Karishma Manga Bedi, Founder and CEO, Those Good Distillerss talks about IDAAYA, the multi- award-winning Himalayan sipping rum from India’s artisanal spirits house, Those Good Distillerss. Those Good Distillerss, as the brand marks a significant milestone with its retail debut in Gurgaon.
Karishma Manga Bedi, Founder and CEO,Those Good Distillerss
IDAAYA is a small batch production rum that is made unhurriedly and uncompromisingly. Karishma Manga Bedi, “We use ancient Indian methodologies in our processes that is accompanied with the best-in-class Solera method to bottle our rum. The end result is a product that is highly nuanced and upon tasting is a true discovery.
The creation and launch of IDAAYA was an audacious move, one that created curiosity for it and aided a steady growth in Travel Retail especially when benchmarked against international brands. Repeat consumption has allowed us a small but growing base for loyal patrons for whom the exceptional quality of our spirit has strongly resonated.
Our vision at Those Good Distillerss, is to create speciality spirits, those that represent India or those that bring the best to India. Spirits that are crafted without compromise and are compelling in their story and taste. We create for joy and passion and are committed to deliver an elevated experience with IDAAYA and our new spirits that will be revealed in the near future.
At IDAAYA, we have taken the best of the age-old and new world techniques to create a rum that has exceptional character. During our research we found that the oldest reference to a drink made by fermenting and distilling a drink from sugar cane juice was done in India. Our ancient books, the Arthashastras make reference to this as a kind of Amlasidhu. Inspired by this, we are using two techniques to treat our casks, which is proprietary to IDAAYA, Lepam and Dhoopam. Historically, these were done to treat, disinfect and close gaps in the casks. Such treatments also allow the casks to take on distinct characteristics basis the ingredients used, which in this case are all indigenous to India. Additionally, we work with Sal wood casks for our Solera bottling which is indigenous to India and also grows at the base of the Himalayas.
From the onset, our vision has always been to build brands that elevate the spirits experience. IDAAYA has aimed to do just that by ensuring the use of ancient Indian philosophy and technique in how our liquid is treated, the beauty of our decanter like bottle with the Himalayas flutter across it, and the narrative for our brand which is proudly from India. This modern representation of India has to be taken the world stage where is sits right next to some of best brands from across the world. Today, there is an appreciation for a sensibility that is modern in context yet rooted in culture and I think the appeal for this is evident with the Indian and International Awards that the brand has been awarded in the year since its inception.
IDAAYA has also won many International prestigious awards, those that have been judged by Industry leaders and consumers alike including a Double Gold at the SIP Awards USA, Gold at International Spirits Challenge, The Rum and Cachaca Masters, Silver at The Asian Spirits Masters, London Spirits Competition and Bronze at The International Wines and Spirits Competition, World Rum Awards and San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
The brand is currently available across Travel Retail at Duty Free in New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. In addition to this Haryana is the first state in India where IDAAYA is currently available. It will be available across key metros in 2026.
National Cocktail Day is the perfect excuse to shake, stir, and sip your way through some iconic cocktails that you can totally create on your own. Whether you go for a tried-and-true classic or an exciting variation, it’s pretty much guaranteed to be a great time. Salud!
Vaishali Mehta, Co-Founder, Swa Artisanal Syrups At Swa, “We’ve always believed that the best cocktails start with real ingredients. This National Cocktail Day, we’re celebrating the bold, vibrant flavours that make Indian drinks unique – whether it’s the heat of Bird’s Eye chilli, the richness of jaggery, or the tang of tamarind. Our syrups are all about keeping it natural, using ingredients the way they’re meant to be enjoyed – without shortcuts or artificial flavours. Here’s to cocktails that taste like the real thing, because they are!”
Bourbon Berry Breeze by Swa Artisanal Syrups
This smooth, fruit-forward cocktail packs depth, a touch of froth, and just the right amount of indulgence. Keep calm and berry on!
Ingredients:
60ml whisky
20ml Cabernet Sauvignon
6 black grapes
20ml Swa Summer Berries
3 drops of foaming agent
Method:
Pour all the ingredients into a shaker tin.
Fill the shaker tin with ice and give it a hard shake.
Fine strain into an old-fashioned glass over a block of ice.
Garnish with black grapes and a sprinkle of pistachio shavings.
Jade Goddess by Six Brothers Mahura
Rupi Chinoy, Director of South Seas Distilleries: Six Brothers Mahura’s sweet, fruity, earthy, spicy complexity, a smooth and crisp finish makes it a dream base for cocktails. Its unique flavour profile, which tastes like no other spirit in the world, blends beautifully with both bold and subtle ingredients, giving mixologists the freedom to craft everything from refreshing highballs to spicy picantes and rich espresso martinis. Six Brothers Mahura is a spirit with infinite possibilities and can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. With Six Brothers Mahura, the world now has a new category of spirit originating from India, ready to shine on the global cocktail scene.
