During the festive season, it’s always wise to keep a well-stocked home bar in case you plan to entertain or have some unexpected guests. Having a selection of premium spirits on hand as well as some wine and beer that will delight your guests is a surefire way to be the perfect party host this season. If you’re looking for some interesting options that will serve as wonderful cocktail bases or as talking points for their intriguing stories, here are 12 that you can stock your bar with for Christmas and New Year.
1. Bootz Dark Jamaica Rum
Hailing from 17th-century Holland, Bootz Rum, with roots dating back to 1650, boasts a global presence and a rich legacy. Crafted from ingredients sourced from Jamaica's sun-soaked shores, its finely blended taste creates an irresistible aged profile. Renowned for its richness, complexity, and fruity notes, Bootz stands out as the only premium blended Jamaican rum in India and is suited both for sipping or as a versatile addition to cocktails.
2. Cutty Sark Whisky
Cutty Sark Whisky is a remarkable choice for those who appreciate a lighter taste, vibrant colour, and a fresh personality in their whisky. Crafted with a blend of the finest single malts and top-quality grain whiskies, Cutty Sark stands out with its unique, light, and refreshing character. On the palate, Cutty Sark is a clean and well-balanced whisky filled with liveliness. The harmonious combination of vanilla and citrus fruits creates a refreshing and flavorful experience that is truly distinctive
3. Greater Than Gin
It is India's first craft gin and the only London Dry gin. The white spirit made with botanicals sourced from all across the world tastes of clean Juniper with fresh lemon peel on the nose and a zing of ginger on the finish. The light alcohol paired with Tonic water and flavoured mixers can be used to prepare and enjoy refreshing cocktails with your family this festive season.
4. Hapusa Gin
Hapusa meaning Juniper in Sanskrit is the first gin to be made with the Himalayan juniper berry. The untamed flavour and aroma of the juniper triumphs in the gin and is further complemented by other indigenous botanicals such as the gondhoraj lime, fresh turmeric, raw mango, ginger, cardamom, almond and coriander seeds. Found near the snow line in the Himalayas, the elusive Juniper Berries provide a beautiful structure to the gin while the turmeric and the delectable raw mango make Hapusa, a unique contemporary gin.
5. Happiness in a Bottle: A Happily Crafted Gin
This meticulously crafted gin comes in three variants: Joy of Juniper, Joy of Pink, and Joy of Citrus. Happiness in a Bottle distinguishes itself with a unique blend of 15 botanicals, including juniper, angelica, and coriander. A standout ingredient across all variants is ashwagandha, a renowned herb celebrated for its vitality and mood-enhancing properties, encapsulating the essence of joy and sophistication in every bottle.
6. Lone Wolf
Among one of India’s most premium beer offerings, Lone wolf has quickly been rising in popularity. The brew crew comprises different variations of beer; one is Strong, has low bitterness and is smooth with 6-8% alcohol content. The Malvic Blonde Larger is crisp and light-bodied, 100% malted beer with an earthy aroma and below 5% alcohol content. Alpha which is refreshing and smooth made with both malted and unlimited grain with citrus and coriander flavours and 5% alcohol content.
7. Magnum Double Barrel Whiskey
From the sweetness of American Corn Whiskey - matured in virgin oak barrels from Kentucky to the finest Indian Malt - aged in ex-Bourbon casks from Goa, every note of the liquid has been carefully crafted in perfect harmony. The signature taste pays homage to the crossover between countries and cultures. The depth of flavour makes it an excellent base for mixing and experimenting, whether you like your whiskey neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail.
8. MOHULO Gin
Breaking new ground as India's first sipping gin, Mohulo redefines the gin experience by placing the exquisite Mahua flower at the core of its craftsmanship - an ingredient deeply rooted in the culture of tribal communities of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. This artisanal gin, a harmonious fusion of 12 botanicals including Juniper, Coriander, Angelica plant, Green Cardamom, Liquorice, Pink Peppercorn, Bay Leaf, Orange blossom, Orange peel, Mahua, Honey, and Basmati Rice evokes the essence of a cultural journey through India.
9. Rascal
An innovative blend that combines the expertise of finely crafted cocktails with the delightful essence of summer sodas it brings a burst of natural and nature-identical flavours, offering a delightful alternative to conventional beers. Available in three refreshing flavours – ‘Fresh Lime & Mint’, ‘Classic Rum & Cola’, and ‘Twisted Coffee & Caramel’, Rascal promises a pleasurable drinking experience that is both flavorful and light, suitable for any time of the day or night. With a 10% ABV, Rascal boasts mixologist-developed blends, triple distilled spirits, and reduced sweetness levels. It caters to consumers seeking easy-to-drink, versatile products that can be enjoyed at home, at bars, and beyond
10. Skinny Witch Rose Prosecco
The Skinny Witch Prosecco comes from the enchanted vineyards of prosecco grapes called Glera, nestled amidst the verdant hills, situated in the core of the captivating and historically significant "Strada del prosecco". This Rosé Prosecco, boasting a mere 0.75g of sugar per litre, demonstrates that the essence of delightful taste is all your bubbles truly require. This exquisitely crafted floral pink effervescence encompasses all the qualities one would anticipate from a rosé, rendering it an impeccable choice for celebrations or indulging during the summer season.
11. Smoke Lab Vodka Saffron
Indulge in the unparalleled richness of saffron with SMOKE LAB SAFFRON VODKA. This elixir seamlessly blends handpicked Kashmiri Saffron with sweet Indian spices, resulting in a vodka that offers a dessert-like mouthfeel. Gluten-free and vegan, this exceptional spirit reveals hints of cardamom, malai kulfi and dark chocolate - culminating in a creamy finish. The liquid is rich and has a distinctive character and a sweet-earthy flavour profile that sets it apart from other offerings in the market.
12. Highbury Classic Whisky
With an aroma of the hints of berries that blend over caramel biscuits and a touch of peat, the blended whisky gives a pleasing experience of flavours and a big presence on the palate. Bottled in Goa, Highbury Classic Whisky has layered complexity that can only stem from double charred wood which leaves it with the smoothness of the seasoned malt ensures that every sip has a consistently appealing sense of taste and is generously satisfying. Nose: Grain, caramel biscuits, hints of berries and a touch of peat. Palate: Raisins and stone fruits with hints of cinnamon spice and a dash of vanilla rounded off with Oakwood Finish: Honey, smoke and a pleasant lingering peppery finish