The first time I had Bailey’s I remember thinking ‘this is truly the nectar of the gods’. It was creamy, delicious and everything that makes for a good dessert drink. Kahlua is another liqueur that has been known to get me high efficiently. While international liqueurs have been getting a lot of love in India, most of us are unaware of Indian-made liqueurs that are just as good as their international counterparts. Here are 5 delicious Indian liqueurs that deserve recognition and a place at your bar
1. Sikkim Cardamom Liqueur
Sikkim Cardamom Liqueur is produced by Sikkim Distilleries Limited which is the state’s oldest distillery (being founded in 1954). This smooth liqueur contains 25% ABV, and is usually had neat. It can also be had in cocktails such as ‘Cardamom Sidecar’ and ‘Green Grouse’. The liqueur tastes sweet and spicy with a strong flavour profile of cardamom, which is one of the most popular spices in India. They also create other liqueurs like Cherry Brandy, Creme de Menthe and the popular Paan Liqueur.
2. Desmondji Orange Liqueur
Desmondji’s Orange Liqueur has India in every sip, as all of its ingredients are grown in the country – from the grains to produce the triple-distilled spirit, sugar produced from local sugarcane fields, to natural essential oils extracted from the famous Nagpur oranges. The liqueur is popularly used as a base spirit in cocktails like ‘The Grand Manhattan’ and ‘Whiskey Sidecar’ but can also be poured over ice for a quick drink. Desmondji also creates another liqueur available in the market – DJ Mahua liqueur – which is a sweet blend of honey and spices. It’s recommended to have it with tonic water and lime juice.
3. Royal Heritage Chandra Haas Liqueur
Royal Heritage Liqueur is produced by the Royal Heritage Liqueur Distillery in Jaipur, which is a unit of the oldest state undertaking, the Rajasthan Ganganagar Sugar Mills Ltd, of the state of Rajasthan. They started production in 2003 but shut it down in 2008. After a break of 10 years, production was restarted in 2018. Initially, there were 8 types of liqueur being produced. With the relaunch, the distillery decided to introduce only 4 variants, Chandra Haas being one of them.
Royal Heritage Chandra Haas is a liqueur for the winter season, produced with 80 ingredients including spices, dry fruits and ghee. This sweet-tasting liqueur contains no additives and colours.
4. Cabo ‘White Rum With Coconut’ Liqueur
Cabo coconut rum liqueur (21% ABV) is a Goan spirit, produced in a boutique distillery by the well-known Diniz family. It is a delicious blend of rum and coconut extracts that has become quite popular among the locals. Cabo is usually had neat over ice cubes after hearty Goan meals but can also be used in coconut-flavoured tropical cocktails like the ‘Piña Colada’. One can easily buy a bottle from any liquor store in Goa.
5. Licor Armada
Licor Armada is the only Indian-made liqueur to have won International awards. Another product from the heart of Goa, this spicy liqueur has made its way from domestic, to the international spirit markets of Finland and the UK. Armada is produced with natural ingredients such as Asian spices, Brazilian sugar and Portuguese fruit. The liqueur contains no added flavours and preservatives, and is usually enjoyed after meals or in various spicy cocktails.
Have you had any one of these Indian liqueurs? Tell us in the comments below.
