

The clear, electric blue pouring from a bottle of Bombay Sapphire is enough to mesmerize a lot of us. If you’ve ever poured yourself a generous glass of this drink, you must’ve wondered why and how does the drink get this name. Is there a connection between Bombay Sapphire and the City of Dreams? Well, there certainly is! Keep reading to find out about the intriguing connection between the iconic gin brand and Mumbai (or Bombay)!
The story goes back to the times of the British Raj when it ruled over Bombay (now-Mumbai). The Royal Indian Armed Forces popularized gin and tonic during colonial rule. It is here that the drink gets its name. Well, the ‘Bombay’ in the gin refers to the city of Bombay, and the ‘Sapphire’ refers to the 182-carat Star of Bombay. This gem was mined in British Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and has a bright violet-blue color. Today, it is on display in the Smithsonian Institution.The bottle has a beautifully geometric design, featuring flat sides. On the label, you’ll find a picture of Queen Victoria that pays homage to its British origins.
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The brand was launched in 1986 and later in 1997, the brand was sold to Bacardi. Currently it is manufactured by Bombay Spirits Company, a subsidiary company of Bacardi. The distillation is carried out at Laverstroke Mill in the English county of Hampshire.
The gin gets its distinct taste from a combination of wonderful botanicals like Juniper, lemon peel, coriander, liquorice, and grains of paradise among others. These botanicals are sourced from exotic locations around the world, and the gin is masterfully crafted to make every sip worth it. Their unique distillation gives Bombay Sapphire its tantalizing, smooth, and complex taste.
Price: INR 3,190 (Delhi); INR 3,000 (Mumbai); INR 2,000 (Goa)
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The Bombay Sapphire is a beloved gin brand, marking its appearance at our house parties and celebrations. However, now you also know the interesting connection that the Sapnon Ka Sheher shares with the liquor. So, the next time someone is just as confused as you thinking about the ‘Bombay connection’, you know what to do!