best gin brands in india (2026) — from bombay sapphire to indian craft gins

tldr: greater than london dry is the best indian gin for the money. stranger & sons is the best craft gin if you want something special. bombay sapphire remains the best international gin widely available in india. budget pick: gordon’s.

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the best gin brands in india have changed dramatically in the last five years. indian craft gins like greater than, stranger & sons, and hapusa now compete with bombay sapphire and tanqueray, using local botanicals like gondhoraj lemon, cardamom, and himalayan juniper. i drink socially, like a good G&T on a friday evening, and this guide covers 12 gins from budget to premium with honest reviews and real prices. if you’re exploring indian spirits more broadly, i also cover whisky, rum, and vodka.

a note on prices: gin prices in india vary wildly by state because of different excise duties. goa and delhi tend to be cheapest. maharashtra and karnataka are mid-range. tamil nadu and kerala have government-controlled pricing through state-run shops. the prices listed here are approximate ranges, and your state may be cheaper or more expensive.

this guide is part of liquor india, where i review every major alcohol brand available in india. no sponsors, no affiliate links.

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best gin brands india: quick comparison

#	brand	type	price (750ml)	ABV	best for
1	greater than london dry	indian craft	rs 1500-2000	42.8%	best value indian gin
2	stranger & sons	indian craft	rs 2500-3500	42.8%	special occasions
3	hapusa himalayan dry	indian craft	rs 2000-3000	43%	botanical complexity
4	bombay sapphire	international	rs 1800-2500	47%	classic G&T
5	tanqueray	international	rs 2000-2800	47.3%	strong juniper fans
6	hendrick’s	international premium	rs 3500-5000	41.4%	sipping / premium G&T
7	beefeater	international	rs 1500-2200	40%	reliable london dry
8	gordon’s	international budget	rs 800-1200	37.5%	everyday mixing
9	jaisalmer indian craft gin	indian craft	rs 2500-3500	43%	gifting / presentation
10	blue riband	budget	rs 500-700	42.8%	cheapest option
11	terai	indian craft	rs 1800-2500	42.8%	smooth indian craft
12	gin & gin	indian craft	rs 1000-1500	42.8%	budget craft gin

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best indian craft gin brands

this is where the exciting stuff is happening. five years ago, indian craft gin barely existed. now there are dozens of brands, several with international awards. the common thread: indian botanicals. think gondhoraj lemon, mango, coriander, turmeric, kashmir lavender. these ingredients make these gins distinctly indian rather than imitations of london dry.

1. greater than london dry gin — best value indian gin

price: rs 1500-2000 | type: indian craft (london dry style) | ABV: 42.8% | my rating: 9/10

greater than is, for my money, the best gin in india when you factor in price and quality together. made by nao spirits in goa, it was one of the first indian craft gins and it remains one of the best. the botanical blend is juniper-forward (as a london dry should be) with citrus and coriander coming through clearly. it’s clean, balanced, and doesn’t try to be too clever.

what makes greater than special is accessibility. at rs 1500-2000, it sits right in the sweet spot. it’s significantly better than budget gins, but you’re not paying the premium craft tax. it’s the gin i’d recommend to someone who says “i want to try good gin but i’m not spending rs 3000 on a bottle.” the folks at nao spirits clearly understood that the indian market needed quality at a reasonable price, and they delivered. research-backed: this is consistently rated as one of india’s best gins across reviews and awards.

best G&T pairing: greater than + fever-tree indian tonic + a slice of lime. simple, classic, and genuinely excellent. the gin is balanced enough that it doesn’t need complicated garnishes. if you can’t find fever-tree, svami tonic works well here too.

2. stranger & sons gin — best craft gin brand india

price: rs 2500-3500 | type: indian craft | ABV: 42.8% | my rating: 9/10

stranger & sons is india’s most internationally acclaimed gin. it’s won gold at the iwsc (international wine & spirit competition), made it onto multiple “world’s best gins” lists, and it deserves every bit of it. made by third eye distillery in goa, this gin uses indian botanicals (gondhoraj lime, mango, black pepper, coriander) and the result is something that tastes unmistakably indian.

the flavor profile is citrus-forward with a spicy kick. the gondhoraj lime gives it a fragrance that’s different from regular lime, more floral and more aromatic. then the black pepper comes through on the finish. it’s complex without being overwhelming. the bottle design (illustrated by a local artist) is genuinely beautiful, which matters if you’re gifting it or displaying it at a home bar. the price point is the only reason it’s not my top pick. at rs 2500-3500, it’s a “treat yourself” gin rather than an everyday one. research-backed: i haven’t tried this one yet, but it’s the most awarded indian gin internationally.

