The latest edition of India’s annual bar consumption report has revealed that Johnnie Walker continues to dominate as the most popular blended Scotch whisky across the country’s leading bars. Now in its third year, the 2025 report tracks the top 10 brands across 21 alcoholic and non-alcoholic categories, offering a detailed snapshot of what India is drinking today.
This year’s findings are based on insights gathered from 125 premium bars across 17 cities, with more than 550 brands represented. All participating outlets were selected from the long list of India’s top bar rankings curated by 30BestBarsIndia.
Global Whisky Leaders Hold Their Ground
Several international giants successfully retained their leadership positions in the whisky category. Alongside Johnnie Walker in blended Scotch, Glenfiddich remained the leading single malt Scotch, while Jameson topped the international whisky segment.
Following Johnnie Walker in the blended Scotch ranking were Chivas Regal and Monkey Shoulder. In single malt Scotch, The Glenlivet and Glenmorangie secured the second and third positions respectively.
The international whisky list was largely dominated by American labels, including Jack Daniel’s, Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, Wild Turkey, and Buffalo Trace.
Japanese and Irish Single Malts Shine
In the international single-malt category, Japan emerged as a clear favorite with Yamazaki securing the top spot. It was followed by Ireland’s Bushmills, while another Japanese name, Hakushu, claimed third place.
Agave, Vodka, Gin, Rum and Brandy Leaders
One of the biggest category shifts this year occurred in agave spirits, where Don Julio overtook Patrón for the top position. They were followed by 1800, Jose Cuervo, and Camino. Indian-made agave spirit Maya Pistola made a strong impression in sixth place.
Vodka remained largely unchanged at the top, with Grey Goose and Absolut retaining their dominance, while Belvedere climbed to third.
In the gin segment, Bombay Sapphire and Tanqueray continued to hold the top two positions. Hendrick’s climbed ahead of Roku for third place.
For rum, Bacardí and Old Monk led the list. In brandy, the top slots were held by Hennessy, Martell, and Rémy Martin.
Liqueurs and aperitifs saw little change, with Jägermeister, Baileys, and Kahlúa maintaining leadership. The amaro and aperitif category was led once again by Campari, Aperol, and Amaro Montenegro.
Rising Influence of Indian Spirits
A new addition to the 2025 report was the Indian premium whisky category, where Oaksmith emerged as the leader, followed by Blenders Pride and Otherside.
Among Indian single malts, Indri and Paul John continued their hold on the top two positions. Godawan edged past Amrut to take third place.
Indian rum Camikara made a notable debut, entering the rum rankings jointly in third place after also being named Rum Brand of the Year recently. Four Indian gins—Hapusa, Greater Than, Stranger & Sons, and Jaisalmer—also featured prominently.
In total, 69 Indian brands appeared across the various top-10 rankings, reflecting a steady rise in domestic spirits.
Cocktail Preferences Across India
India’s cocktail preferences also evolved in 2025. The Picante claimed the title of the most popular cocktail nationwide, pushing the Margarita into second place within the agave category. The Negroni remained the leading gin cocktail, followed by the classic gin and tonic.
In vodka-based cocktails, the Espresso Martini surged to the top, overtaking the Cosmopolitan, which slipped to fifth place. The Martini, Bloody Mary, and Moscow Mule all climbed higher in popularity.
The Daiquiri replaced the Mojito as the most preferred rum cocktail, while the Old Fashioned moved ahead of the Whisky Sour.
What the Trends Reveal
According to industry leaders behind the report, Indian drinking habits are stabilizing in key categories while also showing rapid changes driven by regional tastes. Bar menus in cities like Bengaluru, Jaipur, and Kolkata increasingly reflect different consumption patterns, highlighting how local preferences are shaping national trends. The growing visibility of Indian brands shows that homegrown spirits are no longer niche—but serious contenders at top-tier bars.
