For centuries, the mahua tree (Madhuca longifolia) has held a sacred place in India’s tribal heartlands. Its fragrant flowers, rich in natural sugars, have been fermented and distilled into a sweet, earthy spirit that’s long been part of festivals, rituals, and daily life in central and eastern India. Often called the “spirit of the forest,” mahua has symbolised the deep bond between indigenous communities and their natural environment. However, British colonial excise laws—designed to tax and control local alcohol production—criminalised traditional brewing, branding mahua as “illicit.” Even after independence, prohibitions and restrictive state laws kept it on the margins, stripping it of its cultural dignity and pushing a centuries-old tradition underground.
In recent years, a quiet revival has begun to restore mahua’s legacy. Artisanal distillers and social enterprises are reintroducing it as India’s heritage spirit, celebrating its complex flavours and sustainable origins. Brands are working with tribal communities to build fair-trade supply chains and document traditional fermentation techniques, ensuring both preservation and pride. Beyond its cultural importance, mahua represents ecological balance—its trees support biodiversity and thrive in arid soils, making them crucial for forest regeneration. Today, this once-stigmatised drink is finding its place on the global stage, not just as a unique spirit, but as a symbol of resilience, sustainability, and India’s living connection to its land and people.
Here are four mahua spirits to buy:
MAH Spirit
A cross-continental collaboration between India and France, MAH is perhaps the most global expression of mahua yet. Crafted in France using flowers sourced from India, it marries traditional mahua-making methods with the refined craftsmanship of French distillation. The result is a spirit that honours its indigenous roots while appealing to international sensibilities.
Beyond its elegant liquid, MAH stands for something larger, it is a tribute to the mahua flower and the communities who have long cultivated it. Through its joint venture, Bastar Spirits, with India’s Bastar Botanics, the brand aims to build a sustainable ecosystem around mahua by supporting indigenous producers and documenting traditional brewing practices. In doing so, MAH not only popularises the drink globally but also works toward restoring its respect and value within India.
DJ Mahua Liqueur
DJ Mahua Liqueur offers a refined reinterpretation of Central India’s most celebrated tribal spirit. Using craft-distilled mahua as its base, the liqueur is created in small artisanal pot stills and elevated with subtle layers of natural honey and warm spices. These additions don’t mask the floral essence of mahua but rather highlight its soft, earthy sweetness, transforming the traditional drink into a smooth, aromatic, familiar and sophisticated spirit.
This liqueur serves as a bridge between centuries-old tribal craftsmanship and contemporary mixology. It celebrates the cultural legacy of mahua while making it accessible to modern drinkers, whether enjoyed neat or in cocktails that draw on its complex, fragrant profile.
Six Brothers Mahura
Luxurious, evocative, and steeped in heritage, Six Brothers Mahura is an artisanal spirit that brings the ancient mahua flower into the world of fine drinking. Produced in small batches, it is double-distilled in copper pot stills and platinum-filtered to achieve a remarkably smooth, clean finish.
Every bottle reflects painstaking attention to detail—from the sourcing of the mahua flowers to the slow distillation process that preserves their unique character. The result is a spirit that balances history and craftsmanship, embodying India’s rich distilling traditions while meeting global standards of refinement. Six Brothers Mahura is less a drink and more a journey through time—a resurrection of an age-old elixir, reimagined for today’s connoisseurs.
Mohulo Gin
Blending the legacy of mahua with the contemporary appeal of gin, Mohulo is an inventive creation that captures the floral soul of the mahua flower within a juniper-forward framework. Crafted in small batches using copper pot stills, it retains the distinctive, slightly smoky sweetness of mahua while adding the crisp, botanical complexity of a modern gin.
Mohulo stands out for its balance—it respects the authenticity of the tribal ingredient while exploring its versatility. The result is a spirit that’s as nuanced as it is refreshing, offering a sensory link between India’s forest traditions and global gin culture. It’s a fine example of how local heritage can evolve into a cosmopolitan experience without losing its roots.
