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The 2025 Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report highlights a shift toward premium and personalised drinks, with cocktails becoming the drink of choice for special occasions. While flavoured rums have gained popularity, there is a clear demand for high-quality, versatile rums that cater to evolving cocktail preferences. It is in this context that Bacardi India has recently launched an exciting new flavoured brand, says Ashish Jha, Brand Lead, Bacardi India.
India is witnessing a shift as younger, discerning consumers seek high-quality spirits that go beyond the ordinary. This evolving preference has driven a growing demand for premium and luxury rums, with Bacardi at the forefront of this change. Its core range, including Bacardi Carta Blanca and Bacardi flavoured rums, appeals to younger audiences with its versatility and vibrant character. Meanwhile, the Bacardi Reserva range, featuring Cuatro, Ocho and Diez, caters to those looking for a sophisticated, sipping rum experience. Rooted in a rich Caribbean heritage and crafted with exceptional quality, Bacardi is leading the premiumisation of rum in India.
Sweet-Spicy Fusion
Keeping consumers at the heart of everything the company does, the team at Bacardi has consistently been seeking new ways to excite them with products and experiences that resonate. For instance, the new flavoured rum combines the sweet, tropical taste of mango with the fiery heat of chilli, creating a distinctive flavour that appeals to the Indian palate. It balances the tangy raw mango, ripe mango sweetness, and a warm kick of chilli, offering a refreshing and bold taste. “Whether enjoyed as a chilled shot or in creative cocktails, Bacardi Mango Chilli rum enhances the versatility of rum while capturing one of the most beloved Indian flavours in a unique sweet and spicy profile,” says Ashish.
The new offering allows Indian consumers to enjoy rum in different settings, from casual get-togethers to celebrations. As flavoured spirits become increasingly popular, this introduction reflects Bacardi India’s commitment to innovation, capturing the attention of explorative appreciators in the country, seamlessly blending familiar tastes with bold experimentation, offering a new way for consumers to enjoy rum. With Bacardi’s strong distribution network and recognition, this particular rum is well-positioned to perform well in the Indian market. It caters to both casual drinkers and those seeking creative cocktail options.
The product is available nationwide, including Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry, Goa, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Rajasthan, Arunachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Tripura, Odisha, Meghalaya, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. To promote its new offering, Bacardi India’s campaign has targeted the younger consumers. “GenNext is significantly influencing the Indian alcoholic beverages market by prioritising experiences over traditional consumption. This younger, more discerning generation values quality and seeks unique, flavourful offerings like Bacardi Mango Chilli, which provides not just a drink but a story, vibe and experience that resonates with their adventurous spirit,” Ashish states.
Creative Campaigns
The younger drinkers’ preference for bold flavours and lifestyle alignment has prompted many brands to innovate, driving changes in both product development and marketing strategies. “At Bacardi, we have embraced this shift by creating campaigns that celebrate individuality and self-expression, connecting with younger consumers through music, festivals and social media. This focus on quality and unique experiences is setting new benchmarks in the industry, pushing brands to remain dynamic, relevant and culturally attuned with our experiential campaigns like Casa Bacardi Halloween, which offers interactive experiences such as salon takeovers, movie screenings and curated bar events. This aligns with the youth’s desire for creativity and self-expression to position us firmly at the forefront of crafting unforgettable moments for consumers across the country,” Ashish elaborates.
More Ahead
Indian rum enthusiasts can expect exciting innovations as Bacardi continues to redefine rum in India. Its latest release, Bacardi Mango Chilli blends local flavours with bold creativity, and the company is constantly exploring new profiles to stay ahead of evolving consumer trends. By working closely with flavour houses, it is ensuring that its rums cater to the growing demand for adventurous, premium options. Bacardi India focuses on delivering unique, high-quality products that surprise and delight rum lovers.
Cocktail Culture
India’s cocktail culture has surged in recent years, influencing trends across categories. The 2025 Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report highlights a shift toward premium and personalised drinks, with cocktails becoming the drink of choice for special occasions.
While flavoured rums have gained popularity, there is a clear demand for high-quality, versatile rums that cater to evolving cocktail preferences.
At the same time, classic rum pairings continue to draw in appreciators with rum and coke emerging as the fourth most popular bar call for next year in the country. “From these trends, we can anticipate rum emerging as a key spirit of choice in diverse and innovative drinking experiences—from exciting cocktails to classic pairings and flavoured variants,” Ashish points out.
Sustainable Solutions
The company focuses on sustainable sourcing by responsibly procuring ingredients and supporting the local communities. Additionally, it contributes to ocean conservation through partnerships aimed at protecting marine ecosystems and reducing plastic waste. To minimise its environmental impact, Bacardi India is powering up its operations with renewable energy, including solar panels at many of its factories. It also works on reducing water usage through various initiatives and water harvesting, and uses compostable materials for events, promoting water conservation.
Bacardi ensures consistency and quality across its diverse range of rums by implementing strict measures throughout the production process. From sourcing high-quality ingredients to advanced distillation techniques, the brand maintains high standards at every stage. Regular quality checks are performed to ensure each batch meets the brand’s expectations for flavour, strength and overall quality. This ensures that consumers consistently enjoy the same premium Bacardi experience, no matter which variant they choose.