India is a land of infinite stories—each region brimming with unique sights, sounds, flavors, and traditions. Now, this mosaic of diversity finds new expression in a limited-edition cocktail series, “Hidden Jewels,” curated by Bombay Sapphire. Crafted by some of the country’s most talented mixologists, these ten gin-based cocktails draw direct inspiration from India’s spectacular landscapes, iconic produce, and the untold beauty found from the Himalayan foothills to Kerala’s tranquil backwaters.
A Toast to India’s Topography
Every sip from the “Hidden Jewels” menu is a sensory journey across India. Conceived to celebrate World Gin Day, this initiative saw over 50 leading bartenders gather in Meghalaya—one of the most pristine corners of the country—for a unique mixology workshop. Immersed in the region’s lush greenery and local traditions, these bartenders set about translating their experiences into drinks that would evoke the colors, aromas, and moods of specific places.
The result: cocktails that are as inventive as they are evocative, using hyper-local ingredients and modern techniques to bottle the essence of India’s varied landscapes.
Ten Cocktails, Ten Regions, Countless Stories
1. Sahyadri Storm
A moody, monsoon-inspired drink, Sahyadri Storm captures the drama of the Western Ghats as they awaken to the rains. This cocktail blends ginger-honey syrup and fresh lime with a distinctive note: corn charred over charcoal, imparting an earthy aroma. Finished with a whiff of dry-grass smoke, it’s a tempest in a glass—evocative of the region’s brooding weather and lush forest floors.
2. Whispering Valley
This cocktail pays tribute to Sikkim’s famed Rhododendron Trail, where valleys come alive with color every spring. The base of Bombay Sapphire gin is elevated by grapefruit and the spice of mango-ginger, while sawtooth coriander and microgreens add a verdant freshness. Whispering Valley isn’t just a drink—it’s a stroll through blooming mountain paths.
3. Regal & Serene
Inspired by the royal city of Jodhpur and the tranquil Khasi hills around Shillong, Regal & Serene is a fusion of opulence and calm. Gin is infused with Lakadong turmeric from Meghalaya—renowned for its depth and color—and paired with pineapple saccharum, pinewood smoke, lime, and blue spirulina. The result is a drink as vibrant as a Rajasthani procession, yet as peaceful as Shillong’s misty mornings.
4. Green of the Hills
Meghalaya’s rolling hills after the rain are legendary for their lushness, and Green of the Hills brings that landscape to life. Pineapple and citrus are blended with a dash of rock salt and finished with a “petrichor mist”—that intoxicating scent of the earth after rain. It’s a green, invigorating tribute to the Northeast’s natural bounty.
5. Gin-a-Colada
Spring in Sikkim is distilled into Gin-a-Colada—a fresh, tropical cocktail that marries smoked pineapple, citrus, and a frothy coconut foam with the botanical notes of Bombay Sapphire. This drink is crisp and playful, capturing the cheerful optimism of new beginnings.
6. Mirror of the Mountains
Dal Lake in Kashmir is famous for its glassy surface and serene reflections. Mirror of the Mountains draws on these qualities with a crystal-clear concoction. Tomato, basil, elderflower, peach, and grapefruit are clarified and combined with coconut water. The drink is topped with miso coconut foam and vetiver, offering both transparency and complexity in every sip.
7. Indigo Echo
A love letter to Jodhpur’s blue city, Indigo Echo combines butterfly pea flower—infusing the drink with an arresting blue hue—with jasmine green tea, betel leaf, honey, ginger, and a tincture of sandalwood and vetiver. Garnished with rice paper and edible flowers, it’s a sophisticated martini-style drink that lingers on the senses.
8. Alleppey Elements
Inspired by Kerala’s famed backwaters, Alleppey Elements is as rich and layered as the region itself. Bombay Sapphire is joined by Nendran banana oleo, lemon, and black tea. A touch of milk rounds out the flavors, while cardamom-toasted coconut foam adds a fragrant, creamy finish. It’s a taste of Kerala’s lush plantations and gentle waterways.
9. Midnight Bloom
Twilight in Meghalaya is magical, and Midnight Bloom translates that experience into a glass. Jasmine tea, black rice pandan soda, citrus, and a delicate Lomba flower foam are layered to mimic the play of dusk light, while a “mud mist” recalls the region’s fertile earth. It’s both mysterious and aromatic—a true tribute to Meghalaya’s enchanting nights.
10. Ka Mei
Ka Mei means “mother” in the Khasi language, and this cocktail honors the nurturing spirit of Northeast India. The recipe is boldly experimental: passion fruit, smoked hung curd, mustard oil, lemon, and matcha foam. The interplay of tart, creamy, smoky, and green is unlike anything else—bold, complex, and comforting.
An Experience Beyond the Glass
What sets the “Hidden Jewels” series apart is not just its ambitious flavors, but the methods and philosophy behind them. These cocktails use hyper-local ingredients like Lakadong turmeric, Nendran banana, Khasi pineapple, and sawtooth coriander—sourcing that supports local farmers and highlights India’s agricultural diversity.
The drinks are also defined by their use of modern mixology techniques. Smoked elements, clarified bases, edible mists and foams, and creative garnishes ensure each cocktail is an immersive sensory experience—not just a beverage, but an artistic tribute to place.
Where to Try the Hidden Jewels
The collection is available for a limited time at select bars across Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Goa. For gin lovers, cocktail enthusiasts, and travelers seeking a taste of India’s hidden gems, this series is a must-try—an invitation to explore the subcontinent through its most inventive drinks.
Celebrating India’s Stories, One Cocktail at a Time
With “Hidden Jewels,” Bombay Sapphire and India’s top bartenders have created more than just a menu—they’ve crafted a tribute to the spirit of exploration and the richness of India’s landscape. Each cocktail is a postcard from a different part of the country, inviting you to pause, sip, and savor the stories that make India endlessly fascinating.
About The Author
