New Alcohol Launches That You Need To Get Your Hands On Before The New Year

The end of the year, thanks to the myriad festivals and birthdays and weddings, is basically one long celebration—and every celebration needs good alcohol. As December rolls in with its sparkly energy, holiday parties, wedding madness, family get-togethers, and that very specific “just one more drink, it’s the festive season!” mentality, the only sensible thing to do? Stock up, of course! 2024 has been wildly generous to us, gifting us with a whole new wave of spirits that are clever, experimental, indulgent, delicious, and honestly just begging to be uncorked.

Whether you’re the type who keeps a neatly curated home bar or someone who panic-buys whatever’s left on the shelf before a house party, this is your cue to level up. Because this year’s alcohol launches aren’t just bottles—they’re experiences and conversations waiting to happen. Think beautifully distilled Indian malts, bold new gins with impressive botanicals, liqueurs that taste like dessert in a glass, rums with too much personality, and the world’s favourites finally making their way to Indian shelves. There’s craftsmanship, innovation, terroir, nostalgia, and a whole lot of flavour in every sip.

And let’s be real: December is also when we collectively decide that trying new alcohol counts as research, especially when New Year’s Eve is right around the corner. Right? Then why settle for the same old mixers and standby spirits when you could be discovering the next big thing before everyone else catches on?

Below, the newest (and juiciest) alcohol launches you absolutely need to get your hands on before the clock strikes 2026. Cheers to drinking better—and drinking smarter—this season!

Cabrón Destilado de Agave

With this launch, agave drinks in India have officially turned up a notch!

Meet Cabrón, the new agave spirit from Maya Pistola Agavepura that’s officially turning all the heads in India’s bar scene. Launched earlier this month, this “no-rules” agave distillate is designed to be fun, carefree, and extremely pourable—made specifically bearing careless bartenders and hardcore partygoers in mind. Unlike ultra-premium sipping agaves, Cabrón’s is relaxed. While it’s rooted in craft, it’s also about being accessible. It’s a guilt-free, well-made spirit for shots, mixers, and creative cocktails. And with an ABV of 40%, it delivers a smooth, naturally sweet, and spicy flavour—not too subtle, not too aggressive, just how most of us like it.

Borrowing from the slang meaning of “Cabrón” in Mexican culture, it quite literally translates to “dude”; a nod to friendship, camaraderie, and evenings that definitely don’t need no rules. In short: if you want to explore agave without breaking the bank, or if you just want a spirit that’s built for good times, Cabrón is your new best friend.

Cost: INR 2,200

Rangeela

Ranveer Singh, already known for his larger-than-life personality, launched a colourful splash into the world of spirits with Rangeela Vodka, co-founded in partnership with ABD Maestro Pvt. Ltd., the luxury division of Allied Blenders & Distillers (ABD). 

True to its name (“Rangeela” means “colourful”), the vodka embodies a spirit of bold self-expression, confidence, and unabashed creativity—very much in line with everything we love about Singh’s own flamboyant, unapologetic persona. What makes this vodka more than just a celebrity-backed drink is its craft. Rangeela is triple distilled and platinum chill-filtered, ensuring a smooth, clean profile that’s ready for the night: be it over ice, in a mixer, or neat, Rangeela’s got you covered for all those late nights you’re yet to have before the year ends. 

 It’s designed to be versatile: part of its DNA is to shine in fruity, refreshing glavours, featuring citrus, cranberry, and even espresso flavours. No one can have just one! For cocktail lovers, it’s a blank canvas: a flamboyant, confident arrival in the country’s premium liquor space.

Cost: INR 2,400

Glenmorangie Original 12-Year-Old

Aged two years longer than the brand’s beloved 10-Year-Old Original, the new, 12-Year-Old rendition introduces a silkier texture and deeper complexity to the Highland distillery’s signature single malt. It’s a subtle yet significant change—one that keeps the bright, citrusy freshness of the original, but layers it with the sweetness and warmth, with notes of vanilla. And who doesn’t love a bit of vanilla in everything?

