Mahua is India’s only flower-based distilled spirit, and much bigger in production volume, than any other flower based alcohols, like Hibiscus wine, Elderflower wine etc.
Mahua was traditionally made by tribal communities in India. The flowers are fermented (sometime with added cane sugar or jaggery) and distilled. A video of making mohua in the traditional method with homemade still. Modern mahuas are twice distilled, to be about 40% ABV.
It’s now being rediscovered as an artisanal heritage liquor, by brands like:
- DJ Mahua from DesmondJi
- South Seas Distilleries Six Brothers Mahura
As seen in:
Cocktail Time: Mahua Cocktails (December 10, 2020)
Bandra Born 2.0 Offers A Fresh Twist On Comfort Food With Bold Flavours And Unique Creations by Shruti Pandit (December 14, 2024)
On Diwali, try cocktails with mahua and feni by Jahnabee Borah (11 Nov 2020)
Indian distillery debuts spirit made with formerly banned flower by Eloise Feilden (24 September 2024)
This new mahua liquor comes from the indigenous tribes of Madhya Pradesh by Arundhati Ail (August 17, 2023)
In India, an outlawed spirit is making a comeback by Smitha Menon (May 3, 2025)
Everyone’s Swapping Rum For This Ancient Indian Drink — Have You Tried Mahura Yet? by Swarna Srikanth (July 12, 2025)
Mahua, the banned Indian liquor, is back on the menu by Alice Lascelles (July 4, 2026)
Cocktails containing Mahua
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Mahua Mule Mahua, Ginger Ale, Lime -
Mahua Negroni - Mahua Lemonade Mahua, Lemonade
- Mahua Mint Tonic Mahua, Mint, Lime, Tonic
- Mahua Sour 60 ml six brothers mahura, 30 ml lemon juice, 15 ml sugar syrup
- Battle of Mahua Mahua, Grapefruit
- Confused Mahua Martini Mahua, Pineapple, Tonic, Lime
- Mahua Martini 60 ml Mahura, 10 ml dry vermouth
- Mahua Mojito 60 ml Mahura, Mint leaves, Lime juice, Sugar
- Mahua Old Fashioned 60 ml Mahura, Bitters, Sugar cube
- Spiced Mahua Punch 60 ml Mahua alcohol, Apple juice, Cinnamon stick
- Tropical Mahua 60 ml Mahura, Pineapple juice, Coconut water
- Mahua Colada Mahua, Pineapple, Coconut, Vanilla
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Guava Mahtini 60 ML Six Brothers Mahura, 60 ML Guava Juice (Fresh Or High-quality), 15 ML Lime Juice, 10 ML Simple Syrup (Adjust Based On Sweetness Of Guava), Apple Slices (Thin, For Garnish), Black Grape (For Garnish), Ice Cubes, Salt & Chilli Powder Mix (For Rim) -
Jade Godess
60 ML Six Brothers Mahura, 60 ML Fresh Cucumber Juice, 15 ML Sugar Syrup, 10 ML Lime Juice, One Wedge Of Lime, 4/5 Drops Of Tabasco, 3-4 Fresh Sprigs Of Cilantro, Garnish: Fresh Cucumber Slice Roll, Cilantro, Edible Flower/green Jujubes -
Mah Mosa 60 ML Six Brothers Mahura, 30 ML Orange Juice, 120 ML Club Soda -
Pink Sky 60 ML Six Brothers Mahura, 60 ML Fresh Watermelon Juice, 10 ML Peach Syrup, Squeeze Of Lime, Tonic Water, Two Basil Leaves, Garnish: Basil Sprig, Watermelon Slice - Tribal Negroni Six Brothers Small Batch Mahura Spirit, Sweet Vermouth, Vetiver Bitters and Campari.
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Kadak Nimbu Sharbat Mahua, Kaffir Lime, Soda, Gondhoraj - Floral Highball 60 ml Mahura, Soda water, Mint leaves
- Indian Sunset 60 ml Mahura, 90 ml orange juice, Dash of grenadine
- Born Dirty Mahua, Vodka, Aubergine, Salt, Soda, Tonic
- Born To Mai Mahua, Liqueur, Almond, Lime
- Sting Operation Mahua, Kokum, Agave, Honey
- मामी २.० Mahua, Orange, Bitter, Ginger, Soda, Lime