India’s royal families, especially from princely states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of the Deccan, have long histories of producing or consuming distinctive liquors—some of which have become legendary. These liquors were often made in-house in palaces or commissioned for the royal court and had unique ingredients, distillation methods, or aging techniques. Here’s a look at some notable ones:

🥃 Famous Liquors Associated with Indian Royalty

Explore the rich legacy of liquor in Indian royal families, from traditional brews to imported spirits. Discover the cultural significance and royal preferences behind the finest drinks in regal courts.
Explore the rich legacy of liquor in Indian royal families, from traditional brews to imported spirits. Discover the cultural significance and royal preferences behind the finest drinks in regal courts.

1. Royal Jagat Mahal (Maharaja of Jodhpur’s Legacy)

  • Type: Heritage Marwari liquor, traditionally made.

  • Ingredients: Rare herbs, saffron, dry fruits, and sometimes opium derivatives (in historical versions).

  • Current Status: Often recreated for special state events or private use by royal descendants.

2. Kesar Kasturi (Rajasthan)

  • Type: Traditional spiced liquor.

  • Ingredients: Saffron (kesar), dry fruits, roots, and secret herbal mixes.

  • Background: Used by Rajput royals; highly prized for its richness and medicinal warmth.

  • Availability: Sometimes available through heritage liquor manufacturers with limited editions.

3. Maharani Mahansar Heritage Liquor

  • Region: Mahansar (Shekhawati region, Rajasthan).

  • Type: Heritage brew.

  • Features: Produced by the Mahansar royal family; famous for their spiced and herbal blends like Saunf, Pan, and Kesar Kasturi.

  • Modern Access: Available under the brand Royal Mahansar.

4. Rajasthan Royal Liquors (Rampur, Bikaner, etc.)

  • Some royal houses have passed down distillation recipes involving:

    • Grain alcohols infused with ayurvedic herbs.

    • Long aging in earthen pots or wood barrels.

    • Restricted consumption for guests or during festivals.

5. Rampur Indian Single Malt (Uttar Pradesh)

  • Royal Association: Named after the princely state of Rampur.

  • Produced By: Radico Khaitan, drawing inspiration from royal traditions.

  • Taste Profile: Rich, fruity, and complex—meant to emulate a royal palate.

🏺 Interesting Facts

  • Many of these liquors were originally made in palace kitchens and not commercially.

  • Ayurvedic herbs were used not just for flavor but for perceived medicinal benefits.

  • Royals used liquors in ceremonial contexts, such as during hunting parties or royal banquets.

Would you like to know where any of these can be purchased today or how they’re made traditionally?

There’s a fascinating legacy behind Indian royal liquors that goes beyond just opulence. Here are more traditional liquors linked to princely states and royal families, including a few lesser-known but historically rich brews:

🏰 More Royal Liquors of India

6. Chandra Haas (Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh)

  • Region: Scindia royal family, Gwalior.

  • Name Meaning: “Smile of the Moon.”

  • Blend: 80+ herbs and natural ingredients, made as a royal restorative tonic.

  • History: Said to be a royal medicinal drink that was consumed during wars and rituals.

  • Modern Version: Now available as a heritage herbal liquor in boutique quantities.

7. Jagmohan (Jodhpur / Marwar)

  • Type: Rich, fortified herbal wine.

  • Key Ingredients: Saffron, cardamom, nutmeg, clove, and 60+ herbs.

  • Use: Considered an aphrodisiac and vitality enhancer by Marwar rulers.

  • Current Production: Occasionally reproduced by heritage liquor houses or licensed royal brands.

8. Asav / Arishtam Variants (Ayurvedic Wines Used by Royals)

  • Regions: Pan-India (especially Kerala and Rajasthan).

  • Purpose: Herbal wines with therapeutic value, used by royals for longevity and vigor.

  • Ingredients: Fermented roots, barks, spices, honey, or jaggery.

9. Zamindari and Nawabi Liquors (Awadh, Hyderabad, Bengal)

  • Awadh (Lucknow Nawabs): Delicate rose-flavored liqueurs and perfumed spirits.

  • Hyderabad Nizams: Often imported exotic wines and spirits but also had indigenous infusions, e.g., “gulab arak” (rose-infused spirits).

  • Murshidabad (Bengal Nawabs): Crafted fruit liquors and honey-based brews with Persian influences.

10. Royal Bastar Mahua (Chhattisgarh)

  • Royal Tribe Affiliation: Bastar royal house; tribal-royal intersection.

  • Type: Mahua flower liquor, sacred and ceremonial.

  • Modern Appeal: Now marketed as heritage tribal liquor with refined bottling by brands like Bastar Beer or Desi Daaru revivalists.

🔮 Lost & Rare Liquors (Almost Extinct or Secret Recipes)

  • “Som Ras”: Mythologically significant, though some Himalayan royals tried recreating it via herbal fermentation.

  • Royal Elixirs of Kashmir & Ladakh: Ancient grain wines with saffron and herbs, known only in monastic or royal archives.

  • Private Labels of Baroda, Mysore, and Travancore: Very little public info exists—recipes are family-guarded.

📌 Modern-Day Royal Liquor Revival Brands

  • Maharani Mahansar (Rajasthan)

  • Rampur Distillery (Single malts with princely branding)

  • DesmondJi & Native Spirits (Working with tribal royal influences)

  • Royal Heritage Liqueurs Pvt. Ltd. (Some ex-royals involved)