Bartending is not just about mixing a few drinks; it’s a skill, a craft that you develop over time. We can’t even pour a simple glass of water from a bottle without spilling at times, less alone do grand tricks with alcohol! So you see, it’s an art form, and when your art gets recognized, that feeling is surreal. With the increase in sophistication in the alcohol industry, the bartenders are now being recognized for their skills. So let’s sit down and talk about some prestigious awards for bartenders in India.
1. Diageo Reserve World Class Award
Diageo Reserve Word Class is a global competition for bartenders to showcase their talent and get recognized in the world of drinks. World Class India, the Indian leg of the competition, supports the bartenders in India and helps them get recognized globally. It’s a community that ensures the future of innovative cocktails and that new trends keep bubbling. It started in 2009, and since then the competition has spiked and inspired thousands of bartenders.
Also read: 6 Cocktail Books To Buy For Every Budding Bartender
2. Roku Industry Icon Award
Asia’s 50 Best Bars has a range of awards for the bartending community, and one of them is the Roku Industry Icon Award. It’s an award given to the individual who has made a significant contribution to the bar industry. The award is given based on a wide spectrum – from innovating bartender skills to inspiring new cocktails. In 2024, Yangdup Lama of Sidecar, Delhi, was awarded the Roku Industry Icon Award for his rare cocktail-making skills and for elevating the bar scene in India. His understanding of local ingredients and art of storytelling with the drinks, earned him the title.
3. Tales Of The Cocktail Foundation’s Spirited Awards
Spirited Awards by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation is an international event where professionals and organizations in the drinking industry are recognized for their cocktail-making and innovative art of drinks. Even though it’s not based in India, it’s a chance for the local bartenders to put themselves on a global map!
Also read: Best Indian Bartenders That You Need To Follow!
4. ProWine Bartender Of The Year
ProWine is a platform that brings together professionals working in the wine and spirit industry. It’s a trading event which allows professionals to interact with each other and exchange ideas. They host a bartender competition which gives the Indian bartenders to show off their skills. Show time!
In ProWine 2024, Mumbai, Nikhil Kamble won the ProWine Bartender Of The Year award. With the audience being a part of the global alcohol industry, if done right, you’ll become famous quite fast. So, always aim for the stars!
Summing Up
Today’s drinking culture in India has evolved over time; the people appreciate the sophistication that comes with it. So, your bartending skills would no longer go unnoticed and these awards are proof of that.
If you’re an aspiring bartender who wants to make it big, this is your time to shine. And to the people on the other side of the bar, you might be raising the glasses to the next big face in the industry. Just saying!
FAQs
1. Which is the best bar in India 2024?
ZLB23 at The Leela Palace, Bangalore was named the best bar in India as it was part of the Asia’s 50 Best Bar list.
2. Which is the bar capital of India?
Bangalore is the bar capital of India because of its evergreen night life with rooftop bars and microbreweries.
3. Which is the largest cocktail bar in India?
The Reservoire in Koramangala, is the largest cocktail bar in India.
4. Which is the most preferred alcoholic drink in India?
Vodka, rum, and gin are the most preferred drinks in India.
5. What is a pro bartender called?
A pro bartender is called a mixologist.
6. Which is the largest pub in India?
Oia is Asia’s largest pub with an impressive capacity of 1800 people and is located in Bangalore.
7. What is fancy bartending called?
Fancy bartending is called flair bartending or flairtending.
