Stop overpaying. Here is your definitive guide to the best budget-friendly gins in India that actually taste good.

If you are reading this in 2026, you know that the gin revolution in India has officially exploded. 

We have gone from having just one option to a shelf full of artisanal bottles like Hapusa and Stranger & Sons. But there is a problem with the price factor.

Most craft Gins now cost upwards of ₹2,500. That’s fine for a birthday gift, but for a Friday night house party or a casual Tuesday drink? 

You need something that doesn’t burn a hosanitiser-flavoured leaf in your pocket or your throat.

The good news is that the sub-₹1500 category has quietly become the most exciting space in Indian spirits. 

You no longer have to drink sanitiser-flavoured spirits. There are legitimate, distilled-in-copper-pot gins available right now for the price of a standard vodka.

In this guide, we rank the Top 5 Best Gins Under ₹1500 available in India this year. We’ve tested them for smoothness, mixability, and the dreaded hangover factor.

1. Greater Than Gin: The Undisputed King

If you buy only one bottle from this list, make it Greater Than. Produced by Nao Spirits (the same geniuses behind Hapusa), this was India’s first London Dry Gin, and in 2026, it remains the absolute benchmark for value.

Unlike cheaper gins that use essences, Greater Than is distilled. They use wheat spirit and infuse it with botanicals like Macedonian Juniper, Spanish Orange Peel, and Indian Ginger.

Taste Profile

It smells like fresh lemon zest and ginger. On the palate, it is surprisingly smooth for its price. It lacks that "rubbing alcohol" spike you find in other bottles under ₹1000.

Why it wins
It tastes like a ₹3000 bottle but costs a fraction of it. It is versatile enough for a G&T and smooth enough for a Negroni.

Best Way to Drink: 60ml Greater Than + Svami Light Tonic + Slice of Orange.

2. Short Story Dry Gin: The Bartender's Secret

Launched by Third Eye Distillery, Short Story was created specifically to address the bad, cheap-gin problem. 

They realised people needed a solid "pouring gin" that wasn't expensive.

Short Story is incredibly clean. It’s a classic London Dry style with a focus on Juniper, Coriander, and Citrus. It doesn't try to be fancy with weird botanicals; it just tries to be a good gin.

Taste Profile

Very pine-forward (that’s the juniper) with a soft, lime-like finish. It is less "spicy" than Greater Than and more floral/dry.

Why it wins 
It mixes invisibly into cocktails. If you are making a Tom Collins or a Gin Fizz, this is the best base because it doesn't overpower the drink.

Best Way to Drink: In a highball with Soda and a lot of lime.

3. Blue Riband: The College Legend

Ah, Blue Riband. If you went to college in India, you would have drunk this. It is the Volkswagen Beetle of Indian gins, reliable, everywhere, and gets the job done.

Is it a Craft Gin? Absolutely not. It is a mass-market gin. However, for the price (often as low as ₹600), it is unbeatable. 

It uses a mix of botanicals that lean heavily on the citrus side to mask the spirit base.

Taste Profile

Sharp lemon and chemical sweetness. It has a "bite." You do not want to sip this neat.

Why it wins
Availability and Price. You can find this in the smallest Theka in the smallest town. It is the perfect choice for making large batches of jungle juice or punch for a house party.

Best Way to Drink: Drown it. Use plenty of Sprite, Limca, or a strong tonic. Squeeze two lemons to cut the harshness.

4. Gordon's London Dry: The International Flex

Gordon's is the world's best-selling London Dry Gin for a reason. It is the definition of what gin is supposed to taste like.

In 2026, Gordon's sits right on the border. In duty-free or states like Haryana/Goa, it is comfortably under ₹1500. In Maharashtra or Karnataka, it might push to ₹1700.

Taste Profile

Dry, very Dry. It hits you with a wall of Juniper (pine flavor). It is not sweet, it is not fruity. It is serious.

Why it wins
Brand value. If you bring a bottle of Gordon's to a party, nobody questions your taste. It looks premium and tastes reliable.

Best Way to Drink: Classic G&T with Schweppes Tonic. Don't get fancy.

5. Blue Moon: The Heritage Choice

Not to be confused with the American beer, Blue Moon is an Indian heritage brand that has been around for decades. 

It falls into the Old School category along with Blue Riband but has a loyal cult following.

Taste Profile

Unlike the others on this list, Blue Moon is slightly sweeter and has a thicker mouthfeel. It has distinct spicy notes that appeal to the Indian palate.

Why it wins
It’s cheap (usually under ₹800) and drinks smoother than Blue Riband.

Best Way to Drink: With Limca and salt (Desi style).

Greater Than vs. Blue Riband: The Showdown

This is the most common question we get: "Should I spend the extra ₹400 for Greater Than?"

Best Gin for Cocktails in India

You don't need expensive Monkey 47 to make good cocktails. Here are 3 recipes optimized for these budget bottles.

1. The "College G&T" (Using Blue Riband)

• 60ml Blue Riband Gin
  
  
• 10ml Rose Syrup (Rooh Afza works wonders to hide the bite)
  
  
• Top with Soda and lots of Ice.
  
  
• Why it works: The rose kills the harsh ethanol smell instantly.

2. The "Gurgaon Mule" (Using Greater Than)

• 60ml Greater Than
  
  
• 15ml Lime Juice
  
  
• Top with Ginger Ale
  
  
• Garnish with a slice of Green Chilli.
  
  
• Why it works: Greater Than already has ginger notes; this amplifies them.

3. The "Summer Cooler" (Using Short Story)

• 60ml Short Story Gin
  
  
• 30ml Cucumber Juice (Muddle fresh cucumber)
  
  
• Top with Tonic Water
  
  
• Why it works: Short Story is clean enough to let the fresh cucumber shine.

Quick Comparison: Best Gins Under ₹1500 (2026 Cheat Sheet)

For the busy drinker who just wants to buy and fly.

Final Verdict: What Should You Buy?

The good news? In 2026, you don’t need expensive imports to enjoy a proper gin experience in India.

• If you have ₹1200: Buy Greater Than. It is world-class.
  
  
• If you have ₹700: Buy Blue Riband. It works.
  
  
• If you want to impress a date: Buy a short story
  
  
• If you are travelling to Goa, look for Terry Sent Me