Christmas, Indian Spirits
At Maharaja Drinks, the festive season is all about honouring heritage, celebrating flavour, and creating joyful moments around the table. This Christmas, we spoke to three of our shareholders, Principal Co-Founders Ipe and Adam Jacob, and shareholder Mayank Gupta, to find out how Indian traditions are influencing their celebrations.
We asked each of them three simple questions:
• Will you be adding Indian traditions or an Indian twist to your festive food and drinks?
• Do you have a favourite festive drink or pairing, and why?
• Any tips for adding an Indian twist at home?
Mayank Gupta - Shareholder, Restaurateur and Goan Spirits Enthusiast
For Mayank, Christmas is closely linked to Goa, a place where Indian and Christian traditions blend naturally.
“I own a restaurant in Emsworth where most of my team are from Goa and are Christians. The restaurant will be open over the Christmas period, and we’ll be creating some amazing Goan specials as starters and mains throughout December.”
Alongside festive food, Mayank is also bringing Goa into the glass. This year, he plans to showcase spirits made in Goa from the Maharaja Drinks collection, adding an authentic regional touch to the menu.
“I’m currently curating a festive selection from the Maharaja range. I’m certainly thinking of Rhythm, Maka Zai Rum, and Ayam Agave.”
For those wanting to recreate the experience at home, Mayank shares a simple but memorable idea:
“Try a Mojito with a twist — add curry leaves and green chilli along with the usual ingredients.”
Ipe Jacob, Co-Founder and Indian Spirits Connoisseur
For Ipe, Christmas is all about thoughtful pairings and inclusivity
“We’re planning to add a few drinks with an Indian twist this Christmas. We’ll be serving cocktails with Terai Gin and Bartisans Picante, followed by Grover Zampa Signet 2K Shiraz and Fratelli J’Noon White with the meal, and freezer cold Rahasya as a digestif.”
His favourite festive pairing keeps things relaxed and accessible:
“Fratelli Gran Cuvee Brut, or even fizzy water, with Bartisans All Time Fav. It’s easy drinking for everyone, including teetotallers.”
And when it comes to adding Indian flair at home, Ipe’s advice couldn’t be simpler:
“Just add the Bartisans cocktail mixers to anything!”
Adam Jacob, Co-Founder and Indian Drinks Expert
For Adam, Christmas is a time to blend tradition with a personal twist.
“ I will be spending the day at home surrounded by loved ones, with the familiar mountain of leftovers that come with it. This year, rather than letting the turkey and vegetables go stale before turning them into soup, I plan a Boxing Day gathering for friends featuring a leftover turkey curry with parsnip and sprouts dahl. I’ll be pairing this uniquely Indian feast with the Good Earth Brio Shiraz Reserve Wine.”
Festive drinks are also an important part of Adam’s celebrations.
“Christmas morning will start with a glass—or two—of sparkling wine, with Fratelli Gran Cuvée Brut as the choice for this year. There’s nothing quite like the ritual of popping the cork while the children crowd around the tree to tear open their presents”
For those looking to add an Indian twist at home, Adam recommends a nightcap by the fire. A classic choice with a hint of India, the Paul John XO Grape Brandy, offers the perfect end to the festivities.
