Luxebook December 2021

founder. Nikhil, who in addition to importing and retailing spirits, also sells glassware. He talks with confidence about Indians updating their glasses and bar tools thanks to an increased preference for well-mixed homemade cocktails. Director of Gigglewater, Karina feels that wine is a category which could make headway in India when it comes to after-dinner drinks. Referring to the Indian palate’s love for all things sweet, Karina also credits her statement to the precedence set for ending the day with glass of dessert wine, sherry or port. She recommends Niepoort, a wine maker since 1842, or Calem, another Portuguese wine. For your next party Surprise your guests with a high-quality spirit to sip on post-dinner. Nikhil recommends India’s very own Paul John XO brandy. “You have some great single malts coming out of India right now, and I think that the whisky is produced in India will only get better,” says the founder of All Things Nice. Glenmorangie –A Tale of Cake is another whisky that could make for a great sweet treat for guests. It encapsulates the magic of cake in a single malt whisky and is finished in Tokaji dessert wine casks. Fullarton Distilleries’ Segredo Aldeia Cafe Rum is also a great option for rum and coffee lovers alike. The homegrown rum is made with single origin coffee beans and is best had with a huge block of ice. On the gin front, Nikhil suggests Edinburgh’s small batch distilled botanical gins in flavours like rhubarb and ginger or pomegranate and rose. Back home, gin brand Stranger & Sons is making waves with a single-batch limited edition cocktail called Karina Aggarwal Founder- Gigglewater Beverage Concepts & VP - TERAI Gin Nikhil Agarwal Founder and CEO, All Things Nice Perry Road Peru. Bright pink in colour, chock full of guava, it comes with red chilli and salt powder one can rim a glass with. Bottled at 30 per cent ABV, it’s the perfect light and relaxing drink to sip on at leisure. Even tequila is seeing an uptick of interest; All Things Nice is importing mezcals, with infusions such as vanilla and chocolate, another great option to savour in lieu of a fancy dessert. After-dinner drinks can also cater to the season, and as winter approaches, a hot toddy could be an ideal way to round off the night. Mulled wine, or whisky and brandy with warm water are great for a cosy night in. “In today’s day and age an after-dinner drink could be anything and everything, the staples of before still matter, but rum and tequila are catching on right now,” says Nikhil. He also senses a shift in culture in big cities; the younger generation seems to be moving from binge drinking and eating, to having a few drinks with dinner, then going out to party the night away. Cheese Platter Perry Road Peru Segredo Aldeia Cafe Rum “In today’s day and age an after- dinner drink could be anything and everything, the staples of before still matter, but rum and tequila are catching on right now.” — Nikhil Agarwal Founder and CEO, All Things Nice 36| L U X E B O O K | D E C E MB E R 2 0 2 1 D E C E MB E R 2 0 2 1 | L U X E B O O K | 37