By Barfecto Staff
20/08/2020
India is a land full of diverse cultures and with diversity comes access to an endless innovation pipeline. India may be gaining popularity for its craft gins and beers now but for the longest time, India’s regional alcohols were even the choice of kings. From rice to apples, there is no shortage of unique ingredients which go into making these blends.
- Feni (Goa)
When in Goa do not miss out on this legendary liquor made from cashew apples. With time, local distillers have experimented and have now started making Feni which also suits the modern palate.
Feni is only made from ripe cashew apples which have fallen off from the tree. It is classified as a country liquor and is thus only available in Goa. It has an ABV of 43%-45%
Feni is in the same league as champagne, scotch and cognac as it has been awarded with the prestigious global geographical indication and can only be made in Goa.
- Mahua ( Central India)
Made from Mahua flowers, this is one of the most widely known country liquors. When distilled, it becomes colourless and is traditionally made by the tribes of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh and other states around the region.
Desmond Nazareth is a man on a mission and has reinvented the mahua to match the modern palate. It is being touted as India’s answer to tequila. Recently even the Indian government has taken interest in popularising the drink by bottling it and selling it across India as a ready to drink beverage.
- Desi Daru (Pan India)
A terminology often used to describe any Indian made liquor and also confused with “tharra”, Desi Daru is an actual alcoholic beverage which comes in four flavours (orange, lemon, fennel and sugarcane)- each having a unique Indian taste. It is mostly made with sugarcane and molasses.
- Lugdi ( Himachal Pradesh)
Getting featured in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, made this regional liquor of India a household name. From the hills of Himachal, Lugdi is a fermented beer made with rice or barley.
- Kesar Kasturi (Rajasthan)
Made with ingredients like dry fruits, nuts, saffron, a mix of spices, herbs, roots, honey and milk, this sweet blend is the most royal Indian liquor on the list. This is a spirit for which even James Bond forego his favourite martini and this exquisite drink was even featured in the movie Octopussy. Presently, there are only seven families who are engaged in making this spirit.
- Toddy ( South India)
Not to be confused with a hot toddy, a must-have winter cocktail. This south Indian special is a palm wine made with the sap of various palm trees like Palmyra, Date Palm, and Coconut Palms. It is a must-try when down south!
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