The India Drinks Retail Awards (IDRA) is a brand-new platform that’s shaking up the alco-bev retail industry in India, and it’s already making waves by recognising the country’s top alcohol retailers. The inaugural 2025 edition, which took place on April 29 at Le Méridien in Gurgaon, spotlighted the best outlets from across India, particularly highlighting innovative, customer-first retailers who are reshaping the alcohol shopping experience.
Inside The First-Ever India Drinks Retail Awards
While most conversations around the alco-bev industry in India revolve around swanky bars and craft cocktails, over 80% of all alcohol sales actually happen through retail. Yet, until now, there wasn’t a single platform giving these retailers the recognition they deserved. That’s where IDRA steps in.
Launched by the same team behind the acclaimed 30BestBarsIndia and the What India is Drinking (WIID) Report, it aims to put the spotlight on liquor stores, wine shops, and retail outlets that showcase vision, innovation, and exceptional service when it comes to alcohol retail.
The event, held at the luxurious Le Méridien in Gurgaon, was a glittering gala where the top 100 retailers across 12 regions in India were honoured. From Bangalore to Goa, the awards celebrated the efforts of retailers who are transforming the way customers buy alcohol.
The evening also celebrated those retailers leading the charge in their local markets. For instance, The Liquor Warehouse in Gurgaon and The Liquor Exchange in Noida topped their respective regions, proving that innovation and customer-centric strategies are key to success.
Spotlight On The Winners
Gurgaon and Noida have become hubs of modern and consumer-friendly alcohol retail outlets, boasting some of the most modern and customer-friendly liquor stores.
In Gurugram, leading the pack was The Liquor Warehouse on Delhi Jaipur Highway JMD. But the list didn’t stop there:
- G-Town Wines, Sector 54
- Don Jon – The Liquor Fort, Sector 65
- Liquor Story by G Town Wines, Bristol Hotel
- Discovery Liquor Warehouse, Golf Course Road
- The Liquor Fort, Sector 65
- G-Town Wines, Sector 40
- Discovery Liquor Warehouse, MG Road
- Daily Dose, MG Road
- Lakeforest Wines, Sector 18
In Noida, The Liquor Exchange in Gardens Galleria Mall got the top spot. Other game-changers are:
- The Liquor Store, DLF Mall of India
- Whisky Junction, Sector 38
- The Weekend Wine & More, Sector 101
Other top names from across India who made the cut:
- Mansionz by Living Liquidz – Mumbai & Bangalore
- Tonique – Hyderabad & Pune
- Vaz Enterprises – Goa
- The Liquor Mart – Jaipur
- Vina Alkohal – Lucknow
- The Party Store – Guwahati
- The Barrel & Shillong Wine Company – (joint No. 1 in Shillong)
These stores have transformed alcohol shopping into a premium experience.
Special Awards You Should Know About
- Innovator of the Year: Mokksh Sani, Founder of Living Liquidz – known for redefining alcohol retail in India.
- Lifetime Achievement Award (Industry Icon): Anith Reddy, Founder of Tonique – India’s largest liquor store and a retail trailblazer.
Celebrating The Best Alco-Bev Retailers In India
The selections followed a two-stage evaluation process. First, 12 regions were shortlisted based on the strength of their alco-bev retail ecosystems. Then, a staggering 400 nominations were received, from which 250 outlets were shortlisted and personally evaluated. The final 100 were chosen after comprehensive assessments.
These awards matter because the alcohol retail scene in India is evolving. With IDRA, retailers who are transforming the shopping experience and making it more innovative are finally getting the recognition they deserve.
The India Drinks Retail Awards are the beginning of a new era in India’s alco-bev retail industry.
Cover Image Courtesy: Supplied
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