best G&T pairing: stranger & sons + fever-tree premium tonic + a thin slice of fresh ginger and a crack of black pepper. the ginger amplifies the spice notes already in the gin. this is a G&T that actually makes people stop and ask “what is this?“

3. hapusa himalayan dry gin — most complex indian craft gin

price: rs 2000-3000 | type: indian craft | ABV: 43% | my rating: 8.5/10

hapusa is the other nao spirits gin (same distillery as greater than), and it takes a completely different approach. the headline botanical is himalayan juniper, wild-foraged from the indian himalayas. they also use turmeric, mango, gondhoraj lime, and cardamom. the result is earthier and more botanical than greater than. it feels more “craft” and more experimental.

the name hapusa comes from the sanskrit word for juniper, and you can taste that intention. this is a gin that wants you to think about what you’re drinking. the turmeric gives it a subtle warmth, the cardamom adds fragrance, and the himalayan juniper provides a different character than the typical european juniper in most gins. it’s a gin for people who already like gin and want something different, not the one i’d recommend for beginners. the price is higher than greater than but lower than stranger & sons, which feels right for what it offers. research-backed: well-reviewed in craft gin circles and exported internationally.

best G&T pairing: hapusa + svami original tonic + a sprig of fresh rosemary and a slice of orange. the rosemary bridges the herbal notes, and the orange peel brings out the citrus botanicals without competing with the gin’s earthy base.

9. jaisalmer indian craft gin — best gin for gifting

price: rs 2500-3500 | type: indian craft | ABV: 43% | my rating: 8/10

jaisalmer is the big corporate entry into indian craft gin, made by radico khaitan, one of india’s largest spirits companies. unlike the indie distilleries behind greater than and stranger & sons, radico has massive distribution, which means jaisalmer is available in most state liquor stores rather than just goa and metro cities.

the botanical profile draws from rajasthan. it uses jaisalmer’s native herbs along with more traditional gin botanicals. the flavor is smooth, slightly sweet, and very approachable. some gin purists find it a bit too polished, like it’s been designed by committee to offend nobody. that’s a fair criticism. but it’s also what makes it a good entry point for people who find other craft gins too intense. the bottle is gorgeous, gold and ornate, clearly designed with gifting in mind. research-backed: widely available and well-marketed, though less critically acclaimed than stranger & sons or greater than.

best G&T pairing: jaisalmer + schweppes tonic + a slice of cucumber and a few fresh mint leaves. keep it simple and let the gin’s smooth, slightly sweet profile carry the drink. the cucumber-mint combination works well with its mild botanical character.

11. terai gin — smoothest indian craft gin

price: rs 1800-2500 | type: indian craft | ABV: 42.8% | my rating: 7.5/10

terai is a newer indian craft gin that uses botanicals from the terai region, the foothills where the indo-gangetic plains meet the himalayas. the botanical bill includes lemongrass, tulsi (holy basil), chamomile, and khus (vetiver). the result is a smooth, herbal gin that’s quite different from the citrus-forward profiles of greater than and stranger & sons.

terai’s strength is its smoothness. it’s one of the easiest sipping gins from india. you could genuinely drink this neat or on the rocks without flinching. the tulsi gives it a subtle sweetness and herbal quality that feels very indian. on the flip side, some people find it too mild for a G&T because the botanicals can get lost when mixed with tonic. if you’re a “gin neat” or “gin on the rocks” person, terai might be your favorite indian craft. if you want your gin to punch through tonic, look at greater than instead. research-backed: well-received by critics who appreciate the botanical approach.

best G&T pairing: terai + fever-tree elderflower tonic + a few tulsi leaves (if you have them) or a sprig of basil. the elderflower tonic complements rather than overpowers the gin’s delicate herbal notes.

12. gin & gin — best affordable craft gin india

price: rs 1000-1500 | type: indian craft | ABV: 42.8% | my rating: 7/10

gin & gin positions itself as the bridge between budget gin and craft gin, and it largely succeeds. at rs 1000-1500, it’s the most affordable gin that can genuinely call itself “craft.” the botanical profile is straightforward (juniper, coriander, citrus peel) without the exotic botanicals that drive up prices at other indian craft brands.

what gin & gin does well is make craft gin accessible. you’re not getting the complexity of stranger & sons or the himalayan story of hapusa, but you are getting a clean, well-made gin that’s noticeably better than gordon’s or blue riband. think of it as the “i want to upgrade from budget gin but i’m not ready to spend rs 2500” option. it’s a solid everyday gin. the brand is newer and distribution is still limited, so you’ll find it more easily in goa, bangalore, and mumbai than in smaller cities. research-backed: limited reviews available but positive reception where available.

best G&T pairing: gin & gin + schweppes tonic + a generous squeeze of lime. straightforward gin, straightforward mixer. don’t overthink it.

