Winter Spirits to Sip Around the Bonfire

As the air turns crisp and evenings stretch longer, winter calls for drinks that do more than just warm your hands – they set the mood. There’s something timeless about gathering around a crackling bonfire, wrapped in layers, swapping stories while sipping on spirits that feel rich, comforting and indulgent. From whiskies to organic vodkas and velvety liqueurs, these winter-ready pours are perfect companions for slow nights, glowing embers and conversations that linger long after the fire dies down.

Cashmir Vodka

India’s first premium small-batch organic craft vodka, Cashmir has quickly become the spirit of sophistication. Crafted from Sona Moti – a rare, 2,000-year-old organic heritage winter wheat, painstakingly revived after near extinction. Known as the “Golden Pearl,” this non-GMO, non-hybrid grain, with pristine Himalayan glacial water from the valleys of Kashmir, creates a vodka of exceptional purity and character. Distilled 7 times and precision-filtered 5 times, CASHMIR delivers a velvety texture and remarkably clean finish. Inspired by the untouched serenity of the Kashmir Valley, it is not just a spirit but a story of heritage, revival and craftsmanship—one that has now been recognized on the world stage.

Price: INR 1,800 and INR 4,190 depending upon state

Availability: Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Goa, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Daman and Diu, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab.

Greater Than Gin

When Anand Virmani and Vaibhav Singh started Perch Wine & Coffee Bar in New Delhi, they were on the lookout for new and interesting gins to stock their bar. A gap in the Indian market became pretty obvious and soon led them to create India's first gin, Greater Than, under their company, NÄO Spirits. The ingredients such as juniper and citrus come from Macedonia, and Spain while their fennel, coriander and ginger come from Goa and New Delhi. The gin is juniper forward with citrus and ginger notes. 

Prices vary across states. Starts at Rs900 for 750ml in Goa

Whistler

Whistler Barrel Aged Blended Malt Whisky is a refined blend of mature malt and grain whiskies, patiently aged in oak barrels to develop a rich, layered profile. With warm notes of dried apple, apricot, vanilla cream, and toasted oak on the nose, Whistler delivers a silky palate of rich malt, toffee, pineapple, and gentle spice. The medium finish leaves a graceful trail of mellow sweetness and refinement.

Price: 750 ml | INR 750-1500/- depending on the state and availability.

Availability: Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Goa, Uttarakhand, Delhi, West Bengal, Daman and Uttar Pradesh.

Quro homegrown liqueur

Quro, India's pioneering homegrown liqueur, captivates with its bold fusion of 36 indigenous ingredients like zesty orange, tangy amla, fragrant hibiscus, moringa flowers, warming cinnamon, and adaptogenic ashwagandha, delivering vibrant citrus bursts, delicate floral whispers, and a lingering subtle bitterness. Double pot-distilled and meticulously macerated at 30% ABV, this smooth yet complex spirit from Inspired Spirits embodies the nation's botanical heritage in every velvety sip, perfect neat, over ice, as a refreshing spritzer, or in inventive cocktails like the Quro Qrisp. Housed in an elegant transparent bottle etched with "Quro" in diverse Indian scripts, it celebrates cultural diversity and stands as a versatile staple for elevating any gathering with authentic, spirited elegance

Price & availability: Goa - from Rs1,950

FINO Tequila

FINO Tequila is an artisanal brand born in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. Founded by Indian cricket legend Yuvraj Singh and a collective of esteemed entrepreneurs, FINO is crafted from 100% blue Weber agave, which—along with Jalisco's famed red soil and unique climate—results in a sweeter agave with a more intense aroma. FINO offers four distinctive variants, each presenting intricate flavour profiles that can only be found in authentic Mexican spirits.

Blanco: Crisp and herbaceous, with delicate notes of vanilla, refreshing mint, and invigorating cinnamon. This variant offers a clean sip with no burn, perfect for those who appreciate a pure and unadulterated tequila experience.

Price & availability: INR 13,889 available at Delhi Duty Free, Ahmedabad Duty Free, Mumbai Duty Free and select retail outlets in Gurgaon and Delhi. It will soon be available in Mumbai retail outlets as well

Baileys Cream Liqueur

Baileys Irish Cream, the world's favorite cream liqueur, blends premium Irish whiskey with fresh Irish dairy cream, rich cocoa, and vanilla for an indulgent, velvety texture at 17% ABV that's synonymous with cozy indulgence. Launched in 1974, its iconic notes of chocolate, coffee, and nutty warmth make it perfect for January sipping—neat over ice, in Irish coffees to combat winter chill, or as a luxurious addition to hot chocolate and desserts. Housed in its signature frosted bottle, Baileys elevates any gathering with effortless elegance and a nostalgic charm that's timelessly smooth.

Price & availability: INR 2,500–4,000 (750ml), widely available at Delhi liquor stores & duty-free

Woodburns Contemporary Indian Whisky

Woodburns Contemporary Indian Whisky represents India’s exciting take on small-batch, artisanal whisky-making. Distilled with precision and care, it delivers a bold, characterful profile that belies its affordable price. On the nose, expect subtle smokiness intertwined with rich chocolate and a hint of dried fruits, leading to a palate that is smooth yet layered with spice, caramel, and gentle oak. Its slightly smoky undertones give it a distinctive edge, while the chocolatey warmth makes it versatile for sipping neat or enjoying in classic cocktails. Woodburns is proof that Indian craft whisky can stand proudly alongside international counterparts, offering complexity, depth, and personality without the premium price tag.

Price: INR 3,000

Idaaya Rum

Idaaya Rum is a premium Indian sipping rum inspired by the mystique of the Himalayas and crafted with meticulous attention to tradition and quality. Blended by master blenders using a base of 12-year-old rum aged in bourbon casks and Indian molasses spirit, and finished through a Solera process in sal wood casks, Idaaya offers a richly layered profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, spice and tropical fruit — a spirit that celebrates depth, balance and heritage. The name Idaaya evokes both the Sanskrit “Ida” (mystic energy) and the majestic Himalayan spirit that informs its character.

Priced at approximately ₹7,000–₹7,500 for a 750 ml