Warm weather weddings call for more than just chilled champagne. Summer affairs deserve drinks and concoctions that capture the season and the spirit of celebration. Amidst the colours, charm and chaos of a South Asian wedding, the right drinks play double duty, both the palate cleanser and the party-starter. But choosing options that pair perfectly well with bold desi flavours, be it spicy appetisers, rich curries or traditional mithai, is essential for not just a cohesive experience, but to elevate the entire sensory experience. That’s why the alcohol you serve should not only cool down your guests but also complement the curated menu and culture. Wondering how you can source something that speaks your language? Maharaja Drinks is the toast worth raising.
The company is the only UK-based retailer offering the most premium drinks and spirits developed and distilled in India. From fragrant gins to velvety vodkas and rich, spiced rums, each bottle is a nod to Indian distillation excellence. This summer, Maharaja Drinks has an unmatched line-up for couples looking to honour their heritage with modern style.
The Indian artisanal touch
“All our products are sourced from Indian suppliers. We align ourselves with global-quality standards from sourcing through to shelf. We champion organic certification and robust sustainability across manufacturing, packaging, and transport among all our suppliers in India. Adam and I travelled extensively to meet producers where we assessed the quality of the drinks, ethical practices, and made sure there was a clear alignment on values and sustainability,” shares Ipe Jacob, Principal Co-Founder of Maharaja Drinks.
Each bottle in the Maharaja Drinks collection is a mindful celebration of Indian craftsmanship, rich in flavour and flair. The brand is rooted in showcasing the country’s artisanal legacy through a diverse, high-quality selection. “Our gin portfolio, featuring Terai, Nilgiris, Malhar, and Hapusa, embodies grain-to-glass distillation, with local botanicals like Himalayan juniper, tulsi, chilli, and cardamom offering a taste of regional heritage,” he explains. “We also offer a stellar female-founded fruit wine range from Rhythm Winery and proudly stock White Rhino, India’s very first craft beer.”
The summer highlights
Maharaja Drinks’ summer line-up is a vibrant ode to Indian craftsmanship and seasonal indulgence. From fragrant gins infused with native botanicals to refreshing fruit wines, each offering is thoughtfully curated to complement sun-soaked celebrations. Whether you’re planning an alfresco mehndi or a breezy beachside ceremony, their summer outing will bring culture and character to every toast.
FOR GIN LOVERS
“All our spirits are truly special, but there are a few summer highlights. I love Terai Gin, a beautifully dry gin that’s as visually striking as it is delicious. The bottle is a keepsake in itself—its stopper is crafted in Karnataka’s ‘toy town’, the label draws inspiration from vintage Indian coins, and the bottle echoes ancient Indian architectural pillars. Another great option is Jaisalmer Gin, which is produced in the foothills of the Himalayas, and incorporates botanicals such as coriander, vetiver, sweet orange peel and cubeb pepper.”
FOR WHISKEY PURISTS
“For whisky fans, I recommend Paul John Brilliance, which is one of India’s finest single malts, offering a refined and nuanced flavour profile. Rampur Asava is also another incredible choice. This single malt Indian whisky is aged in ex-bourbon and ex-Cabernet Sauvignon casks. It is known for its tropical fruity notes, including apricot, blackberry, and plum, along with a hint of tobacco and spice.”
FOR WINE CONNOISSEURS
“For a summer wedding, I suggest you begin the celebration with Grover Zampa Soirée Brut or Fratelli Gran Cuvée Brut. Our Indian sparkling wines crafted in the traditional method using Chenin Blanc grapes, delivering crisp citrus notes and a creamy finish, perfect for toasts and aperitifs. Complement the main course with Myne Reserve Shiraz. Crafted with care, this Shiraz offers a perfect harmony of ripe, soft tannins and fruit-forward notes, resulting in a smooth and satisfying finish, ideal for pairing with grilled meats and Indian dishes like lamb kebabs or mutton biryani. Conclude the evening with Reveilo Late Harvest Chenin Blanc, a dessert wine with a lovely golden hue and a powerful aroma, reminiscent of honey and scorched almonds.”
FOR UNIQUENESS
“It won’t be too far out to say agave spirit is the new gin. DesmondJi Ayam, India’s leading agave spirit, is known for its smooth, earthy character, making it suitable for sipping or mixing in cocktails. I consider it perfect for a fresh twist on a classic margarita cocktail.” Beer lovers will appreciate White Rhino IPA. A bold, 6.3% ABV Indian-brewed Indian Pale Ale bursting with vibrant hop aromas from Willamette, Cascade, Mosaic, and Styrian Goldings—celebrating both India’s modern craft scene and the style’s colonial heritage in one flavourful sip.
FOR COCKTAIL FANS
“Our portfolio offers a diverse range of spirits—vodkas, an agave spirit, rums, and gins—that are ideal for crafting exceptional cocktails. To complement these, we’ve recently introduced the Bartisans collection, a line of natural cocktail mixers bursting with vibrant fruit flavours. Among the standout options is All Time Fav that offers sweet-tart strawberry base with a hint of fiery jalapeño. We also have the incredible InACan cocktails, pre-mixed, ready-to-drink canned cocktails that come in delicious flavours like Vodka Mule, Long Island Ice Tea and Whiskey Collins. These are great for outdoor celebrations.”
FOR VODKA AFICIONADOS
“And for those who prefer a classic one, you need to try our Smoke Lab Vodka, distilled from basmati rice and pure Himalayan Spring water. But the winner is Smoke Lab Saffron Vodka, with a blend of handpicked Kashmiri saffron interspersed with sweet Indian spices for a dessert-like mouthfeel. This is perfect to enjoy over ice.”
FOR RUM FANS
“Maka Zai Gold Rum the Tribute Edition has hints of praline, dry dates, figs, caramel, cinnamon and honey on the nose, creating a symphony of notes. Together with a creamy mouthfeel and a well-rounded vanilla accent, it is a perfect dessert and sipping rum. You can also consider Pipa de Goa. Boasting a complex nose reminiscent of rich red fruits and plums, the spice rum can be paired with both hearty curries and stews, as well as spiced desserts.”
FOR TEETOTALLERS
“We also have a wide selection of non-alcoholic, vegetarian and vegan drinks, from rich coffees to probiotic kombuchas. For tea enthusiasts, the offerings by Glenburn Tea Estate tops the list for flavours and ethical practices. Nurtured by the Prakash family, Glenburn Tea Estate employs 350 women across eight local villages to hand-pluck fresh Darjeeling leaves, bringing to market the best of Indian teas, underpinned by deep ecological and community care.”
Maharaja Drinks
www.MaharajaDrinks.com
