The annual ‘bbb Awards’ by Brews&Spirits magazine recognises the best brands across India’s bars. The 2025 edition highlighted the top brands from 125 leading bars, including independent establishments, high-end hotel bars, and bustling pubs. The awards were presented at the Brews&Spirits Expo 2026 in Bengaluru.

The latest study offers a detailed look into the evolving preferences of India’s bar-goers and the brands that dominated the scene. It captures insights from bar owners, head bartenders and beverage leads across 17 cities, with more than 550 brands mentioned, reflecting the growing breadth of India’s drinking culture.

The research identifies the Top 10 most-preferred brands across 21 alcoholic and non-alcoholic categories, including vodka, gin, rum, agave, Indian single malt, blended Scotch, beer, aperitifs, mixers and water.

Global leaders – among them Johnnie Walker, Jameson, Glenfiddich, Indri, Grey Goose, Bombay Sapphire, Bacardi, Corona, Kingfisher, Jacob’s Creek, Sula, Moet & Chandon, Hennessy, Jägermeister and Campari – retained their positions across categories.

Don Julio replaced Patron as the top Agave brand; Oaksmith led the new Indian premium whiskey category; Yamazaki topped international single malts; and Cinzano replaced Martini as the most popular sparkling wine.

Indian spirits are gaining ground, with Camikara leading rum, Oaksmith heading Indian premium whiskey, and Jaisalmer entering the gin Top 10 alongside Hapusa, Greater Than, and Stranger & Sons.

The study shows a rise in domestic craft brands, with 69 home-grown labels now featuring across category Top 10s, signalling increasing acceptance and preference for Indian offerings.

Non-alcoholic beverage categories also saw changes. Coca-Cola replaced Schweppes as the leading mixer; and Perrier emerged as the top water brand, overtaking Himalayan.

Cocktail trends indicated evolving tastes: Picante overtook Margarita in agave, Espresso Martini replaced Cosmopolitan in vodka, Daiquiri led rum, Old Fashioned surpassed Whiskey Sour in whiskey, and Negroni remained the favourite gin cocktail.

Overall, the study reflects both the enduring dominance of established global brands and the growing relevance of Indian craft producers. It highlights the diverse and sophisticated preferences shaping India’s bar scene today, offering a comprehensive view of trends, brand loyalties and emerging favourites.

The What India Is Drinking rankings were compiled by Tulleeho and 30BestBarsIndia. For details, visit 30bestbarsindia.in.