“India’s diversity is our greatest strength, and IBW is a platform to celebrate that.“ - Yangdup Lama
India’s bartending community has never been short on talent, passion, or creativity. But until now, there hasn’t been a singular platform to bring together the country’s best and brightest, alongside global industry leaders, to inspire, educate, and elevate the craft. India Bartender Week (IBW) is here to change that.
Co-founded by Minakshi Singh, Yangdup Lama, and Vikram Achanta, IBW isn’t just another industry event—it’s a movement designed to break barriers, foster innovation, and put Indian bartenders on the global map. With the inaugural edition set to redefine industry standards, we sat down with the masterminds behind IBW to explore why this initiative matters and what it means for the future of Indian bartending.
A PLATFORM BUILT FOR BARTENDERS, BY BARTENDERS
For Minakshi Singh, the driving force behind renowned bars like Sidecar and Cocktails & Dreams Speakeasy, IBW is about more than just cocktails—it’s about community and opportunity.
"What truly excites me about IBW is its potential to shine a global spotlight on India’s bartending talent. From veteran professionals to young bartenders just starting out, this platform is about fostering connections, sharing ideas, and creating a space for growth and inspiration." she says.
Breaking down barriers is a core mission of IBW, particularly for women and bartenders from underrepresented regions. Through initiatives like the Handshake Grant, IBW is providing financial support for 100 bartenders to attend the India Bar Summit—ensuring that talent, not geography or resources, determines access. “We’re creating an inclusive, level playing field where bartenders from small towns can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world,” Minakshi adds.
“For me, it’s about creating a space where ideas flourish, connections spark, and our bartenders' step confidently onto the world stage.” - Minakshi Singh
Beyond inclusion, sustainability is another key focus for Minakshi. She hopes IBW will encourage bartenders to embrace greener, more responsible practices behind the bar. “Through IBW, I hope to create a ripple effect, where bartenders rethink their practices and contribute to a greener, more thoughtful industry,” she says. With the support of industry heavyweights such as Dre Masso and Agustín Da Sambiagio from Potato Head, IBW will highlight ways in which sustainability can be seamlessly integrated into the craft of bartending and demonstrate how reducing waste to sourcing locally and implementing eco-friendly techniques are not only good for the environment, but good for venue profit too.
A GLOBAL STAGE FOR INDIAN BARTENDING
Few people understand the evolution of India’s bar scene better than Yangdup Lama, a globally recognised bartender and mentor through the Cocktails & Dreams Bar School. A leading light in driving the growth of the Indian bartending industry, Yangdup has shaped a generation of industry professionals, his motivation for IBW is clear: it’s time for Indian bartenders to be recognised on a global scale.
Having seen improvements in both the talent of bartenders, but also the respect and recognition from consumers, Yangdup feels that 2025 is the ideal year to bring the industry together and pave the way for the next generation of bartenders who are now entering the blossoming industry. “Over the years, I’ve witnessed the incredible growth of India’s bar industry, yet there’s always been a gap—a lack of a unified platform that truly brings bartenders together to celebrate, learn, and innovate. IBW was born from a desire to fill that gap,” Yangdup says.
For Yangdup, a major highlight is how IBW will celebrate Indian ingredients and mixology traditions. “From workshops exploring our spice markets to collaborations between bartenders and local producers, we want to showcase what makes Indian mixology unique,” he says. The event’s Future Room will provide a glimpse into cutting-edge trends, while bar takeovers by global and Indian talent will demonstrate how culture and technique intersect behind the bar.
"I am also particularly excited about the collaborations between bartenders and local producers—it’s a beautiful way to celebrate our roots while pushing the boundaries of mixology. It’s about giving the world a taste of India—one cocktail at a time." - Yangdup Lama
BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN INDIA AND THE WORLD
As the co-founder of Tulleeho and 30 Best Bars India, Vikram Achanta has long been an advocate for India’s alco-bev scene. To him, IBW is the natural next step in India’s industry evolution.
“India’s bar industry has come a long way, but it’s still fragmented in many ways. We’ve lacked a cohesive platform that brings together bartenders, bar owners, and industry professionals to share ideas, learn, and grow collectively”. Vikram says.
Having spent many years building up the careers of bartenders through education, or celebrating stand out venues, he is both humbled and exhilarated to see it come to life. “It’s the culmination of years of work, bringing the entire ecosystem together in a way that’s never been done before.” Vikram says.
One of IBW’s key differentiators is its ability to connect Indian bartenders with international expertise which has been a long term issue for the community. By bringing international guests into India, IBW has opened the door for global networking and learning while removing the challenges of costs, taking leave and visas. “It’s a two-way exchange that not only elevates our local talent but also positions India as a serious contender on the global bar map.” Vikram says.
With global icons like Erik Lorincz and Lorenzo Antinori leading masterclasses and panel discussions, IBW ensures Indian bartenders don’t just learn from the best—they become part of the global cocktail conversation.
The IBW founders are mindful that it takes more than just metro cities to improve the industry as a whole, so the Handshake Grant Initiative will see bartenders from every corner of India given the chance to thrive regardless of location or financial background. “The India Bar Summit is the beating heart of IBW. It’s where knowledge meets opportunity. With the Handshake Grant providing financial support to 100 bartenders, the summit ensures that talent from every corner of the country has a seat at the table.” Vikram adds.
MORE THAN AN EVENT—A MOVEMENT
From promoting sustainability and zero-waste bartending to fostering creativity through bar takeovers and innovation labs, IBW is setting a new benchmark for the industry.
“Our hope is for every bartender to leave with fresh ideas, new skills, and the motivation to push boundaries.” Minakshi emphasizes. For bartenders who are new to the craft it is an opportunity that will profoundly shape their careers. It’s about showing bartenders that they don’t just serve drinks they shape experiences, tell stories, and drive culture.
For Yangdup, it’s a chance to give back to an industry that has given him so much. “Bartending is inherently about connection, bringing people together, one drink at a time”. -YL.
And for Vikram, IBW is a step toward a bigger future. “I truly believe that the experiences and relationships formed at the summit will empower bartenders to redefine what’s possible in this industry.” -VA
As India Bartender Week makes its grand debut, one thing is clear: this isn’t just an event. It’s a revolution in the making.
SEE YOU AT IBW!
Whether you’re an aspiring bartender, a hospo veteran (like yours truly) or just want to see what the craft of bartending is all about. India Bartender Week is designed to inspire, motivate, connect, and most importantly give the industry the recognition it deserves!