A cocktail as enchanting as its name, the Jade Goddess is built around the versatile character of Six Brothers Mahura—India’s global spirit. Crisp cucumber juice brings a cool freshness, balanced by a fiery hint of Tabasco and the bright, herbal notes of cilantro. A squeeze of lime and a touch of sugar syrup round it out, creating a perfectly balanced and elegant sip.
Ingredients:
60ml Fresh cucumber juice
60ml Six Brothers Mahura
15ml sugar syrup
10ml lime juice
1 wedge of lime
4/5 drops of tabasco
3-4 fresh sprigs of cilantro
Garnish: Fresh cucumber slice roll and saffron
Glass: Old Fashioned or Poco Grande
Method:
In a mixing can add fresh cilantro and muddle.
Fill the mixing can with ice and add all other ingredients, then shake well.
Double strain the mix over a large cube of ice.
Garnish with a cucumber slice roll and saffron.
The Queen’s Martini by Monarch Legacy Edition
Regal and refined, the Queen’s Martini is a luxurious twist on the classic. It blends the smooth richness of Monarch Legacy Edition, the world’s first 100% pure grape brandy made with the finest French and Indian grape spirits, with the golden sweetness of French apricot marmalade. A splash of French orange liqueur and a touch of lime juice add a bright, citrusy balance. Shaken to perfection and served in a chilled martini glass, it’s finished with a crisp biscotti garnish. The layered notes of vanilla, spice, and dried fruits of Monarch makes for the perfect versatile base.
Ingredients:
45 ml of Monarch Legacy Edition
1 bar spoon of French apricot marmalade
15 ml of French orange liqueur
15 ml of lime juice
Garnish: Biscotti
Glass: Martini glass
Method:
Add Monarch, French apricot marmalade, orange liqueur, and lime juice into a shaker with ice.
Shake vigorously to ensure the marmalade mixes well.
Strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with some biscotti.
Sanaya Dahanukar, Marketing Manager, Tilaknagar Industries Ltd.: Brandy has long been associated with slow sipping and old-world charm, but it’s the spirit everyone keeps overlooking in conversations around cocktails. There is so much untapped potential for brandy, and with luxury spirits making their way into India’s mixology world, we released Monarch Legacy Edition. Our aim with Monarch is to change the perception of brandy and showcase its immense untapped potential – as a spirit of boundless versatility. With its rich complexity and depth, brandy has a fantastic range of flavours that work beautifully when sipped neat and in cocktails. Whether adding a deeper note to a sidecar, bringing depth to a brandy sour, or elevating an aperitif spritz, Monarch is redefining how brandy is perceived, taking its rightful place at the forefront of modern mixology.
Blooming Breeze by Davana Vermouth Indica
A light and elegant cocktail, Blooming Breeze captures the essence of spring. Made with India’s first homegrown vermouth brand, this includes Davana Bianco for an herbal depth, blending harmoniously with the floral sweetness of elderflower and the crisp tartness of fresh green apple juice. A touch of lime brightens the flavours, and a silky foam finish creates a beautifully smooth texture.
Ingredients:
Davana Bianco – 60ml
Elderflower Syrup – 15ml
Lime Juice – 10ml
Fresh Green Apple Juice – 60ml
Magic Foam – 2 drops
Green Apple Fan – for garnish
Method:
In a shaker, combine Davana Bianco, elderflower syrup, lime juice, fresh green apple juice, and two drops of Magic Foam. Add ice and shake vigorously to create a smooth, foamy texture. Double strain into a glass to achieve a clean and refined pour. Garnish with a green apple fan and enjoy!
Chethan M V, Brand Ambassador, Davana Vermouth Indica: Vermouth has long been a staple in cocktails, yet in India, it’s remained an underrated ingredient—until now. With the launch of Davana Vermouth Indica, the country finally has its own homegrown vermouth, marking a new chapter for the category. As India’s cocktail culture evolves, vermouth continues to be the perfect base for classics like Negronis and Martinis, with Davana Vermouth being a great addition to Highballs and Spritzers. It offers a playground for experimentation, as bartenders embrace its Indian botanical profile, creating innovative cocktails that highlight its depth and versatility. The possibilities are endless, and we’re just getting started on this new era of vermouth in India.
Marigold Smash by Godawan Artisanal Indian Single Malt
A bold and vibrant cocktail that celebrates the love for mangoes and Indian Single Malts! Crafted with Godawan 02 Fruit & Spice, this drink showcases the whisky’s exquisite balance of dried fruit sweetness and warm spice, blending with the tropical notes of mango juice blend. The touch of spice and citrus bring in a fiery contrast.
