India is known for being the birthplace of some of the world’s most prized herbs and spices and has also been a key region for cultivating valuable varieties, including saffron. Radico Khaitan, one of India’s oldest and leading alcohol companies with its Ankahi Liqueur Series, is on a mission to celebrate India’s rich heritage and legacy of botanical treasure. It is launching Ankahi Zaffran Spiced Liqueur, which honors Kashmir’s golden saffron and is the first one in the series.
Zaffran Spiced Liqueur: Radico Khaitan’s Newest Offering
Radico Khaitan unveiled the Ankahi Zaffran Spiced Liqueur at ProWein 2025 in Düsseldorf, Germany, from March 16th to 18th, 2025. The Ankahi Liqueur Series will be a series of liqueur that will not only spotlight India’s hidden botanical treasures but also uncover untold stories from the country’s ancient landscape.
Abhishek Khaitan, Managing Director of Radico Khaitan says, “Our vision is to take India to the world, showcasing its hidden and forgotten gems to a global audience. Ankahi Zaffran Spiced Liqueur embodies this mission, blending India’s rich heritage with the art of liqueur-making. This launch is more than a milestone; it is a bold declaration of our dedication to innovation and introducing the world to India’s finest, untold flavors”.
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The Ankahi Liqueur Series
The essence of Ankahi Liqueur stems from the word ‘Ankahi’ itself, translating to ‘untold’. With a focus towards bringing forward India’s untold stories through its distinct herbal and botanical treasures, the brand aims to give the global audience an authentic, world-class experience of India’s bold, impactful flavors. He also stated that the brand aims to launch two more luxury brands in the first half of the fiscal year 2026.
This saffron-infused liqueur is made with 21 carefully selected herbs, including clove, cardamom, coriander, star anise, and cinnamon, among others. These herbs were chosen not only for the rich flavor they contribute to the liqueur but also for their deep-rooted significance in Indian culture, both in culinary traditions and medicinal practices.
However, saffron, fondly called the ‘jewel of spices’ or ‘red gold’ remains the star of the show. The color of the saffron imparts a vibrant golden hue as well as a distinct taste to the liqueur.
Design, Taste, And Aroma Of The Zaffran Spiced Liqueur
Speaking of the bottle itself, the design is reminiscent of old liquor bottles, which were often flat and had a round mouth. The label closely resembles a piece of old paper, with the text and design made to give it a vintage look. The typography and the use of gold, red, and blue on the label lend it an antique touch, making the whole experience even more premium.
When it comes to taste, the Ankahi Zaffran Spiced Liqueur has warm undertones of cinnamon and cardamom with saffron taking center stage. As you sip it, you’ll experience a delicate sweetness derived from natural botanicals. The mint and coriander bring a refreshing, earthy note to the flavor profile of the drink.
On the nose, you get the rich, floral aroma with a subtle kick of cardamom and cinnamon. You also get a subtle hint of the earthy aroma of coriander. The Zaffran Spiced Liqueur leaves you with a smooth finish, with its warm and spicy sensation lingering on your palate. The flavor of saffron isn’t too bold or too bland – just perfect on the palate, leaving you wanting more.
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Where It Will Be Available
Ankahi Zaffran Spiced Liqueur will be available in two sizes. These will be a 1 liter bottle for Global Travel Retail and a 700 milliliters bottle for the global market. It is expected that shipments begin from April 2025, with distribution set to take place in key global markets. These include the likes of the United States of America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East. The liqueur will be available at leading liquor retailers and duty-free establishments.
Summing Up
The Ankahi Zaffran Spiced Liqueur is the newest addition to India’s glorious liqueur market. With saffron taking center stage in this liqueur, it will be interesting to note how the brand weaves together India’s rich botanical heritage in its offerings. We certainly can’t wait for the liqueur to make its way to our bar shelves!
