Rum is a favorite drink in India, especially during chilly winters or lively gatherings with friends. From the iconic Old Monk to new craft brands, the country’s rum scene has something for everyone—whether you like it neat, with cola, or in a fancy cocktail. India’s love for rum comes from its rich sugarcane history, and today’s distilleries are blending tradition with fresh ideas. This guide dives into the best rums you can find in India, covering popular brands, new players, how to enjoy them, and where to buy them. Whether you’re a rum newbie or a seasoned sipper, these picks will help you find your next favorite bottle.
Top Rum Brands in India
India’s rum market is packed with variety, from budget-friendly classics to premium craft options. Old Monk is the king of Indian rums, loved since 1954 for its smooth, vanilla-heavy flavor with notes of caramel and coffee. It’s affordable (around ₹570 for 750ml) and perfect for mixing or sipping. McDowell’s No.1 Celebration is another crowd-pleaser, with a bold, caramel taste and a price of about ₹540 for 750ml. It’s the top-selling dark rum in India. For something premium, Amrut Two Indies blends Indian jaggery with Caribbean rums, offering tropical fruit and oak spice notes for around ₹2,800. Maka Zai, a Goa-based craft rum, comes in white (floral, herbaceous) and gold (caramel, cinnamon) variants, priced at ₹1,000-₹1,300 in Goa. Camikara, a pure cane juice rum, won gold at the 2025 Rum & Cachaça Masters for its smooth, natural taste (₹6,200). These brands showcase India’s mix of tradition and innovation, catering to every budget and palate.
How to Enjoy Rum the Indian Way
Rum in India is more than a drink—it’s a vibe. The classic way to enjoy it is mixing Old Monk with cola or hot water, especially in winter, for a cozy, warming feel. Add a dash of lime or spices like cinnamon for extra zing. For a modern twist, try Maka Zai White Rum in a mojito—its floral notes pair perfectly with mint and lime. Amrut Two Indies shines in a rum Old Fashioned, letting its mango and coconut flavors stand out. If you prefer sipping neat, Camikara or Idaaya (₹7,500, aged 12 years) offer complex tastes like orange peel and cocoa, perfect for slow evenings. In India, rum is often paired with snacks like roasted nuts or spicy chakna. For cocktails, keep it simple: a Bacardi Spiced Rum (₹1,500-₹2,000) daiquiri with fresh fruit juice is a hit at parties. Experiment with local flavors like mango or guava juice to give your drink an Indian twist. Whatever your style, rum’s versatility makes it a go-to for any occasion.
New-Age Indian Rums to Watch
India’s rum scene is evolving with craft distilleries bringing fresh flavors. Daku Rum from Gwalior’s Bapuna Alcobrew is a standout, with its bold, spiced profile in Gold and Silver variants (₹1,690-₹2,900 in Goa and Maharashtra). Its vanilla and nutmeg notes make it great for cocktails or sipping. Segredo Aldeia from Goa’s Fullarton Distilleries offers a creamy white rum and a café version with dark chocolate and coffee flavors (₹1,400). Rock Paper Rum, launched in 2021, brings Indian spices to the table with its Spiced and Coastal White options, perfect for vibrant cocktails (₹1,350-₹1,500). Idaaya, blended in Jammu with Panamanian rum, has a silky, warm taste with spice notes, ideal for premium sipping (₹7,500). These new brands are pushing boundaries, using local ingredients like jaggery and spices to create rums that feel uniquely Indian. They’re pricier than classics like Old Monk but worth it for their craftsmanship and bold profiles. Keep an eye on these names as they gain traction across India and beyond.
Where to Buy and What to Consider
Finding the best rum in India is easy, but prices and availability vary by state due to taxes. Local wine shops stock staples like Old Monk and McDowell’s No.1 at budget-friendly prices (₹540-₹650 for 750ml). For premium rums like Camikara or Idaaya, check duty-free shops at airports like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru, where you can pre-book via platforms like Adani One for deals (₹3,650-₹7,500). Online stores like Living Liquidz or Mansionz deliver in cities like Mumbai and Goa, offering brands like Maka Zai or Rock Paper. When buying, check the alcohol percentage (most are 40-42.8%) and choose based on your taste—dark for sipping, white for cocktails. Be cautious of fake bottles; stick to trusted retailers. Also, consider your budget: Old Monk is a steal, while craft rums like Camikara are splurge-worthy. Always drink responsibly—rum’s warmth is best enjoyed in moderation with good company and snacks.
