It’s been a good few years since gin made its big debut in India, and the landscape today would be almost unrecognisable to someone from the late 2000s. What was once a prohibition-era spirit has found a thriving, dynamic revival—a market bustling with imports, homegrown craft gins, and upscale cocktails that have given the drink a fresh lease on life.

Among these global imports is Hendrick’s, a distinctly flavourful Scottish gin that’s become a staple in bars worldwide. Over the past few years, Hendrick’s has been steadily investing in India’s burgeoning drinking culture through activations and special editions. This November, the brand brought its spirit to the forefront in Mumbai with longtime ambassador Ally Martin, who led an intimate crash course on the gin’s unconventional origins. Martin guided us through the twin-distillation process, where two unique gins are combined to create Hendrick’s signature floral and garden-inspired notes, celebrated globally.

After two days of gin-fuelled dinners and engaging conversations across Mumbai, Martin joined us for a quick chat. From his personal gin hot takes to his journey as a tastemaker in the world of this ever-popular spirit, here’s what he had to say.

Welcome back to Mumbai! It's been a year since you were last here—tell me a bit about your last visit.

Last time, we were really focused on training bartenders. One of the big things we wanted to do was try and introduce Hendrick's to as many bartenders as possible. They're so important for getting the word out about our spirit and making sure consumers understand it as well. A big way to do that is by bartenders recommending it. That was our big focus last time, and I think we did a good job. We’re doing a little bit more of that this time, but also hosting events like this, which are focused on media, sundowners, and guest shifts as well.

Tell me a bit about what you're hoping to accomplish today.

Today is about talking about our spirit and getting people excited about the production process. We're doing a lot of tasting, which is a little different. We'll be tasting every step of how Hendrick's is made to showcase what makes it unique. The production process really sets one gin apart from another. I want to take you on that journey.

Since your days in Edinburgh, you've seen a lot of bartending. What stands out to you the most when visiting a bar?

Ally Martin: I love when people use local ingredients unique to their region and find innovative ways to process them.

If someone asked you to explain Hendrick's in a nutshell, what would you say?

We’re an unusual gin. That’s been our motto since day one.

What makes us unusual is our unique production process. We use two different types of stills, which was unheard of when we launched in 1999. Another unique feature is our use of rose and cucumber.

We aim to create a gin with incredibly round flavors, making it versatile and great for cocktails. When we launched, gin had become "uncool." It was that spirit your mom and dad drank. We were part of a wave of brands that brought gin back into the spotlight.

What’s your preferred way to enjoy Hendrick's?

I love martinis and negronis. For someone new to gin, I’d suggest trying it as a fizz—with lemon juice, sugar, and soda water—or as a classic gin and tonic.

Craft gin is huge in India now, with dozens of local brands. Why do you think gin caught on so well here?

Modern bartending has improved dramatically worldwide, and India is no exception. India is an incredible place for food and drink, so it’s only natural that gin would thrive here.

How long have you been behind bars, and what advice would you give to a young ambitious bartender?

I haven’t bartended full-time in about seven years. I do the occasional guest shift, but my focus is on the brand now. When I do get behind the bar, I feel rusty for the first 5-10 minutes, then it comes back. To newbies, just try to learn as much as possible. There’s no such thing as too much knowledge. Read, draw inspiration from experts, and work hard. The biggest names in bartending got there through hard work and making their customers happy.

What are your plans for the rest of the year and into 2025?

This is my last visit of the year. The big focus now is finalizing the 2025 strategy and ensuring we have a great marketing plan for next year.