On the nose, you’ll get bright citrus—think juicy oranges in wide, open fields— layered over stone fruits like apricot and peach, plus a soft hug of vanilla cream. The palate greets you with tropical fruitiness and warm barley, backed by honeyed sweetness and a gentle waxy texture that feels comforting and elegant. The finish lingers softly, with a sprinkle of spice and a mellow, moreish warmth.

Bottled at 40% ABV, this edition keeps it mellow and drinkable—perfect for both whisky newcomers and seasoned sippers. Whether you like it neat, with a splash of water to open up its fruitiness, or alongside a citrusy mixer, Glenmorangie 12-Year-Old feels like a warm, fruity hug in a glass, perfect for winter!

Jigger Shots

The word ‘Jigger’ has many meanings. It refers to a measurement in bartending, a term of endearment in Urdu, a symbol of bravery in Punjabi, and a dance full of energy in the Irish culture. Add all of that up, and the sum of that is what this brand really stands for.

Jigger isn’t your average spirit brand— they’re an “Anti-Alcohol, Alcohol Brand,” created for India, by India. What that means: they’ve stripped away everything people often don’t like about drinking: the burn, the harsh aftertaste, and the complications of making the drink in the first place. Instead, Jigger gives you smooth, drinkable shots that are handcrafted for simple, joyful moments. All of you who search, beg, and cry for chasers at every party and night out, this one’s for you.

The debut lineup includes three quirky, story-driven flavours. Litchi Rose, which is sweet, floral, and bright, Coffee Toffee, blending caramel and milk chocolate, like pocketing a piece of birthday candy, and Meetha Paan, which gives you that cool, aromatic after-dinner paan-shop freshness, in one sip. The best part? Every variant of Jigger Shots is triple-distilled, gluten-free, and made using pure Himalayan water. 

So, pick your poison—or shall I say, pick your Jigger, and shots up?

Rampur 1943 Virasat Single Malt

Rampur 1943 Virasat is a brand-new single malt from Radico Khaitan, designed to celebrate the very rich legacy of Rampur Distillery, which has been in operation since the pre-Independence era of 1943. 

The whisky is made using six-row Indian barley, chosen for its bold, malty richness. On the nose, Rampur 1943 Virasat offers aromas of sweet vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak that immediately feel warm and inviting. As you taste, the character unfolds into rich maltiness, tropical fruit notes, and a gentle layer of red berries. The finish is where the Port cask influence truly shines—delicious Indian spices, stewed fruits, and a lingering sweetness that rounds off each sip.

Cost: INR 4,500

Licor 43

Licor 43 is a Spanish liqueur that combines heritage with sunshine: it’s made from a secret family recipe that reportedly dates back to Carthaginian times. The “43” in its name comes from the 43 botanicals that go into its blend, giving it a complex, layered profile that’s part citrus, part vanilla, and part spice. The overall feel and taste is sweet, warm, and comforting—like sweet orange peel flirting with caramel and a whisper of cinnamon. And this wonderful Spanish treat has finally entered the Indian market for all of us to enjoy! If you’re a dessert-lover like me who searches for a delicious treat in almost anything and everything you eat, look no further because this might just do it for you. 

On the nose, Licor 43 delights with creamy vanilla, zesty lemon, and herbaceous spice. Sip it neat over ice, and your palate will feel a thousand emotions at once: from a silky wave of citrus candied peel and custard, followed by a warming, honeyed finish. Despite the sweetness, it’s remarkably balanced, well-structured, and not at all syrupy.

The best part? You can drink Licor 43 in almost any form you’d like. It makes for a classic 43 & Milk nightcap, but you can also mix it into espresso for a Spanish-style White Russian, or add it to sparkling wine or soda for a bright, festive cocktail. It’s a spirit that brings warmth, sweetness, and a touch of Mediterranean sunshine—no matter the weather.

Cost: INR 1,700

Read more: The New Glenmorangie Original 12 Is Smoother, Richer, and Worth the Wait

Also read: Amrut x Geist Launch Limited-Edition Stout-Finished Whisky