Winter has a way of slowing everything down. As the air sharpens and nights grow longer, the urge to gather – around a bonfire, on a terrace, or by a glowing hearth – becomes irresistible. This is the season
for spirits that linger on the palate, offering warmth, depth and quiet indulgence. Think velvety vodkas, layered whiskies, botanical liqueurs and comforting creams, each designed not just to be sipped, but savoured.
Whether you’re hosting an intimate fireside evening or simply unwinding under a blanket of stars, these winter-ready spirits promise flavour, finesse and a sense of occasion.
Cashmir Vodka: Himalayan Purity In A Glass
India’s first premium small-batch organic craft vodka, Cashmir, is as much about provenance as it is about polish. Made from Sona Moti – an ancient, 2,000-year-old organic winter wheat revived from near extinction – and blended with pristine Himalayan glacial water, this vodka delivers remarkable purity. Distilled seven times and filtered five times, Cashmir offers a silky mouthfeel and an exceptionally clean finish, making it ideal for sipping neat or pairing with minimal mixers on cold nights. More than a spirit, it’s a story of heritage, craftsmanship and revival.
Price: Rs 1,800–Rs 4,190 | Available across multiple Indian states
Greater Than Gin: India’s Original Craft Gin
Created by Anand Virmani and Vaibhav Singh of NÄO Spirits, Greater Than holds the distinction of being India’s first homegrown gin. Born from a desire to fill a gap in the Indian bar scene, the gin blends juniper and citrus sourced from Europe with Indian botanicals like fennel, coriander and ginger. Juniper-forward with bright citrus and gentle spice, it works beautifully in classic G&Ts or warm winter cocktails with herbs and citrus peel.
Price: Starts at Rs 900 (Goa)
Whistler Barrel Aged Blended Malt Whisky: Smooth, Layered and Approachable
A refined blend of mature malt and grain whiskies, Whistler is patiently aged in oak barrels to develop a comforting complexity. Expect aromas of dried apple, apricot and vanilla cream, followed by a silky palate of toffee, pineapple and gentle spice. Its medium finish and mellow sweetness make it an easy companion for long conversations by the fire.
Price: Rs 750– Rs 1,500 | Available across multiple states
Quro: India’s Botanical Liqueur Moment
Bold, expressive and deeply rooted in Indian ingredients, Quro is a homegrown liqueur crafted with 36 indigenous botanicals – from orange and amla to hibiscus, moringa and ashwagandha. Double pot-distilled and macerated at 30 per cent ABV, it balances citrus brightness, floral notes and a refined bitterness. Versatile and elegant, Quro shines neat, over ice, or as a winter spritzer.
Price: From Rs 1,950 | Available in Goa
FINO Tequila: Artisanal Excellence from Jalisco
Co-founded by Yuvraj Singh, FINO Tequila is crafted in Mexico’s Jalisco highlands using 100 per cent blue Weber agave. The red soil and unique climate yield a sweeter agave with intense aroma and depth. The Blanco variant stands out for winter sipping. It is clean, herbaceous, with hints of vanilla, mint and cinnamon, offering a smooth sip without burn.
Price: Rs 13,889 | Available at select duty-free and retail outlets
Baileys Irish Cream: A Winter Classic That Never Fails
Few spirits feel as synonymous with winter as Baileys Irish Cream. Blending Irish whiskey with fresh dairy cream, cocoa and vanilla, it delivers nostalgic comfort in every sip. Perfect over ice, in Irish coffee, or stirred into hot chocolate, Baileys remains the ultimate fireside indulgence.
Price: Rs 2,500–Rs 4,000 | Widely available
MacRoys Blended Scotch & Woodburns Indian Whisky: Two Takes on Whisky Warmth
From Scotland’s Angus Dundee, MacRoys offers layered blends matured in bourbon and sherry casks, with variants ranging from gently peated to richly sweet. Meanwhile, Woodburns Contemporary Indian Whisky showcases India’s craft whisky prowess – bringing subtle smoke, chocolate, spice and caramel into a bold yet approachable profile.
MacRoys: Rs 1,780 | Woodburns: Rs 3,000
Idaaya Rum: Himalayan Soul, Sipping Depth
Inspired by the Himalayas, Idaaya Rum blends 12-year-old bourbon-cask-aged rum with Indian molasses spirit, finished using a Solera process in sal wood casks. The result is a layered, contemplative sip with notes of caramel, vanilla, spice and tropical fruit.
Price: Rs 7,000–Rs 7,500
