From Gin to Agave: 6 Craft-Led Shifts Shaping India’s Drinking Culture in 2026

From premium gin and craft mixers to new-age, low-alcohol and functional drinks, experimentation is rising fast. Health consciousness, premiumization, and local flavors are reshaping choices. Digital-first brands and experiential consumption are accelerating adoption. These shifts set the stage for six defining trends to watch in 2026.

A shift toward a sharper, more defined cocktail landscape: As experimentation matures, cocktail programs are moving from novelty to clarity. Bartenders are refining flavor profiles, techniques and storytelling. The result is a more intentional, recognizable and elevated cocktail landscape in 2026. 

“As 2025 draws to a close, the cocktail world resonates with a symphony of flavours, presenting a full-bodied experience that tantalizes the senses. Bartenders have masterfully explored an array of combinations, balancing sweet, bitter, sour, salty, umami and spicy notes to craft cocktails that cater to every palate” shared Yangdup Lama, Co-Founder, India Bartender Show and Sidecar by adding that as we look ahead there's hope for a more defined and sophisticated landscape in the coming year, where innovation and tradition will continue to intertwine in pursuit of the perfect sip.

Agave Spirits Set to Take India by Storm: India’s beverage scene has evolved from casual, everyday drinking to a taste for premium and exceptional spirits. Consumers are increasingly seeking quality, craft and unique experiences. With innovation, experimentation and growing sophistication, the industry is poised for continued dominance in the years ahead. 

“Agave spirits are rapidly emerging as one of the most exciting categories in India. The growth rate is phenomenally high, at almost triple digits. Its versatility and depth of flavour are capturing the imagination of both new and experienced drinkers alike, making it a category that’s here to stay” shared Rakshay Dhariwal, Founder and Managing Director of Maya Pistola Agavepura and PassCode Hospitality. 

At the same time, consumers are gravitating towards premium, craft-driven experiences that combine exceptional taste with authenticity and purpose. Alongside this rise, there’s a growing awareness of sustainability and conscious drinking, with people looking for brands that offer not just exceptional spirits but experiences they can feel good about.

Craft Innovation on the Rise: India’s gin and rum market is expanding rapidly, driven by growing interest in premium and craft variants. Consumers are gravitating toward unique botanicals, artisanal techniques, and locally inspired flavors. Craft producers are redefining standards, making cocktails more inventive and experiences more memorable. The trend points to a vibrant, flavor-forward future for these spirits. 

“Gin in India has matured; it’s moved past the initial boom into a phase of steady, confident growth. Consumers know what they likea nd Indian gins have earned their place on that list. Rum, on the other hand, feels like it’s having its own craft revolution. You’re seeing distilleries experiment with everything from jaggery-based rums to agricole styles and bartenders are finally giving rum the kind of creative attention that gin once had.

The bigger shift, though, is in how people are drinking it, not just with cola, but with water, soda, or even neat” pointed Anand Virmani, Co-Founder & Master Distiller, Nao Spirits & Beverages.

India’s Beer Boom:  India’s beer market is experiencing strong growth, driven by young, urban consumers and rising disposable incomes. Valued at approximately ₹444.6 billion in 2024, the market is projected to reach ₹802.5 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of around 6.7%. Annual consumption is also set to rise sharply, from about 350 million cases in 2022 to nearly 596 million by 2030, as per reports. While lagers continue to dominate, premium and craft beers are gaining traction, reshaping the landscape toward higher quality and greater variety.

“India is adding 23 million new legal-age consumers every year, giving it a growth runway that mature markets like the US and UK no longer have. With a young population and rapidly shifting attitudes, the country is only at the beginning of its beer curve and is now at the centre of a lager renaissance.

Craft beer is also evolving from a taproom-led culture to scaled production, supported by globally benchmarked brewing equipment now manufactured in India itself” mentioned Narayan Manepally, Co-Founder and CEO of Geist Brewing Co.

Bar Scene Expand Beyond Metro: "When I was growing up in Indore, we didn't really talk about cocktails. We went out for dinner, maybe had a drink, but there wasn't this sense of craft or storytelling behind it. That has changed now.

People want to experience that same creativity and care in their own neighbourhoods, not just when they travel and that mindset is shaping everything from how bars are designed to the kind of menus chefs create” added Vedant Newatia, Founder and Head Chef, Atelier V & Masala Code.

Across India, farm-to-table dining, local ingredients, and single-cuisine menus are all part of this larger shift. But even with this growing appetite for experimentation, people still come back to the classics, to comfort and familiarity.

Low-ABV Spirits Lead: Bartenders are reworking classics into lighter serves, and menus are giving more space to low-alcohol cocktails showcasing a clear shift towards low-ABV options. 

“If there’s one word I would use to describe the 2025 spirit landscape, it would be moderation. Along with moderation, people have also started looking inwards, choosing homegrown labels over imported ones. It’s given a real push to India’s craft spirits movement. If this year is any indication, the years ahead will continue to celebrate craft and authenticity, shaping a new kind of drinking culture that’s proudly and distinctively Indian” commented Adarsh Gadvi, Founder, Davana Vermouth Indica.

Hence, there’s no denying that India’s beverage scene is at an inflection point, with experimentation, craftsmanship and conscious choices ushering in a new era of drinking. From premium gins and agave spirits to low-ABV cocktails and craft beers, consumers are seeking quality, authenticity and memorable experiences. 2026 promises a vibrant, innovative and distinctly Indian drinking landscape, celebrating creativity, tradition and the pursuit of the perfect sip.