Book Review: ‘Madira’ by Parag A. Shastry

Book Title: Madira
Author: Parag A. Shastry
Publisher: Rupa Publications India
Number of Pages: 344
ISBN: 937003126X
Date Published: Mar. 25, 2026

Book Review

“Madira” is much more than a cocktail book. It is a celebration of India’s rich drinking heritage and the stories, traditions, and communities connected to it. The book explores how indigenous spirits such as mahua, feni, toddy, and arrack were once an integral part of Indian culture before gradually being overshadowed by imported liquors. Through engaging storytelling and cultural insights, the author highlights how a new generation of bartenders and drink enthusiasts is bringing these forgotten flavours back into the spotlight, using local ingredients like kokum, Gondhoraj lime, jaggery, tamarind, and spices to create distinctly Indian cocktails.

The book is especially enjoyable for its blend of recipes, history, and personal stories. Every cocktail is introduced with a narrative that connects it to a place, memory, emotion, or tradition, making the drinks feel meaningful rather than just instructional. The book also promotes sustainable and mindful drinking by encouraging the use of seasonal ingredients, local produce, and minimal-waste practices.

More than a guide to mixing drinks, “Madira” is an invitation to rediscover India’s cultural roots through flavour, storytelling, and creativity, showing how every glass can hold a story of its own.

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