Alcoholic drinks in Kochi

Key findings

Are popular alcoholic drinks

Kerala is amongst the highest ranking states in terms of per capita consumption of alcohol. Consumers in Kochi typically drink three to four times a week, mostly spirits. Rum and whisky are the drinks of choice for most consumers in Kochi. The majority of consumers drink these spirits with cola carbonates or water. Soda is also a common mixer for a lot of consumers.

Drinking at home is much more common than drinking outside

Even prior to prohibition, which was declared in August 2014, consumers preferred to drink at home. This is due to social attitudes and because it is cheaper than drinking at a bar. This holds true even more now, as, since the ending of prohibition in June 2017, consumers can drink spirits only in hotels with three stars and above.

Retailing of alcohol is still restricted since the relaxation of prohibition

Prohibition was lifted by the new government which came into power in 2016. The prohibition was put in place by the Kerala Congress, with support from Islamic groups, in an effort to bring more law and order to the state, including Kochi. However, the new government revoked the law in 2017, but restrictions remained, which are still in place in Kochi and across Kerala.

Country liquor is popular amongst the lower socio-economic classes in the city

The country liquor is called “toddy”, and is easily available in retail stores called “toddy shops”. These stores generally have a restaurant section as well, where consumers can sit down to eat a meal and have a drink of toddy. Toddy can be bought by the bottle at these stores, generally priced at around Rs90 per litre.