They say a cocktail is only as good as its ingredients. Among them, vermouth plays a defining role, adding depth, balance, and complexity to classic drinks. Yet, for years, India’s vermouth market has been dominated by expensive, imported brands with inconsistent availability. Recognising this gap, Adarsh Gadvi set out to create a premium, locally crafted vermouth—one made for Indian consumers that celebrates Indian ingredients. After two years of meticulous development and over 50 recipe trials, Davana Vermouth Indica was introduced in 2024.
The brand’s name reflects its origins and identity. “Davana” comes from the Hindi word for ‘Indian Wormwood’, a key ingredient in vermouth, while “Indica” pays homage to its Indian roots. Crafted using high-quality wine sourced from Nashik, India’s wine capital, it undergoes a meticulous production process—from distillation to maceration, blending, and finally the required resting—ensuring a complex yet well-balanced flavour profile. The brand currently offers two distinct variants—Davana Rosso and Davana Bianco—available in Goa. As India’s craft spirits movement gains momentum, Davana Vermouth Indica is redefining the category, setting new benchmarks that embrace local ingredients and proving that India can craft world aperitifs.
The Five Pillars of Davana Vermouth Indica:
- Authenticity: India’s first homegrown vermouth, made with locally sourced ingredients.
- Innovation: The first vermouth to feature wormwood, a uniquely Indian botanical.
- Craftsmanship: A precisely developed recipe perfected over two years and 50 trials.
- Versatility: Designed for cocktails yet refined enough for sipping on its own.
- Cultural Heritage: Inspired by Ayurveda and India’s rich botanical traditions.
Product Portfolio:
| Davana Vermouth Indica – Rosso | Davana Vermouth Indica – Bianco | |
| Description | With aromas of davana wormwood and rich red berries like cherry and blackcurrant, Davana Rosso offers a balanced taste that combines bittersweet notes and fruity flavours reminiscent of wild berry jam. The finish brings in notes of herbal and berry flavours blending into subtle spice. Vermouth Rosso has a base of white wine infused with a complex blend of botanicals, including herbs, spices, and flowers such as wormwood, cinnamon, cloves, and citrus peel. | Davana Bianco is a vermouth that blends traditional botanicals with the exotic, herbal sweetness of Davana. The result is a balanced, aromatic profile with floral, fruity notes and a hint of spice. The end result is refreshing, with a distinctive Indian twist that adds depth to every drink. Vermouth Bianco uses a mix of herbs, spices, and flowers like chamomile, vanilla, cinnamon, and citrus peels. |
| Botanicals | 23 Curated Extracts Davana, Artemisia absinthium, Sage, Thyme, Rosemary, Pepper mint, Melissa, Coriander, Clove, Cinnamon, Fennel, Cardamom, Sichuan pepper, Ginger, Jamaica pepper, Vanilla, Orange peel, Lemon peel, Grapefruit peel, Chamomile, Lavander, Hibiscus, Orris root. | 21 Curated Extracts Davana, Artemisia absinthium, Yarrow, Chamomile, Orange blossom, Angelica root, Coriander, Fennel, Cardamom, Ginger, Sichuan pepper, Cinnamon, Khus, Dry apricot, Orange peel, Lemon peel, Vanilla, Melissa, Pepper mint, Thyme, Rosemary. |
| Palate | A balance of sweetness, bitterness from traditional vermouth herbs and the unique floral-fruity essence of Davana | Bitter-spice note which is balanced by nuances of citrus fruits, vanilla and caramelized spices. |
| ABV | 15% | 15% |
| Food Pairings | Davana Rosso pairs beautifully with bold, savoury flavours. Aged cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano and Matured Gouda enhance its depth, while sour berries complement its rich, fruity undertones. For an Indian twist, the smoky, spiced flavours of paneer tikka and chicken tikka make an excellent match. | Davana Bianco shines with lighter, fresher flavours. Crisp salads and sour fruits enhance its bright, zesty character, while creamy cheeses like paneer, mozzarella, or feta offer a gentle contrast to its subtle spice. For a perfect pairing, try it with a tandoori seafood platter, to complement the vermouth’s herbal notes. Or go for Dahi Ke Kebab, for a seamless blend with the floral and citrus undertones. |
| Availability | 750 ml at INR 1,100 in Goa | 750 ml at INR 1,100 in Goa |
Additionally, please feel free to reach out to us for any inputs on the vermouth/craft spirits market and cocktail recipes – we’d be happy to facilitate the same.
You can access high-res images of the products here – https://we.tl/t-FhqAcZOQzm (The link expires on March 10th)