As winter approaches and the cold starts to make you crave a warm spirit, it is the right time to get your home bar in order with these spirits. When the temperature drops, a warm spirit can warm up your evenings, whether you are hosting or just unwinding after a long day, having the right selection of spirits can turn your winter into a winter wonderland. It is not just about the booze it is the rich, full-bodied flavours and warming spices that make each sip a treat.
In your home bar, spirits like whisky, rum and brandy come into their own during the colder months because of their depth and richness. They can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks or in classic winter cocktails like Hot Toddies and mulled drinks. Even spiced liqueurs and dark, rich gins can add a festive touch by infusing your drinks with cinnamon, nutmeg and clove.
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When curated well, these spirits do not just warm you up from the inside out they evoke the very essence of winter, making your home a haven from the cold outside.
Top Spirits To For Winters
Amrut Indian Single Malt Whisky
Amrut Indian Single Malt is a premium whisky from Bangalore, one of the first Indian single malts to get international recognition. It was launched in 2004 by Amrut Distilleries, and this whisky changed the perception of Indian- made spirits.
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The flavour profile has notes of oak, toffee, and exotic spices, and its warm and smooth character is perfect for winter sipping. The barley grown in the foothills of the Himalayas and the unique maturation in Bangalore’s tropical climate add depth and complexity.
Priced around ₹3,500 for a 750ml bottle, Amrut is available in premium liquor stores in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Hyderabad.
Old Monk Rum
Old Monk Rum has been a favourite in India since 1954 when Mohan Meakin, one of India’s oldest distilleries, launched it. With its dark amber colour and unique taste of vanilla, caramel and subtle spices, it has become a winter classic for many Indian households.
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The warmth and smoothness make it perfect for sipping neatly, mixing it into a Hot Buttered Rum, or even pairing it with Indian sweets during the festive season. Beyond being a drink, Old Monk has a nostalgic value as it has been associated with social gatherings and celebrations for decades.
It is reasonably priced at around ₹800 for a 750ml bottle, and being a popular drink, it’s easily available in liquor stores across India, in cities from Kolkata to Bhopal.
Paul John Brilliance Whisky
Paul John Brilliance is a premium single malt whisky from Goa that represents India’s growing whisky scene. It was founded in 2012, and Paul John Distilleries quickly made a name for themselves by crafting great whiskies inspired by India’s natural landscape.
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Brilliance is one of their standout expressions and has a flavour profile of honey, fruitcake and spices, a balanced and warming character perfect for winter. The maturation benefits from Goa’s coastal climate and, hence, a uniquely Indian whisky with a touch of tropical character.
Paul John Brilliance is priced around ₹2,800 for a 750ml bottle and is available in major Indian cities like Goa, Bangalore and Mumbai.
Greater Than London Dry Gin – Spiced Edition
Greater Than, the craft gin brand from Goa, brings a winter twist with its Spiced Edition, which has Indian spices like cinnamon, black pepper, and nutmeg added to the classic London Dry style. It was launched by Nao Spirits, and this gin tastes like Indian terroir and traditional flavours.
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The warm spices make it perfect for winter cocktails like a Spiced Gin Sour or a hot gin toddy. This is an example of the growing Indian craft spirits movement where international influences meet local ingredients. At around ₹1,800 for a 750ml bottle, it’s available in cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Goa.
Sula Brandy
Sula, the Indian wine brand, has made a mark in the spirits world with its brandy. It is aged to perfection; this brandy captures the essence of dried fruit and spiced aromas. It is perfect for winter nights, and it has a smooth finish that warms you up from within.
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The Nashik-based winery, which forayed into brandy production as a diversification from its wine portfolio, ensures quality in every bottle. Sula Brandy’s unique ageing process brings out layers of flavour, making it not just a drink but also a winter experience.
Available for around ₹1,500 for a 750ml bottle, you can get Sula Brandy in cities like Mumbai, Pune, Nashik and Bangalore at wine shops and high-end liquor outlets.
Woodburns Indian Craft Whisky
Woodburn, produced by Fullarton Distilleries in Goa, is an Indian craft whisky that brings a smoky and slightly peaty character perfect for winter. This craft whisky stands out for its bold flavours with notes of dark chocolate, roasted coffee and spices that add depth.
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The smoky edge is achieved by blending Indian malts and imported Scottish peat. Woodburns is a part of the resurgence of craft distillation in India to create premium, locally produced spirits.
Priced around ₹2,000 for a 750ml bottle, Woodburns is available in Goa, Mumbai and Delhi at speciality liquor stores that focus on craft and artisanal spirits.
Mason & Summers Mulled Wine
Mason & Summers brings the European winter drink to India with their ready-to-drink mulled wine infused with cinnamon, clove and star anise. This warms you up and fills the air with festive scents perfect for Diwali or Christmas get-togethers.
The brand started in Delhi and has focused on quality and mulled wines that cater to the Indian palate while offering an authentic winter experience.
A 750ml bottle costs around ₹1,000, so you can bring a little winter magic to your celebrations. Available in Delhi, Chandigarh and Jaipur.