Apart from being a culinary hotspot, Goa is also home to an active alco-beverage scene. From hipster bars to craft beer taprooms with local gins and rums, the picturesque state now delivers the works.

Goa is no stranger to a drink or two but it is seeing a renaissance of sorts. Apart from being a culinary hotspot, the tiny, picturesque state on the western coast of India is now shaking up the alcoholic beverage scene.

On one hand, high-end bars offering inventive Instagramworthy cocktails or a meticulously prepared Martini are thriving. Young locals are behind these bars, as are acclaimed bartenders from across the country, who play with modern skills, machines and techniques, but still stick to traditional and seasonal ingredients. Takeovers at bars are common and collaboration is key to heighten customer experience.

On the other hand, there is a burgeoning local spirits scene running parallelly in Goa. The state’s first hemp-infused gin, Satiwa, which is founder Sahil Adwalpalkar’s attempt at changing the perception about hemp, is a sign of the rising local interest in the spirit.

Guzzling a beer in sunny Goa was the first thing one did upon entering the state. Gin crept in stealthily in the last few years and topped the popularity charts. But the tide is turning. It is now fashionable to drink beer again, albeit craft, not lagers.

Source: Financial Express ( https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/strongcheers-goa-strong/2939900/ )