice infusions are already gaining traction, with rums and gins being the natural early movers, and whiskies increasingly exploring subtler expressions of spice through cask, grain and blending choices.
“India’s spice-infused spirits are less confectionery, more culinary, aligning with the broader global move toward sophisticated flavours.”
Several liquor makers are exploring this space, ranging from established IMFL players like Radico Khaitan with its Ankahi Zaffran Spiced Liqueur, to newer entrants such as Blisswater Industries with a limited-edition whiskey infused with Kashmiri saffron, among others, and Smoke Lab with vodka variants, including aniseed and saffron.
“We draw primarily from India’s culinary and cultural heritage, saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, and tulsi, all of which carry deep resonance with our traditions. At the same time, we ensure these flavors are curated for global palates that increasingly seek unique, elevated experiences. We believe in taking the best of India to the world,” Amar Sinha, Chief Operating Officer at Radico Khaitan Ltd, explained.
Earlier this year, the Magic Moments maker launched Ankahi Zaffran Spiced Liqueur at ProWein, Germany, which received strong global interest. Ankahi is available in a 1 litre bottle for Global Travel Retail and a 700ml bottle for the global market, with shipments across the USA, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East.
Meanwhile, The Spirit of Kashmyr, a saffron Vodka, is currently available in UP, and is slated to be launched in the international market soon. The company shared that early consumer interest has been encouraging for both, with these products expected to carve a strong niche within its premium portfolio.
Primary focus
Varun Jain, Founder, Smoke Lab, shared that its primary focus is vodka, because it’s a clean canvas, allowing spices to shine without being overpowered. Alternatively, it is also exploring gins and other spirits where botanicals can play a natural role.
“I believe spice-infused spirits are not just a trend but a long-term growth driver. Consumers today are looking for authentic, bold, and culturally rooted experiences. Spices provide that edge, and India is perfectly positioned to lead this space globally,” he noted.
Currently, Smoke Lab offers classic vodka along with variants such as Aniseed, Saffron, and Green Chilli Mango. The company is also available internationally in the US, with more states and countries on the horizon.
Blisswater Industries, known for its Rahasya vodka and Yaksha whisky, is tapping into the same sentiment. Its portfolio includes Rahasya, a spice-infused vodka, and a whisky called Yaksha. It recently did a Yaksha Limited Edition with infusions of Kashmiri saffron and nutmeg from the Nilgiris.
Varna Bhat, the founder of Blisswater Industries and Master-blender, shared that the company wanted to infuse the drink with something that anyone who has spent time in India can identify with.
“We believe that our Indian drinks are gaining acceptance in the global market. Therefore, Indian spiced drinks will definitely be the front runners in the consumer space domestically and globally, but it will definitely take some time for people to discover newer taste profiles,” she added.
As spice finds a place in the global cocktail conversation, India’s distillers are rewriting the country’s drinking narrative — one infused sip at a time.
Published on September 1, 2025
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