India’s craft gin movement is stronger than ever in 2026. Distillers and bartenders across the country are pushing boundaries by combining global techniques with hyper-local botanicals such as Himalayan juniper, raw mango, amla, coriander, and spices. For World Gin Day and beyond, leading voices from Bengaluru, Goa, Kolkata, and other cities have shared their favourite gin cocktail recipes. These drinks range from easy highballs to spicy sours and savoury rocks cocktails — perfect for home bartenders looking to impress guests or unwind with something special.

Whether you prefer refreshing, citrusy profiles or bold, smoky-spicy twists, these recipes showcase the versatility of Indian gins like Greater Than, Hapusa, Perry Road Peru Gin, and more. They are easy to replicate at home with readily available ingredients.

Midnight at an Osaka Pickle Bar

By LV Swaroop, Beverage Manager, The Hood By Olive, Bengaluru

This savoury highball draws inspiration from Osaka’s lively standing bars and izakayas. The pickle element pairs brilliantly with the bold botanicals found in many Indian craft gins.

Glassware: Highball glass

Ingredients:

• 60 ml Indian craft gin (Greater Than or Hapusa recommended)
• 30 ml apple water
• 30 ml pear pickle
• 2 drops saline solution

Method:

1. Force carbonate all ingredients together.
2. Pour into a highball glass over ice and serve.

The result is a refreshing, conversation-starting drink with a unique savoury edge that feels both modern and approachable.

Milanese G&T

By Nao Spirits (creators of Greater Than Gin)

A simple yet sophisticated upgrade to the classic Gin & Tonic. The addition of Campari brings a bitter-sweet Italian twist that complements the citrus-forward character of Greater Than Gin.

Glassware: Highball glass

Ingredients:

• 45 ml Greater Than Gin
• 15 ml Campari
• Indian tonic water (to top up)
• Orange wedge (for garnish)

Method:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the gin and Campari.
3. Top up with tonic water.
4. Squeeze the orange wedge into the drink and drop it in.

Ideal for everyday sipping, casual entertaining, or pre-dinner aperitifs.

Peru Picante

By Third Eye Distillery (Perry Road Peru Gin)

A vibrant, herbaceous sour that balances spice, sweetness, and bright citrus. The Peruvian-inspired gin works wonderfully with fresh jalapeño heat and coriander.

Glassware: Rocks glass

Ingredients:

• 60 ml Perry Road Peru Gin
• 12.5 ml lime juice
• 10 ml honey
• Jalapeño slice and fresh coriander (for garnish)

Method:

1. Shake all ingredients with ice.
2. Double-strain into a rocks glass.
3. Garnish with a jalapeño slice and fresh coriander leaves.

This cocktail delivers a spicy kick that gin lovers who enjoy heat will particularly appreciate.

Bramble

By Rahul Banerjee, Co-founder and Head Bartender at Nutcase, Kolkata

A fruity, crowd-pleasing twist on the classic Bramble using berry jam for easy accessibility and visual appeal. Crushed ice makes it extra refreshing.

Glassware: Double rocks glass

Ingredients:

• 2 bar spoons (or 1 tablespoon) mix berry jam or berry compote
• 60 ml Indian craft gin
• 7 ml simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)
• 20 ml lemon juice
• Lemon wedge or fresh berries (for garnish)

Method:

1. Add the simple syrup, berry jam, gin, and lemon juice to a shaker.
2. Gently mix, then add ice and shake hard for 12–15 seconds.
3. Strain into a double rocks glass with a few ice cubes.
4. Top with crushed ice.
5. Garnish with a lemon wedge or fresh berries.

Perfect for berry season or whenever you want a colourful, fruity gin cocktail.

Best Regards

By MTW, Panaji, Goa featuring Hapusa

A complex, smoky-savoury rocks drink that highlights Hapusa’s aromatic Himalayan juniper alongside Indian flavours like amla and pineapple.

Glassware: Rocks glass (salt-rimmed)

Ingredients:

• 50 ml Hapusa gin
• 30 ml smoked pineapple cordial
• 20 ml amla juice
• 10 ml jalapeño brine
• 10 ml lime juice
• 3–4 fresh coriander leaves

Method:

1. Shake all ingredients with ice.
2. Serve in a salt-rimmed rocks glass.
3. Garnish with coriander leaves.

Quick Smoked Pineapple Cordial: Mix fresh pineapple juice and sugar in a 1:1 ratio. Add 5% citric acid and 10 dashes of liquid smoke, then blend until smooth.

Why These Recipes Work in 2026

Indian gins have matured beautifully, offering distinctive flavour profiles that stand up to creative mixology while staying rooted in local ingredients. These cocktails are designed to be approachable for home enthusiasts — most require only basic bar tools and pantry staples.

Pro Tips for Home Bartenders:

• Always use good quality ice — it makes a noticeable difference in dilution and presentation.
• Adjust sweetness or spice levels according to your preference.
• Experiment with different Indian gins to discover new flavour combinations.

Raise a glass to India’s growing gin culture in 2026. These recipes are not just drinks — they celebrate creativity, local pride, and the joy of great hospitality. Cheers!

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