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India’s homegrown vermouth category is gaining a wider retail and on-premise presence, with Davana Vermouth Indica expanding into four new markets. The brand is now available in eight Indian cities, adding Delhi, Pondicherry, Pune, Indore and Bhopal to its existing presence in Goa, Bengaluru and Mumbai.

The expansion comes as consumer interest in aperitifs, craft beverages and lower-alcohol drinking occasions grows. Vermouth, a fortified and aromatised wine, has traditionally been used as an ingredient in cocktails such as the Negroni, Martini and Manhattan. However, the category is increasingly being explored as a standalone drink, including over ice and in spritzes.

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A Homegrown Take on Vermouth

Davana Vermouth Indica was developed using a Chenin Blanc wine base and a combination of locally sourced botanicals. The brand offers two variants, Rosso and Bianco, both at 15 percent ABV.

Rosso uses 23 curated botanical extracts, including davana, sage, thyme, rosemary, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, citrus peels and hibiscus. It has a bittersweet profile with herbal, fruity and spicy notes.

Bianco is made with 21 botanical extracts, including davana, chamomile, orange blossom, angelica root, coriander, fennel, ginger, khus, vanilla and citrus peels. It is positioned around floral, citrus and herbal notes.

According to the company, both variants can be consumed on their own or used in cocktails and spritzes.

Adarsh Gadvi, Founder, Davana Vermouth Indica, said, “When we launched Davana, our goal was to build awareness for an entirely new and underrated category in India.”

He added, “Today, seeing the brand expand from Goa, Bangalore and Mumbai into Delhi, Pondicherry, Pune, Indore and Bhopal is a strong indicator that the aperitif conversation is maturing across different parts of the country.”

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Category Finds Space Beyond Cocktails

The founders said the product took more than two years to develop, with over 50 recipe trials conducted before arriving at the final formulations. The brand combines traditional vermouth-making methods with Indian botanicals.

“Consumers are becoming more curious, bartenders are experimenting beyond traditional spirits, and there’s a growing appreciation for drinks that are lighter but still flavour-forward,” Gadvi said.

The wider availability also reflects the growing interest among Indian consumers in alternatives to conventional spirits. Vermouth has historically had a relatively limited presence in India, with the category largely represented by imported products.

Davana’s expansion brings a domestic option to markets with emerging cocktail and premium beverage cultures. Its 750 ml bottles are currently priced differently across states, ranging from Rs 1,100 in Goa to Rs 1,650 in Mumbai and Pune, reflecting variations in local taxes and pricing structures.

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Expansion Across Markets

The brand’s current Indian footprint covers Goa, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, Pondicherry, Pune, Indore and Bhopal. It is also available in the UK through Maharaja Drinks.

With the category still developing in India, the company expects further city launches and expansion of its presence across bars and restaurants.