Premium sips, AI-tips, and booming cocktail culture: Bacardi’s latest report uncovers what’s next for the cocktail culture in India
India : Ahead of the New Year, Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held international spirits company, unveils the sixth annual Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report, spotlighting the key trends set to shape cocktail culture and the spirits industry in 2025. This year’s global report includes insights from Indian consumers, highlighting a notable shift in preferences: over half (55%) favor cocktails over champagne (41%) to celebrate special occasions, showing how Indians are embracing cocktails for the upcoming festive season.
Vodka emerges as the top choice for gifting (50%), followed by scotch whisky (45%) and champagne (40%), making them the perfect gift for special moments. As spirits take center stage in gifting, they naturally carry over into celebratory occasions, with almost a quarter (24%) of respondents selecting spirits as their drink of choice for larger celebrations.
As we look toward 2025, consumers in India are excited to embrace cocktails in new and meaningful ways. Over half (54%) are eager to celebrate special moments with family and friends over cocktails, while 45% are looking forward to exploring new bars and restaurants. The rise of cocktails is also evident in the increasing preference for them over beer, with 32% of respondents drinking more cocktails.
“Ushering in the new year with a new era in India’s promising cocktail culture, the 2025 Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report spotlights significant shifts amongst Indian consumers, where trends like premiumisation and AI-based personalisation are reshaping modern celebrations. At Bacardi, we are proud to be at the forefront of this evolution, with insights that inspire creativity, enhance experiences, and empower India’s vibrant community of bar owners and bartenders in crafting moments that matter for our consumers,” says Vinay Golikeri, Managing Director, Bacardi Pvt. Ltd. India & Southeast Asia.
Indian consumers are showing a strong appetite for quality when it comes to their spirits. Nine in ten (91%) are willing to pay a premium for traditionally aged spirits, valuing the depth and authenticity they bring over artificially aged alternatives. Additionally, 77% of respondents are choosing additive-free spirits, reflecting a growing preference for purity and craftsmanship in their drink choices. This shift towards high-quality, naturally crafted options highlights a growing desire for more authentic and premium drinking experiences.
Commenting on India’s top 5 cocktails for 2025, Jonas Ax, Advocacy Lead, Bacardi Pvt Ltd., India, said: “Indian consumers are embracing bold, vibrant flavors like never before, with fruity (66%), sweet (53%), and spicy (50%) cocktails leading the way for the next 12 months. It’s the perfect time to recommend cocktails like the PATRÓN Picante, especially as tequila continues to steal the spotlight. Even timeless classics are seeing a revival, with vodka soda rising to the top and vodka lemonade making a strong climb from last year. This shift, paired with the growing demand for premium experiences, makes GREY GOOSE the go-to choice for every celebration,"
The top 5 bar calls in India for 2025 are:
- Vodka soda
- Whiskey and coke
- Vodka lemonade
- Rum and coke
- Mojito
Globally, the five macro-trends defined by the 2025 Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report are:
1. Premium Fans: The Synergy Between Fandoms and Premium Hospitality Experiences
Fandoms are elevating premium entertainment, blending passion for live events with immersive hospitality add-ons and experiences. From luxury hotels partnering for “gig-tripping” packages to sports bars curating exclusive cocktail menus, the fusion of fandom and premium spirits is redefining the future of entertainment – this trend is set to grow as more brands get room to innovate with nearly half (48%) of Indian respondents planning to attend more music and cultural festivals in 2025.
2. In-The-Know Imbibing. Cocktail culture is evolving from spectacle to substance, as IYKYK – i.e. "If You Know You Know" – experiences take center stage. Mixologists will transform into designers, educators and opinion leaders, using their craft to create a more meaningful connection with every person that walks into their bar. Even though the rise of technology is reshaping the way consumers explore cocktails, with nine in ten (92%) Indians showing interest in AI-driven recommendations for personalized drink options tailored to their taste preferences, previous choices, and the mood or occasion. However, three-quarters express concerns that AI might lack the emotional and artistic flair that human bartenders bring to their craft. Despite technological advancements, the human touch remains vital, with 44% of Indian respondents still relying on bartender recommendations to discover new cocktails.
3. New Cocktail Frontiers. Digital fatigue and a growing desire for cultural exploration mean people are craving real, multi-sensory engagement — in fact, 37% of Indian respondents cited multi-sensory cocktails as a key reason for spending more, while 39% are drawn to unique venues that inspire them to snap and share their cocktail moments. This shift is transforming how people enjoy drinks and where they enjoy them. 2025 will see the rise of immersive venues which cater to early evening, sensory-rich cocktail moments.
4. Culinary Connoisseurs. The line between food and drink is blurring as mixologists experiment with kitchen staples like milk, oil, and brine to create a new wave of gastro-inspired drinking experiences. Nearly three-quarters (70%) of bartenders draw inspiration from the culinary arts when creating cocktails, according to the Bacardi Global Brand Ambassador Survey. This trend aligns with consumer interest in savory and herbaceous flavors, which grew by 20% and 15% respectively in 2024. Women are also leading a shift towards more natural options, with four in ten drinking cocktails made with natural ingredients in India.
5. The Future Spirit: As brands evolve to align with the values of next-gen consumers, 2025 will see a push for inclusivity and a drive for positive change. In India, over a fifth (22%) will be drinking more sustainably, valuing aspects like recyclable packaging (48%), commitment to water preservation (47%), and reducing single use plastic (46%) when it comes to the spirits and liquor they consume. Beyond greener innovation, community-building will take center stage with a strong focus on education and empowerment that improve the hospitality landscape.