India’s Love-Hate Relationship with Alcohol
India’s history with alcohol is like an old, complicated friendship—sometimes celebrated, sometimes frowned upon, but never forgotten. From the sacred Soma of the Vedic era to the fine single malts gracing our glasses today, alcohol has been woven into our culture for thousands of years. It has been divine, medicinal, royal, rebellious, and, at times, downright controversial. Let’s take a sip through time and see how our drinking culture has evolved.
Ancient Era
— Gods to Gatherings
Long before breweries and distilleries, alcohol in India had a spiritual side. The Rigveda (1500 BCE) sings praises of Soma, a mysterious, possibly psychedelic drink that was believed to grant divine enlightenment—imagine if the gods had their own secret cocktail recipe. Meanwhile, Sura, a fermented grain-based drink, was the go-to option for warriors, traders, and those who just wanted to unwind after a long day of conquering lands.
But it wasn’t all toasts and celebrations. Ancient texts like the Manusmriti and Charaka Samhita warned against excessive drinking, urging balance over indulgence. Ayurveda even recognized alcohol (Madya) as both medicine and poison—it all depended on how responsibly you consumed it. Basically, even 3,000 years ago, India had its own version of the “Drink Responsibly” campaign.
Medieval India
— Royal Brews & Prohibition Battles
As India moved into its golden age of empires, alcohol took on a more sophisticated role. The Mauryas (around 300 BCE) imposed strict control over its sale, while the Guptas (4th-6th century CE) saw wine culture flourish among the elite. By the time the Mughals arrived, drinking had become a royal pastime. Babur, the founder of the Mughal empire, wasn’t a fan, but Akbar’s court saw a thriving drinking culture—though the emperor himself preferred sherbet. Meanwhile, Jahangir and his nobles indulged in Persian wines and infused spirits, setting the stage for a more refined drinking scene.
But with the arrival of Islamic rule, alcohol found itself on shaky ground. While some rulers embraced it, others imposed bans, making the drinking culture fluctuate between lavish feasts and dry spells. Think of it like a centuries-long battle between party-goers and policy-makers.
Colonial Rule
— The Rise of Arrack and Whiskey
When the British set up shop in India, alcohol became big business. Indigenous brews like Arrack and Toddy flourished, but the colonial rulers also introduced something new—whiskey, rum, and gin. Suddenly, alcohol wasn’t just a local affair; it was a global trade. The British imposed heavy taxes, turning alcohol into a profitable (and at times controversial) industry. Meanwhile, Mahatma Gandhi’s freedom movement saw prohibition as a moral cause, sparking debates that still influence alcohol laws today.
Modern India
— From Social Taboo to Global Spirits
Fast forward to today, and India’s drinking culture is a vibrant mix of heritage and modernity. Traditional brews like Feni (Goa), Handia (Jharkhand), and Mahua (Madhya Pradesh) continue to thrive alongside premium single malts and craft cocktails. Cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi now boast some of the best bars and mixologists in the world, while homegrown brands are making waves in the global spirits market.
But here’s the twist—alcohol laws in India remain as complex as ever. Some states like Gujarat still uphold prohibition, while others like Goa and Punjab celebrate a thriving drinking culture. Meanwhile, social attitudes are evolving, with younger generations embracing alcohol more as a lifestyle choice than a moral dilemma.
The Diverse Drinking Scene
— North, South, East, and West.
India is huge—and so is its drinking culture. Depending on where you are, your drink of choice might look totally different.
- The North: Whiskey rules the roost in the north, particularly in states like Punjab and Rajasthan. Whether you’re sipping it straight or enjoying it with soda, whiskey is often the drink of choice for celebrations and, let’s be honest, most weekends.
- The South: Arrack, a strong distilled spirit, is popular in states like Kerala. But don’t forget about toddy, the locally brewed palm wine that’s been around for centuries. You’ll find it at small coastal shacks and backwater villages—there’s no better way to soak in the laid-back vibe.
- The East: Rice wines like Chhaang from the northeastern states are a hit. They’re made from fermented barley or rice and have a unique, home-brewed charm. A little more rustic but full of character, just like the people of the region.
- The West: The West has its own cocktail of alcohol influences, from feni in Goa (made from cashew apples) to a burgeoning craft beer scene in cities like Mumbai and Pune. West India is where old-school bars meet modern craft brews, and it’s the perfect place for a little experimentation with flavor.
Beer and Whiskey
While India has a rich history with indigenous drinks, beer and whiskey are currently the reigning champions in most social settings. The craft beer scene, in particular, has been booming, with microbreweries popping up in cities like Bangalore and Delhi. It’s not all about the mass-produced lager anymore—local, small-batch brews are taking center stage, and people are excited about exploring new flavors.
Whiskey? Well, let’s just say, whiskey is always in fashion. Whether it’s a chilled glass of the “Single Malt” or a glass of scotch on the rocks, it’s the drink that never goes out of style. It’s synonymous with celebration, with friends, and with the promise of a good night ahead. And as the Indian palate gets more sophisticated, premium whiskeys are increasingly in demand, showing that the thirst for quality is growing.
New Age Drinking Culture
In recent years, the drinking scene in India has evolved alongside the rise of social media. What once was a drink for the older generation is now the talk of the millennial and Gen Z crowd. From Instagram-worthy cocktails to trendsetting whiskey brands, the new generation is redefining what it means to drink in style.
The craft cocktail scene is also gaining ground, with mixologists experimenting with locally sourced ingredients and infusions. Indian spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and saffron are being incorporated into drinks, creating a new fusion of old and new. If you haven’t had a spiced whiskey sour, you’re missing out on a drink that’s as bold as India itself.