Ingredients:
Godawan 02 Fruit & Spice – 50ml
Mango Juice – 40ml
Fresh Lime Juice – 15ml
Jalapeño/Chili – to taste
Soda – to top up (optional)
Spice Salt Mix – for the glass rim
Method:
Add a spiced salt rim to your glass and keep aside. In a shaker, combine Godawan 02 Fruit & Spice, mango juice, lime juice, and chili or jalapeño. Add ice and shake well to blend the flavours before straining into your glass. Add a splash of soda if you prefer!
Elderflawed by D’YAVOL
Elderflawed by D’YAVOL is a bold and refreshing vodka-based cocktail, perfect for summer indulgence. Crafted with the smooth elegance of D’YAVOL Single Estate Vodka, zesty clear lime juice, and the delicate floral sweetness of elderflower syrup, this drink is topped with crisp tonic water for a perfectly balanced sip. Ready to elevate your cocktail game? Let’s mix things up!
Ingredients:
D’YAVOL Single Estate Vodka – 45 ml
Clear lime juice – 15 ml
Elderflower syrup – 15 ml
Tonic water – 120 ml
Method:
In a Japanese High Ball glass, pour in D’YAVOL Single Estate Vodka, clear lime juice, Elderflower syrup and finish with tonic water. Top with a garnish of baby’s breath, and this refreshing cocktail is ready.
Leti Blagoeva, Co-Founder, SLAB Ventures: Cocktails today are more than just drinks—they’re an expression of artistry and taste. Mixologists are redefining the craft, but at the heart of every great cocktail is the spirit itself. The right spirit doesn’t just complement a cocktail; it elevates it, adding depth, character, and a level of refinement that transforms every sip into an experience.
Irish Coffee by Tulleeho
This Cocktail Day, here’s some trivia on a much-loved classic: the Irish Coffee. Cocktail legend has it that one Joseph Sheridan, a chef at Foynes Port in Limerick County, Ireland, added a generous dash of Irish whiskey to regular coffee to warm up passengers on their way over to America, and in that moment of brilliance, the classic Irish Coffee was born. And here’s how you can make your own:
Ingredients:
Irish whiskey – 60 ml
Black coffee – 1 cup
Hot Brown sugar – 1 tbsp
Sweetened whipped cream – to top
Instant coffee/cocoa powder – to garnish
Method:
Pour the coffee into the cup, add the whiskey and brown sugar and stir to dissolve.
Float the whipped cream on top, sprinkle with a little instant coffee/cocoa powder and serve immediately.
Vikram Achanta, Founder & CEO of Tulleeho and Co-Founder of 30BestBarsIndia and India Bartender Week: While innovative cocktails have dominated the scene, the resurgence of the classic cocktail is unmistakably on the horizon. This year, bars that master the fundamentals—perfecting balance, technique, and quality ingredients—will stand out. It’s no longer about excessive elements or theatrics; the real craft lies in nailing the essentials. A milestone like National Cocktail Day serves as the perfect reminder that timeless, well-executed drinks will always have their coveted spot at the bar.
Pistoloma – A Paloma by Maya Pistola Agavepura
A refreshing and zesty cocktail that’s effortlessly easy to make! The Pistola Paloma highlights the smooth vibrance of Pistola Joven, perfectly balanced with the tangy sweetness of grapefruit and a hint of saline for depth. Light, citrusy, and sparkling—this is your go-to cocktail for a laid-back yet flavourful sip!
Ingredients:
60 ml – Pistola Joven
45 ml – Grapefruit Juice
15 ml – Lime Juice
15 ml – Agave Nectar
5 ml – Saline
Method:
Fill a glass with ice.
Add the ingredients listed above.
Top up with Grapefruit Soda and garnish with a Grapefruit wedge.
Kimberly Pereira, Chief Operating Officer, Maya Pistola Agavepura (Pistola): If there’s one sure sign that a spirit is on the rise, it’s how quickly it integrates into cocktail culture and catches the attention of top mixologists. Agave’s ascent has been driven almost entirely by its incredible versatility in cocktails—whether in bold, structured classics or contemporary creations. Our Reposado is a standout favourite behind the bar, delivering depth and character that shine in cocktails. With summer approaching, the Picante, Paloma, and Margarita are go-to warm-weather staples – these drinks are easygoing, refreshing, and perfect for the season. But there’s even more to explore, this National Cocktail Day—swap in agave for whisky in a classic cocktail, and you’ll unlock an entirely new dimension of flavour.
SUMMER SHANDY by Geist Brewing Co.
Light, citrusy, and oh-so-refreshing, Geist Brewing Co.’s Summer Shandy is the ultimate easygoing drink. A vibrant mix of Belgian-style Geist Witty Wit and zesty lime soda, this cocktail delivers the perfect balance of tangy-sweet refreshment. Whether you’re lounging outdoors or just unwinding, this effortless beer-cocktail is the perfect sip for the warm sunny days.
Ingredients:
100 ml – Geist Witty Wit
30 ml – Lime Juice
60 ml – Sprite
Method:
Fill a highball glass with ice, add Geist Witty Wit and lime juice, then top with Sprite.
