Map: Indian States by Most sought after Alcoholic Beverages (2025)

India's drinking habits are as varied as its languages, cuisines, and landscapes. A detailed examination of each state and union territory uncovers intriguing trends in popular beverages—from traditional whisky to rustic country liquor, refreshing beer, or customary rice brews.

Here is an enlightening exploration of India's most popular alcoholic drinks, organized by state.

Whisky: The Uncontested Favorite

Whisky stands as India's clear leader among spirits, prevailing in most urban areas and across numerous states. Regions such as Punjab, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Delhi all identify whisky as their top choice. This trend reflects both cultural inclinations and market dynamics: India holds the title of the largest whisky market globally, with domestic brands available across all price ranges.

Even in Gujarat, which is officially designated as "dry", smuggled whisky stands out as the premier product of the black market, illustrating the extent of this affection.

Country Liquor: The People's Preference

Beyond urban taverns and commercial brands exists India’s most substantial alcohol category: country liquor. Affordable, strong, and steeped in tradition, it is the preferred beverage in numerous states such as Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.

Even in Bihar, where prohibition is enforced, locally-produced country liquor continues to be the prevalent illegal option—albeit frequently perilously contaminated.

Country liquor is intricately linked to rural economies and cultural practices, encompassing regional varieties such as arrack, mahua, or palm toddy.

Beer: Coastal and Cosmopolitan Cool

Beer’s light and sociable nature establishes it as the preferred beverage in certain areas. Goa stands out as a prime example, where beer is nearly synonymous with its beach lifestyle. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands also favor beer, capitalizing on both tourism and the region's tropical climate.

Rice Beer and Traditional Brews: Northeast Pride

The Northeastern states exemplify India’s rich heritage of local brewing practices. Rice beer is prevalent in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura. Frequently brewed at home and integral to cultural rituals, these beverages underscore regional identity and indigenous wisdom.

Rum and Other Specialties

Kerala is notable for its preference for rum, a remnant of colonial trade and local flavor. In Ladakh, the traditional barley beer known as Chang prevails—a beverage ideally suited to the cold of its high-altitude environment.

Lakshadweep, despite being legally dry, maintains a small tradition of tapping toddy from palm trees—showcasing the islands’ distinctive coastal heritage.

Key Takeaways

• Whisky is the predominant choice in urban India, with most states identifying it as the preferred option.
• Country liquor leads in volume across the nation and is the most favored in numerous rural states.
• Beer thrives in tourist hotspots such as Goa and the islands.
• Rice beer is an essential cultural staple in the Northeast.
• Even in “dry” states, there are evident illicit preferences—whisky in Gujarat and country liquor in Bihar.

Conclusion

India’s drinking landscape reflects its social, economic, and cultural intricacies. From the esteemed status of whisky to the grassroots customs surrounding country liquor, each state narrates its own tale through its most consumed beverages.

Whether you are an industry analyst, a traveler, or simply inquisitive, grasping these trends provides a distinctive perspective on India—not merely as a nation, but as a tapestry of local flavors and traditions.

Sources

• India is the world’s largest whisky market
• Country liquor is the by-volume leader in many rural states
• Telangana is India’s largest beer-consuming state