New Delhi, May 7 -- Gin may have lit up cocktail menus over the past few years, but drinkers may be moving on. Agave spirits, tequila and mezcal are taking the spotlight even as vodka makes a quiet comeback. Yet, whisky, India's long-time favourite, still dominates.

Whether at a rooftop bar or house party, tequila shook off its old party-shot image with affluent urban consumers taking to cocktails like Picante and Paloma. Agave spirits, tequila and mezcal grew the fastest at 36% by volume in the country last year, according to the latest consumption numbers for 2024 that international drinks consultant IWSR shared exclusively withMint.

Vodka volumes rose 5% across price levels, making it one of the stronger performers this year. But bra...