Key Points:
- Record-breaking liquor sales across India during New Year week (December 25-31, 2025)
- Delhi sold approximately ₹45-50 crore worth of liquor on December 31 alone
- Uttar Pradesh topped with ₹250-300 crore in New Year week sales
- Karnataka (Bengaluru) and Telangana generated ₹110 crore and ₹125 crore respectively on New Year’s Eve
- Premium brands, weekend timing, and home delivery services drove the unprecedented surge
India welcomed 2026 not only with spectacular fireworks but also with unprecedented liquor sales that shattered all previous records. According to initial figures released by state excise departments, liquor sales across India during the New Year’s celebrations (December 25th to December 31st, 2025) reached historic highs, with billions of rupees pouring into state coffers from the national capital of Delhi to Karnataka in the south.
Delhiites Raised Glasses Worth Crores of Rupees
As always, the national capital Delhi, led the way in liquor consumption, cementing its reputation as India’s party capital. Here, approximately ₹45 crore to ₹50 crore worth of liquor was sold on the night of December 31st alone, as revelers thronged licensed outlets and restaurants to ring in the New Year. The excise department reported that over 6 crore bottles were sold in Delhi throughout December, representing a 15% increase compared to the previous year. This surge was attributed to the city’s vibrant nightlife culture and the presence of a large young professional population with high disposable incomes.
Uttar Pradesh Also Saw Phenomenal Earnings
The Yogi government’s new excise policy and the party craze in cities like Noida and Lucknow propelled revenue to new heights. Approximately ₹250 crore to ₹300 crore worth of liquor was sold in Uttar Pradesh during the New Year’s celebrations, making it the highest-earning state in the country. Liquor shops in Noida and Ghaziabad witnessed massive crowds, with each shop recording sales worth lakhs of rupees. The state’s rationalized excise structure and improved distribution network contributed significantly to this record-breaking performance, as consumers found it easier to access their preferred brands.
Tech City Bengaluru Was the Most “High”
In South India, Karnataka (especially Bengaluru) remained the hub of liquor consumption, living up to its image as India’s pub capital. According to the Karnataka Excise Department, over ₹110 crore worth of liquor was sold in the state on December 31st alone. The demand for hard liquor (whiskey, rum) was 20% higher than that of beer, indicating a preference for premium spirits among the city’s IT professionals and young demographic. Bengaluru’s renowned pub culture and the presence of numerous microbreweries and upscale bars contributed to this impressive figure.
Telangana and Haryana Witnessed a Frenzy
In Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana, liquor sales on New Year’s Eve crossed the ₹120 crore mark, driven by celebrations in the city’s upscale neighborhoods and popular party districts. Meanwhile, resorts and pubs in Gurugram, Haryana, saw record-breaking crowds, generating approximately ₹80-90 crore in revenue for the state. The National Capital Region’s partygoers contributed significantly to Haryana’s earnings, as many chose to celebrate in the state’s numerous luxury resorts and entertainment venues that offered special New Year packages.
State Comparison: At a Glance (Estimated Data)
| State | December 31st Sales (Estimated) | Main Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | ₹48 crore | Record Party Destination |
| Uttar Pradesh | ₹280 crore (Entire State) | Noida-Lucknow Craze |
| Karnataka | ₹110 crore | Bengaluru’s Pub Culture |
| Telangana | ₹125 crore | Hyderabad Celebrations |
Main Reasons for Increased Liquor Sales
- Weekend Celebration: The New Year’s arrival coinciding with December 31st falling mid-week and the extended holiday season contributed significantly to increased sales, as people had more time to celebrate without work commitments.
- Demand for Premium Brands: This year, consumers spent substantially more on premium and expensive brands (Single Malt, Premium Scotch) instead of cheaper liquor, reflecting rising disposable incomes and evolving taste preferences among India’s urban population.
- Home Delivery and E-Coupons: Easy availability through online platforms and e-coupons in some states also boosted the figures, as consumers could conveniently order liquor from their homes and receive deliveries at their doorsteps.
Source of Data
This report is based on preliminary data from State Excise Departments, official press releases, and information provided by major news agencies (such as PTI and ANI). Final and accurate figures will be released by the respective Excise Departments after completing financial audits in the coming weeks. The unprecedented sales figures indicate a robust recovery in the hospitality and beverage sectors following previous years’ restrictions and suggest a significant shift in consumer spending patterns toward premium experiences.
