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India’s alcohol retail scene is finally getting its moment in the spotlight. The second edition of the India Drinks Retail Awards (IDRA), held on March 16, brought together some of the biggest names in the business- from store owners to brand leaders-marking a growing shift in how liquor retail is being recognised in the country. Conceptualised by the team behind 30 Best Bars India, the awards aim to do for retail what bar rankings have done for nightlife: highlight excellence, raise standards, and create benchmarks.
This year, the awards recognised 95 standout liquor stores across 12 cities, focusing only on regions where private alcohol retail is permitted. Instead of a one-size-fits-all ranking, IDRA evaluates stores city-wise, awarding top-performing outlets based on the scale and quality of retail in each location.
What makes these awards notable is the evaluation process. Each store is assessed on a detailed set of parameters, ranging from product selection and availability across categories to layout, lighting, temperature control for sensitive spirits, merchandising, and overall customer experience. Staff knowledge, service quality, hygiene, and even how easy it is to navigate the store all play a role in the final ranking. The idea is simple: reward stores that go beyond just selling alcohol and focus on delivering a complete retail experience. Here is the list of winners.
The Liquor Fort – Sector 65
The Liquor Warehouse – Delhi Jaipur Highway, JMD
G Town Wines – Sector 40
The Liquor Fort – Sector 56
Daily Dose – Sahara Mall
TLW – The Liquor Warehouse – Cyberhub
G Town Wines – Bristol Hotel
Discovery Liquor Warehouse – Golf Course Road Sector 55–56
Discovery Liquor Warehouse – Golf Course Road
Taste of Barrels – Furniture Market
The Liquor Store – Mall of India
The Liquor Exchange – Gardens Galleria Mall
Whisky Junction – Sector 38
The Whisky Shop – Sector 50
World of Wines – Nariman Point
Living Liquidz Mansionz – Lower Parel
The Liquor Store – Belapur
Mansionz – Khar
Living Liquidz – Breach Candy
Seasons Wines – Versova
Food Square – Madira – Bandra
Topmost Wines – Bandra
Hops Cork – Bandra
Les Bouchons – Malabar Hill
World of Wines – Panjim
Liquor Loft – Margao
Vaz Enterprises – Anjuna
Rasna Wines – Arpora
Liquor Loft – Arpora
Tipsy Turtle – Margao
Vaz Enterprises – Colva
Champagne and Cigars – Miramar
Garrafao – Liquor & Wine Mart – Panjim
Maharaja Wines – Arpora
The Liquor Club – Margao
Gibson – Colva
Tonique – MG Road
Tonique – Hennur
Sling Spirits – Indiranagar
Sling Spirits – JP Nagar
Beerbox – Sadashiva Nagar
Sling Spirits – Varthur
Tonique – Koramangala
Mansionz by Living Liquidz – Rajajinagar
Dewars Wine Store – St. Mark’s Road
PEGS – JP Nagar
The larger takeaway from IDRA 2026 is clear: alcohol retail in India is evolving rapidly. Clean layouts, curated selections, and knowledgeable staff are no longer optional - they’re becoming expected. And as consumers grow more aware and experimental, stores that invest in experience are the ones standing out.
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