History of Whisky: From Monastic Roots to Global Fame
2025-06-03
If there’s one spirit that has changed the landscape of drinking culture in India over the last five years, it must be gin. What began as a niche trend among a couple of distillers in Goa has blossomed into a real craft movement. Homegrown brands are winning international medals. Bartenders are building cocktail menus around Indian botanicals. And you no longer have to buy ₹3,000 or ₹4,000 bottles to have a quality gin experience.
The Indian gin market has matured wonderfully by 2026, and the selection of good gins is vast and affordable, in the under ₹2,000 category. These gins are high quality but are also creative, expressive, and suited to the Indian palate. They range from citrus-bright classics to contemporary floral blends to bold spice-driven expressions. It is truly an exciting time to explore gin and mix cocktails at home.
We have put together a carefully curated guide to the top ten gins under ₹2,000 in India, based on taste, aroma, mixability, awards, and value. If you are building a home bar, mixing cocktails with your friends, or gifting something special at a budget price point, this guide will help you find a great option.
Let’s dive deep into the best bottles you can buy right now.
Each gin includes price, tasting notes, what makes it unique, and best cocktail recommendations.

Price: ₹1,500–₹1,800
Profile: Classic • Bright • Juniper-heavy
Best For: G&Ts, classic cocktails, everyday sipping
Greater Than is the OG of India’s craft gin scene and still one of the most reliable bottles under ₹2,000. Distilled by Nao Spirits in Goa, it was India’s first truly modern gin, a crisp, clean, juniper-forward spirit designed to match global standards.
Greater Than balances quality with simplicity. There are no gimmicky botanicals involved. Instead, there are well-extracted flavors, a traditional London Dry style, and excellent consistency. It stands up as an excellent base in cocktails and is one of the best-value gins in India.
Classic Gin & Tonic
Garnish with lime wedges, orange peel, or a sprig of rosemary.

Price: ₹1,900
Profile: Spicy • Citrusy • Complex
Best For: Martinis, spiced cocktails, bold flavor lovers
If there were a "flagship craft gin" for India, it would absolutely be Stranger & Sons. Based in Goa, this company has received an impressive range of international awards and is known for introducing the concept of a spiced Indian gin, driven by citrus ingredients.
Stranger & Sons embodies the culinary identity of India. With its warm spices, bright citrus, and layered, full-bodied palate, it is a perfect base for cocktails that need character and depth. It is also equally well suited for martinis and spiced highballs.
Stranger Martini
Dry vermouth, orange bitters, and a lemon twist.

Price: ₹1,400–₹2,000
Profile: Floral • Smooth • Modern
Best For: Floral cocktails, brunch drinks, beginners
Samsara offers a gentle, inviting approach to gin. It’s softer than Greater Than and Stranger & Sons, leaning heavily into floral botanicals. Think rose petals, vetiver, cardamom, and hints of citrus.
Samsara is effortlessly enjoyable. Its smoothness lends itself to neat sipping, while also being expressive enough for cocktails. Its modern aesthetic is a nice way to ease people into drinking gin if they find the taste of traditional gins too abrasive.
Floral Gin Spritz
Grapefruit tonic + rose petal garnish.

Price: ₹1,400–₹1,800
Profile: Earthy • Herbal • Distinctly Indian
Best For: Herbal cocktails, experimental mixology, serious gin lovers
Jin Jiji is genuinely different and proudly Indian. Crafted in Goa, it incorporates botanicals like tulsi (holy basil), cashew, chamomile, and classic gin staples.
Most gins try to be citrusy or floral. Jin Jiji goes herbal and earthy, capturing India’s botanical heritage. It’s excellent for people who want a gin that tells a story, not just tastes good.
Tulsi Basil Smash
Fresh basil, lime juice, simple syrup, and soda.
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Price: ₹1,300–₹1,500
Profile: Light • Floral • Aromatic
Best For: Light cocktails, summer drinks, casual sipping
Udaipur Gin feels like a summer breeze in a glass. It’s delicate, aromatic, and perfect for people who prefer soft, refreshing profiles rather than heavy spice or juniper.
Unlike bold Indian gins, Udaipur Gin stays light and elegant. It’s extremely easy to drink, making it a hit for home bars and parties.
Cucumber Mint Cooler
Serve over ice with fresh cucumber slices.

