Bombay Sapphire is a recognisable name among the global gin brands and is one of the gins that has penetrated the Indian premium spirits market. With a striking blue bottle, it is a go-to drink for all gin enthusiasts and is a staple stock for mixologists and bar menus throughout India.
You will learn about its history, the tasting notes, pricing in different Indian states, cocktail recipes and much more in this guide.
Table of Contents
Bombay Sapphire India History
- Origin: United Kingdom
- Founded: 1986. However, the brand was inspired by a recipe from 1761.
- Parent Company: Bacardi Limited
- Name Inspiration: Bombay is used for colonial India, and Sapphire is in reference to the Star of Bombay, a famous violet-blue gem.
Despite having British roots, Sapphire always had Indian connections through its name and some of its botanicals, like coriander seeds and liquorice from South Asia. After 2010, premium gin culture in India helped fuel the growing popularity of this gin.
Tasting Notes in India
It is popular for its sharp, well-balanced taste and has a blend of 10 exotic botanicals.
| Characteristic | Tasting Profile |
|---|---|
| Aroma | Fresh juniper, citrus zest, hints of spice |
| Palate | Smooth and complex, with earthy angelica, almond, and floral notes |
| Finish | Light, dry, and slightly peppery |
| Botanicals Used | Juniper, lemon peel, coriander, angelica, orris root, almonds, cassia, cubeb, grains of paradise, liquorice |
Variants in India
| Variant | Type | ABV | Tasting Notes | Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bombay Sapphire London Dry | Classic Dry Gin | 47% | Smooth, with balanced botanicals | Cocktails, G&T |
| Bombay Sapphire Sunset | Flavored Gin | 43% | Cardamom, turmeric, warm spices | Spiced cocktails |
| Bombay Bramble | Blackberry & Raspberry | 37.5% | Fruity, naturally sweet | Refreshing gin mixes |
| Bombay Sapphire Premier Cru | Small-Batch Distilled | 47% | Zesty, elegant citrus profile | Sipping or Negroni |
Price Table (India & Global)
India Price List by State & Size
| State | 375ml Price | 750ml Price | 1L Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | ₹1,250 | ₹2,400 | ₹3,100 |
| Delhi | ₹1,100 | ₹2,100 | ₹2,800 |
| Karnataka | ₹1,200 | ₹2,300 | ₹2,900 |
| Tamil Nadu | ₹1,400 | ₹2,600 | ₹3,400 |
| Goa | ₹950 | ₹1,850 | ₹2,400 |
| Telangana | ₹1,300 | ₹2,500 | ₹3,200 |
| Punjab | ₹1,150 | ₹2,200 | ₹2,850 |
| West Bengal | ₹1,250 | ₹2,400 | ₹3,050 |
Note: Prices differ from one outlet to another and due to taxes. These are estimated average retail prices.
Price Comparison by Country
| Country | 750ml Price (Approx) |
|---|---|
| India | ₹2,100 – ₹2,600 |
| USA | $25 – $30 |
| UK | £20 – £28 |
| Australia | AUD 48 – 55 |
| UAE | AED 90 – 110 |
Cocktail Suggestions
Classic Gin & Tonic
- 50ml Bombay Sapphire
- Premium tonic water
- Garnish: Lime wedge or cucumber slice
Bombay Bramble
- 50ml Bombay Bramble
- 25 ml lemon juice
- 15 ml sugar syrup
- Garnish: Blackberry or lemon peel.
Negroni
- 30ml Bombay Sapphire
- 30ml Campari
- 30ml Sweet Vermouth
- Garnish: Orange slice
Gin Martini
- 60ml Bombay Sapphire
- 10 ml dry vermouth
- Garnish: Olive or lemon twist
Where To Purchase in India
Most liquor stores, premium wine shops, and online alcohol platforms have Bombay Sapphire, such as:
- Living Liquidz (Mumbai)
- Tonique (Hyderabad)
- Nature’s Basket (select cities)
- Spencer’s Retail
- HipBar, Tully, and city-dependent Swiggy Instamart Alcohol
- City-dependent online platforms
FAQs
Q1: Is Bombay Sapphire available in India?
Yes. It’s available in metro cities and tier-1 outlets across the country.
Q2: Is Bombay Sapphire gin good for beginners?
Absolutely. It is smooth and balanced, making it great for classic and creative cocktails.
Q3: What is the alcohol percentage of Bombay Sapphire in India?
Typically, for the standard London Dry version, it is 47% ABV. However, it may differ due to local laws.