The gin dialogue keeps getting more exciting by the year, and India is basking in its glory with countless small batch and homegrown brands taking creative pathways to showcase the spirit. Once a medicinal liquor made by monks in Europe, the distilled alcohol has juniper berries as one of its main ingredients. The rest of the ingredients is the maker’s choice, which is why no two gins can be the same. The Gin Explorer’s Club by Food Talk India is hosting its Space City Edition for the first time at Mahalaxmi Race Course. As you sip your gins, groove to DJ sets by Culoe De Song, J Babe, Kayan (DJ Set), Lynston (Throwback) and Madstarbase. The food at the fest will be helmed by Jio World Drive who will dish out menus by Motodo, SeeSaw, Tacos & Buns By Tori, Papacream, The Sassy Café, Neel, and Arbab. There’s also Yeti, Burma Burma, and Nino Burgers to choose from.

Anjali Batra (right), co-founder of Food Talk India and festival organiser, says, “One of the reasons why gin is becoming popular is because it doesn’t have to replace spirits like whisky or vodka, but can be an easy add-on. Apart from juniper berries, every other ingredient and botanical is up to the maker — from citrus flavours, spices to even coffee. This makes people curious about gin. Don’t we Indians love flavours? When I travel, I always want to try  new gins. We don’t need intense cocktails. A gin and tonic will taste different depending on the gin used.”