From February 20 to 27, 2025, the city of Gurgaon will host the first-ever India Bartender Week (IBW), a groundbreaking event inspired by similar international initiatives but with a uniquely Indian twist. With a rapidly growing domestic market and a rich cultural heritage, the challenge is to leverage these strengths to “build a community capable of changing the world, one guest at a time,” as Yangdup Lama, one of the driving forces behind IBW, puts it.
India Bartender Week 2025
The India Bartender Week is the brainchild of three key figures in Indian mixology: Vikram Achanta, Minakshi Singh, and Yangdup Lama. Together, they’ve curated a week packed with activities to showcase the vibrant world of Indian bartending. Twenty standout cocktail bars will participate, each offering signature drinks crafted with local ingredients, while the event also features masterclasses, panel discussions, and trend-focused workshops. It’s a platform for bartenders, hoteliers, producers, and influencers to connect and collaborate.
Why India?
According to IWRS data, the global beverage industry’s future lies in emerging markets, where growth in volume and value outpaces the rest of the world. India is a prime example, expected to see a 4% annual growth rate through 2028—the fastest globally.
India’s culinary heritage adds another layer of appeal. Renowned for its spices and regional ingredients, cultivated in an incredibly diverse natural environment, the country offers bartenders a treasure trove of flavors to craft cocktails with a strong cultural identity.
India Bartender Week, Fostering the Next Generation of Bartenders
“The India Bartender Week is designed to spotlight the next generation of bartenders, providing them with opportunities for growth, learning, and networking,” says Vikram Achanta, co-founder of 30 Best Bars India and an industry veteran with 25 years of experience.
Minakshi Singh, with 18 years in the field and co-founder of acclaimed Indian bars like Sidecar, The Brook, and Cocktails & Dreams Speakeasy, shares a similar vision. “Our mission is to create a space where bar professionals can grow, innovate, and connect with peers globally, setting new benchmarks for Indian bartending. We hope this initiative gives our bartenders the tools they need to shine on both national and international stages,” she says.
Yangdup Lama, who has spent over two decades shaping India’s cocktail culture and co-founded the same celebrated bars alongside Minakshi, emphasizes the deeper purpose of IBW. “Our profession connects people from all walks of life. Through mentorship, skill-building, and creative expression, we’re not just celebrating cocktails—we’re fostering a community capable of changing the world, one guest at a time.”
Images courtesy of India Bartender Week
