Kingfisher is India's favourite Indian beer; Bacardi, its favourite rum, and Jägermeister, its favourite liqueur
30BestBarsIndia has released the first edition of a survey report, 'What India is Drinking 2023' that ranks the alcohol and non-alcohol brand preferences of Indians across 125 top bars spread over a dozen major metros in the country
Alcohol consumption in India is projected to reach 5.91 billion litres in 2023 and is expected to increase to 6.21 billion litres in 2024, as per Statista. Image: Shutterstock
Indians have been sipping and crafting alcohol beverages for years. Even the art of crafting alcohol on an industrial scale in India boasts a pedigree of over two centuries. In 1805, the British established India’s very first modern distillery in Kanpur, churning out rum for their troops. By the early 20th century, there were 14 distilleries across the nation, and by the time India attained independence, this number increased to a staggering 40. Over the past two decades, the production, imports, and consumption of alcohol in India have skyrocketed. Today, this spirited industry is estimated to be worth $50 billion annually. According to a Statista report, alcohol consumption in India is projected to reach 5.91 billion litres in 2023 and is expected to increase to 6.21 billion litres in 2024.
30BestBarsIndia, a platform that ranks bars, has released a report that identifies the top 10 consumer brand choices across nearly two dozen different categories, including Vodka, Single Malt, Gin, Wine, Beer, Rum, Aperitifs, Mixers, and more. This comprehensive report is based on a survey conducted among 125 leading bars in the country and involved bar owners, head bartenders and bar and beverage managers of bars that have been in operation for at least six months.
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In addition to revealing the top-rated brands, the report also explores the most popular cocktails for various types of spirits which highlights how Indian bartenders are continually innovating to create memorable drinking experiences. The report also provides specific insights at the city level, offering information about alcohol consumption patterns in major metropolitan areas such as Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Pune, Bangalore, Chennai, and the state of Goa.
Radhakrishnan Nair, co-founder of 30BestBarsIndia, commented in the press release, “The bar industry has experienced significant growth in major cities across the country in recent years. This growth has been mirrored by an expansion in consumer choices, both in terms of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage categories, as well as the number of brands within each category. The aim of this survey is to gain insights into how consumers are responding to these changes.”
Also read: The right mix at the right place
