The fourth edition of the What India Is Drinking (WIID) report has revealed that Bombay Sapphire, Don Julio, Grey Goose, Bacardi and Indri remain the most popular brands in India’s premium bars. Picante has taken the top spot as the country’s most popular cocktail, accounting for 40% of votes.
30BestBarsIndia released the 2026 report in partnership with The Outlier on September 12 in Bengaluru.
The survey covered 155 premium bars across 18 cities. Participation rose 24% from last year, with respondents including bar owners, head bartenders and beverage leads.
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Collectively, respondents mentioned 527 brands across 21 categories of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and mixers. Of these, 166 were Indian homegrown brands. Global brands held strong across categories, while more Indian brands entered the top 10.
Woodburns claimed the number-one position in Indian premium whisky, displacing Oaksmith. In Indian single malt, Godawan rose to number two, ahead of Paul John and Amrut.
Camikara is now India’s third-ranked rum, ahead of Diplomático, Flor de Caña and Havana Club. In agave, Don Julio retained the top position, while Pistola ranked sixth as the only homegrown representative.
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READ THE STORYHapusa rose to fifth in gin, leading an Indian contingent that included Greater Than, Jaisalmer and Stranger & Sons in the top 10.
The Amaro and aperitif category saw two Indian brands enter the top 10: Davana Vermouth Indica and Paapi Absinthe.
Elsewhere, Grey Goose remained India’s top vodka, Yamazaki led international single malt, and Glenfiddich topped Scottish single malt.
“2026 shows a settling of long-term consumer behaviour alongside pockets of sharp change,” said Radhakrishnan Nair, co-founder of 30BestBarsIndia. “The pace at which Indian brands are consolidating their presence is significant.”
Nair added: “What sells in a Bengaluru cocktail bar looks different from what leads in Jaipur or Kolkata.”
Vikram Achanta, co-founder of 30BestBarsIndia, pointed to trade advocacy as a growing factor.
“Brands that are most consistent in terms of their advocacy initiatives with the on-trade as well as community-building initiatives such as bartending competitions are seeing that pay off,” Achanta said.
He noted an “expected influx of both international brands due to FTAs” would make such initiatives increasingly valuable.
The Negroni, Espresso Martini and Old Fashioned followed Picante in the national cocktail ranking.
The full report is available via the WIID 2026 website.
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