Price: ₹1,800–₹2,200 (often under ₹2,000 depending on state)
Profile: Juniper-forward • Robust • Spiced
Best For: Martinis, Negronis, spirit-forward cocktails
Terai is crafted in Rajasthan from grain-neutral spirits and a wide array of Indian botanicals. It offers a London Dry-style backbone but with Indian warmth and richness.
Terai is the gin for people who love classic profiles, bold juniper, crisp body, and balanced spice. It works brilliantly in cocktails like martinis and Negronis, where clarity and strength matter.
Negroni
Equal parts gin, Campari, and red vermouth.
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Price: ₹650+
Profile: Bright • Citrus-heavy • Crisp
Best For: Budget cocktails, parties, new gin drinkers
Tickle Gin is easily one of the best budget gins in India. Fresh, zesty, and uncomplicated, it’s great for anyone who wants good flavor without spending too much.
At its price point, Tickle Gin delivers surprising quality. It’s versatile and works with almost any mixer.
Citrus Party Punch
Gin + lemonade + lime juice + fresh citrus slices.

Price: Under ₹1,000
Profile: Light • Neutral • Classic
Best For: Basic cocktails, highballs, large batches
Blue Riband is an iconic Indian gin, simple, light, and familiar. It’s a no-complication, dependable bottle that blends seamlessly into cocktails.
Blue Riband is perfect for those who want gin flavor without intensity. Great for mixing with tonic, lime soda, or lemonade.
Lemon Highball
Gin + soda + lime juice.

Price: ₹650+
Profile: Smooth • Mild • Easy-drinking
Best For: Large gatherings, light cocktails, new drinkers
Blue Moon is another affordable favorite with a softer profile. It’s not as aromatic as craft gins, but it mixes beautifully.
It’s an easy-going, low-intensity gin that’s ideal for cocktails with mixers. Great for casual drinking.
Gin Lemonade
Refreshingly sweet and perfect for Indian summers.

Price: ₹250 (350ml)
Profile: Subtle • Aesthetic • Color-changing
Best For: Parties, Gen Z drinkers, Instagrammable cocktails
Clearly, Good Gin stands out because of its butterfly pea flower infusion that makes it blue, and turns pink when mixed with tonic or citrus.
It’s fun, visually exciting, and great for group gatherings. Despite its playful look, it delivers a surprisingly decent flavor.
Color-Changing Gin & Tonic
Add tonic → watch it transform → enjoy.
The rise of Indian gin is no accident. Distillers here have access to:
Tulsi, fennel, Gondhoraj lime, Himalayan juniper, vetiver, Indian gin has access to botanicals no other region offers.
From floral to spicy to herbal, Indian gins don’t copy European recipes, they reinterpret them.
Brands like Stranger & Sons, Greater Than, Terai, and Jin Jiji have been recognized at
This proves Indian craft gin is not just “good for the price”- it’s genuinely world-class.
Garnish: Lime, orange peel
Cocktails: Gin & tonic, Tom Collins
Garnish: Lemon peel, ginger, star anise
Cocktails: Gimlet, Negroni, Martini
Garnish: Grapefruit, rose petals
Cocktails: Floral spritz, elderflower gin tonic
Garnish: Basil, mint
Cocktails: Basil smash, herbal martini
Garnish: Lemon wedge
Cocktails: Lemon highball, gin lemonade
| Before you choose your next dram… Read the World Best Scotch Whisky 2026 Guide for the top single malts & blends. |
The beauty of this list is diversity. No matter your taste preference or budget, there is a perfect gin for you.
Best all-rounder: Greater Than
Best for bold flavor lovers: Stranger & Sons
Best floral option: Samsara
Most unique Indian expression: Jin Jiji
Best for summer cocktails: Udaipur Gin
Best for martinis/Negronis: Terai
Best budget buy: Tickle Gin
Best old-school classic: Blue Riband
Best for casual drinkers: Blue Moon
Best party/gin aesthetic pick: Clearly Good Gin
Whether you're setting up a home bar, experimenting with cocktails, or simply exploring the world of Indian gin, these bottles offer excellent value, and a fantastic drinking experience.