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best international gin brands india

these are the gins that built the category. they’ve been available in india for decades, and despite the craft revolution, they remain some of the best options, especially bombay sapphire and tanqueray.

4. bombay sapphire — best classic gin brand india

price: rs 1800-2500 | type: international (london dry) | ABV: 47% | my rating: 9/10

bombay sapphire was my introduction to gin, and it remains one of my favorites. i’ve had this in more G&Ts than i can count, at house parties, at bars, at airports. it’s the gin i reach for when i don’t want to think and just want something i know will be good.

what makes bombay sapphire work is the botanical balance. it uses 10 botanicals: juniper, coriander, angelica, lemon peel, almonds, cassia bark, cubeb berries, grains of paradise, liquorice, and orris root. the result is smooth, slightly floral, and not overly juniper-heavy. this matters because a lot of people who say they “don’t like gin” actually mean they don’t like gins that taste like a pine forest. bombay sapphire is gentle enough to convert them. at 47% ABV, it’s also got enough strength to hold its own in a G&T without being drowned by the tonic. at rs 1800-2500, bombay sapphire costs about the same as a good whisky in the under 2000 range. tried this one extensively. it’s been my default gin for years.

best G&T pairing: bombay sapphire + fever-tree premium indian tonic + a wedge of lime. the classic. there’s a reason this combination is the default in bars worldwide. you don’t need to get creative here. the gin and the tonic do the work.

5. tanqueray — strongest juniper gin brand india

price: rs 2000-2800 | type: international (london dry) | ABV: 47.3% | my rating: 8.5/10

tanqueray is the gin for people who want their gin to taste like gin. where bombay sapphire is balanced and gentle, tanqueray is bold and juniper-forward. the recipe uses only four botanicals (juniper, coriander, angelica, and liquorice) and the result is a muscular, no-nonsense london dry that has been around since 1830.

if you’re making a G&T and want the gin to be the dominant flavor, tanqueray is the better choice over bombay sapphire. the higher ABV (47.3%) and juniper intensity mean it cuts through tonic water more aggressively. on the other hand, if you’re drinking gin neat or with minimal mixing, tanqueray can be too intense for casual drinkers. it’s a bartender’s gin, designed for cocktails, not for sipping. the tanqueray rangpur (with rangpur lime) and tanqueray no. ten (premium version) are also available in some indian cities, but at higher prices that push into craft gin territory. research-backed: one of the world’s most established gin brands.

best G&T pairing: tanqueray + tonic + a thick slice of grapefruit. the grapefruit’s bitterness complements tanqueray’s boldness in a way that lime doesn’t quite achieve. this is a gin that can handle a bitter garnish.

6. hendrick’s — best premium gin for sipping

price: rs 3500-5000 | type: international premium | ABV: 41.4% | my rating: 8.5/10

hendrick’s is the gin that doesn’t taste like gin. infused with cucumber and bulgarian rose, it’s soft, floral, and completely different from any london dry. it polarizes people. gin purists sometimes dismiss it as “gin for people who don’t like gin,” while others consider it the most interesting mainstream gin in the world.

the lower ABV (41.4%) makes hendrick’s the most approachable premium gin. you can sip this neat or on the rocks and enjoy it, which you can’t say about tanqueray. the cucumber note is real, not artificial or overpowering, but present and distinctive. the rose is subtle, more of a background fragrance than a flavor. in india, hendrick’s sits at the high end of what’s commonly available, around rs 3500-5000 depending on your state. at that price, you’re competing with the best indian craft gins, and honestly, stranger & sons offers better value for money. but hendrick’s occupies its own lane. nothing else tastes like it. research-backed: globally recognized as a category-defining gin.

best G&T pairing: hendrick’s + fever-tree mediterranean tonic + three thin slices of cucumber. do not use lime with hendrick’s. it fights the cucumber. the mediterranean tonic has rosemary and thyme notes that complement the gin’s floral character.

7. beefeater — most reliable london dry gin

price: rs 1500-2200 | type: international (london dry) | ABV: 40% | my rating: 7.5/10

beefeater is the dependable workhorse of the gin world. it’s been made in london since 1863, uses nine botanicals, and delivers exactly what you’d expect from a london dry gin: juniper, citrus, a bit of spice. no surprises, no disappointments.

the thing about beefeater is that it rarely comes up in conversations about “the best gin.” nobody gets excited about it. but bartenders respect it because it’s consistent, affordable, and mixes well with everything. at rs 1500-2200 in india, it sits in the same price bracket as greater than, and honestly, greater than is more interesting. beefeater’s advantage is familiarity. if you’re ordering at a bar and you want a safe gin choice, beefeater won’t let you down. for home consumption, i’d steer toward greater than or bombay sapphire instead. research-backed: one of the most widely distributed gins in the world.

best G&T pairing: beefeater + any decent tonic + a wedge of lemon (not lime). beefeater’s citrus notes pair better with lemon than lime. schweppes or svami both work fine here, no need to invest in premium tonic for an everyday gin.

