Think of vodka – crisp, robust, and oh-so-enjoyable when had in the right amounts. While most vodka is made from potatoes and grains grown in agricultural regions, India has recently introduced its first vodka produced in the Himalayas. Yes, you read it right! Meet Hudka, the latest product by Himmaleh Spirits, which is India’s first Himalayan vodka. Keep reading to know more about this unique spirit that’s taking Himalayan craftsmanship to a global level.
Hudka is the latest premium offering by Himmaleh Spirits, a family-run craft distillery located in the foothills of Kumaon, Uttarakhand. This is the same distillery behind other premium offerings such as the Kumaon & I Gin, Neoli Rum, and Bandarful Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur. The distillery is known for its philosophy that is deeply rooted in Himalayan traditions and its farm-to-bottle ethos.
Himmaleh Spirits has always championed terroir-forward, additive-free spirits. Additionally, the distillery has consistently delivered high-quality products made using traditional copper pot stills and local ingredients. Now, with the launch of Hudka, the family-run distillery will introduce its boldest expression yet.
Speaking of the Himalayan vodka, Hudka is distilled from pristine Himalayan spring water and local ‘sativa’ variant of rice. The vodka is made using traditional copper pot stills, celebrating traditional craftsmanship. Utilizing local ingredients like sativa rice reflects the Himalayan cultural heritage.
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Hudka gets its name from the traditional Hudka drum, a musical instrument used by the Kumaoni people. Kumaoni storytellers, also known as Hurkiyas, use the Hudka drum in their storytelling and music. Hudka drums are an essential part of the culture, and they use them to keep their oral traditions alive.
Ansh Khanna, the Co-Founder of Himmaleh Spirits, commented on the launch of the Hudka Himalayan Vodka. He stated, “India’s vodka market touched US $1.26 billion in 2024 and continues to grow at a projected 7.8% CAGR (compounded annual growth rate) through 2030. Yet, despite the scale, true craft vodkas are rare. With Hudka, we’re placing India – and specifically the Himalayas – on the global vodka map. It’s not just about entering the market, but about defining a category shaped by place, purity, and precision.”
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Named after the traditional Hudka, the Himalayan vodka is an ode to ancient traditions. Take the label design for example. It carries the waveform of an original Hudka rhythm – a genius way of showcasing oral heritage into a visually appealing, modern form.
The bottle design doesn’t just reflect the sound of Himalayan streams but it also showcases the pulse of the snow-capped landscapes of the Himalayas. Each element of the packaging tells a story that is deeply rooted in Himalayan heritage, tradition, and craftsmanship. Hudka Himalayan Vodka’s bottle isn’t just a bottle – it’s an open letter of love to the echoing mountains, the endless streams, and the artistry of the people residing there.
The vodka will pack an exceptional smoothness and will have a subtle citrusy flavor. It will not only have a subtle zesty flavor but also have a gentle grainy texture. To top it all, the vodka will also have a hint of spice, making it a spicy and zesty experience on your taste buds.
The vodka will be bottled at an alcohol-by-volume content of 40%, making it a robust vodka to come out of the Himalayas. It will be available in Uttarakhand retailing at INR 1320. The brand organized a grand launch of the vodka in the first week of August 2025 at the Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa, Uttarakhand. As of when it will be available throughout the country is a detail that is still under the wraps.
Hudka is here to pay homage to its roots – highlight Kumaoni craftsmanship and preserve ancient traditions of the Himalayas. And the design too takes inspiration from the Himalayas and the oral traditions of the Kumaoni people. With its subtle zesty and spice-filled taste, the crisp, smooth vodka is about to be your next favorite. When will you try out this product that’s India’s first Himalayan vodka?
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