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best budget gin brands india

sometimes you want gin and you don’t want to spend rs 2000. that’s valid. these are the options that won’t empty your wallet, though expectations need to be calibrated accordingly. if budget is the constraint, beer gives you more options below rs 200.

8. gordon’s — best budget gin brand india

price: rs 800-1200 | type: international budget | ABV: 37.5% | my rating: 7/10

gordon’s is the world’s best-selling london dry gin, and there’s a reason: it’s cheap, it’s available everywhere, and it does the job. at rs 800-1200, it’s the best budget gin i’ve actually tried. is it as good as bombay sapphire? no. is it drinkable? absolutely.

the flavor profile is simple: juniper, a bit of citrus, a bit of spice. the lower ABV (37.5%) means it’s lighter than most gins on this list, which some people prefer and others find watery. i’ve had gordon’s G&Ts at many casual house gatherings, the kind where nobody’s analyzing the gin, and it works perfectly fine. the key with gordon’s is to not drink it neat. it’s a mixing gin. put it in a G&T, a gimlet, or a tom collins, and it does its job without complaining. i’ve had this multiple times. it’s my budget go-to when i’m buying for a group.

best G&T pairing: gordon’s + schweppes tonic + plenty of ice and a wedge of lime. the schweppes sweetness helps mask gordon’s rough edges. generous ice is key. it tames the spirit and makes the drink more refreshing.

10. blue riband — cheapest gin brand india

price: rs 500-700 | type: budget | ABV: 42.8% | my rating: 5.5/10

blue riband is the cheapest gin that i’d still call gin. made by mohan meakin (the old monk people), it costs about the same as a large beer. at rs 500-700, it’s what you buy when the budget is extremely tight and you specifically want gin rather than whatever’s cheapest.

let me be honest: blue riband is not good gin. the juniper character is faint, there’s a harsh alcohol burn, and the botanical complexity is basically nonexistent. but i’ve had it, and i’m not going to pretend i haven’t. in college, when money was tight, blue riband + limca was a real drink that real people consumed. it works if you think of it as a flavored spirit rather than a proper gin. below blue riband, you’re in “gin-flavored rubbing alcohol” territory, so this is the floor. i’ve had this, not by choice exactly, but i’ve had it and i’m keeping it real.

best G&T pairing: blue riband + schweppes + a LOT of lime. or honestly, blue riband + limca if you want nostalgia. don’t waste fever-tree on this. the goal here isn’t a refined G&T, it’s a drinkable gin drink on a budget.

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verdict: best gin brands india to buy

the indian craft gin revolution is real, and it’s the best thing to happen to gin in india since bombay sapphire became widely available. if i had to recommend just one bottle, it would be greater than london dry. it offers craft quality at a near-mainstream price, and it makes an excellent G&T.

if you’re willing to spend more, stranger & sons is world-class. it’s the gin i’d bring to a dinner party to impress people, and it’s the gin i’d order at a cocktail bar to try something distinctly indian.

for the international classic experience, bombay sapphire remains the benchmark. it’s my personal default and i don’t see that changing anytime soon.

and if budget matters (which it often does), gordon’s is the floor of acceptability. below that, you’re making compromises you don’t need to make. if gin isn’t for you, vodka is the closest alternative for cocktails, and wine works for a mellower evening.

a few practical tips:

tonic water matters more than you think. a good gin with bad tonic is worse than a decent gin with good tonic. fever-tree and svami are the best options in india. schweppes is fine for everyday drinking. avoid store-brand tonics. they’re basically sugar water.

the ratio matters. 1:2 gin-to-tonic for a strong drink, 1:3 for a balanced one. most bars in india pour too little gin and too much tonic. make your own G&Ts at home and you’ll see the difference.

buy gin in goa or delhi if you can. excise duties make a massive difference. a bottle of bombay sapphire that costs rs 2500 in mumbai might be rs 1600 in goa. if you’re traveling, stock up.

ice is not optional. a warm G&T is a crime. fill the glass with ice before you pour anything. the ice dilution is part of the drink. it opens up the botanicals and mellows the alcohol.

the indian gin market is only getting better. new brands are launching every few months, quality is rising, and prices are becoming more competitive. it’s a genuinely great time to be drinking gin in india.

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best gin brands india: frequently asked questions

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