In the constantly evolving cocktail scene, Indian bartenders are no longer simply behind the bar, they are innovating, flavor engineering, and gaining international recognition. Bartenders are now winning international awards, creating indigenous infusions, and developing sustainable mixology... they are shaping India's premium drinking culture. 

If you are a cocktail lover or a spirits enthusiast, these eight bartenders are completely changing mixology, brilliantly, purposefully, and passionately. Here is why you should see them in person.

1. Yangdup Lama – Co-founder, Sidecar, New Delhi

Often thought of as the godfather of Indian bartending, Yangdup Lama is a master of the game who has dedicated 25-plus years to changing Indian cocktail culture. His bar, Sidecar, is known throughout the world for its artisanal quality, house-made ingredients, and clear narrative.

“Bartending is more than just mixing drinks—it’s about memories, people, and passion,” Lama says.

 Must-Try Cocktail: Tongba

A bold, rustic drink made with aged rum, fermented millet juice, cranberry, and orange—paying homage to his Nepalese heritage.

Signature Style: Heritage revival with modern finesse
Go-To Spirits: Bourbon, dark rum
Flavour Profiles: Earthy, spiced, smoky

2. Kanchan Fartiyal – Bar Manager, The Hong Kong Club, Andaz Delhi

Kanchan, one of India's top female bartenders, is renowned for her poetic cocktails and strong control over Asian elements. Her drinks are ornate yet subtle, distinguishable by her voice and attention to detail and balance.

“Mixology is where precision meets poetry. Every drink must have a soul.”

 Must-Try Cocktail: Cardinal

A gin-based cocktail inspired by the Chinese Zodiac Rat—her clever use of herbs, fruit infusions, and subtle spice is unmatched.

Signature Style: Minimalist, elegant, feminine
Go-To Spirit: Gin
Favourite Flavour Notes: Passionfruit, citrus, basil

3. Varun Sharma – Beverage Head, Comorin, Gurugram

Varun Sharma is a force of flavor who seamlessly fuses culinary elements with mixology. At Comorin, he has introduced house-fermented drinks, spice-laced cocktails, and unique distillate-driven stories.

“Our drinks reflect Indian terroir—bold, rooted, yet globally appealing.”

Must-Try Cocktail: Sous-Vide Gin Tonic

Infused using the sous vide technique with botanicals and Indian sarsaparilla, it’s an ode to finesse and flavour layering.

Signature Style: Culinary-technique inspired
Go-To Spirit: Gin
Flavour Palette: Herbal, floral, rooted

4. Prabhakar Tiwari – Head Mixologist, Whisky Samba, Gurugram

From Lucknow’s by-lanes to one of Gurugram’s finest bars, Prabhakar’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. His mixology is defined by his deep knowledge of whiskies, house-made bitters, and spiced syrups.

“Indian bartenders today are champions of both technique and terroir.”

Must-Try Cocktail: Samba Whisky Sour

A refined whisky sour made from egg white, bitters, almond syrup, and Amaretto for a rich finish.

Signature Style: Spirit-forward, sophisticated

Go-To Spirit: Whisky

Favourite Flavours: Clove, orange peel, almond

5. Santosh Kukreti – Beverage Specialist, Macau & India

Globally travelled, locally rooted—Santosh Kukreti brings depth to Indian mixology with fermented ingredients, regional spices, and global finesse. He blends tradition and science seamlessly.

“India’s diversity is its cocktail superpower. Every drink has a story from the soil.”

Must-Try Cocktail: Beet Tepache Margarita

A fermented beet-based tequila drink with tamarind and smoked salt—wildly unique and deeply Indian.

Signature Style: Experimental and local
Go-To Spirits: Tequila, Mezcal
Flavour Signatures: Berries, fermented roots, herbal teas

6. Varun Sudhakar – Founder, Bar Bundle, Mumbai

Varun Sudhakar is a two-time national World Class champion, and currently, he runs Bar Bundle, crafting some of India's most innovative bar menus. His style is clean, concept-based, and suited for contemporary palates.

“Great bartending today is as much about curation as it is about creation.”

Must-Try Cocktail: Signature Negroni

Bittersweet, classic, and flawlessly balanced—with house-blended vermouths and a hint of orange smoke.

Signature Style: Modern classic reimagination
Go-To Base: Vermouth, bitters
Flavour Tendencies: Herbal, umami, citrus oils

7. Ashish Sharma – Beverage Director, Saz American Brasserie, Mumbai

Ashish Sharma brings an American sensibility to Indian hospitality, mixing precision with soul. From barrel-aged cocktails to fat-washing techniques, he’s championing cocktail craftsmanship in India.

“Classic cocktails are timeless, but technique gives them life.”

Must-Try Cocktail: Butter Fat-Washed Boulevardier

This cocktail uses bourbon infused with butter, sweet vermouth, and Campari for a rich, velvet-textured classic with a twist.

Signature Style: Bold, barrel-aged, modern Americana
Preferred Spirit: Bourbon
Flavour Elements: Smoke, bitters, citrus oils

8. Avinash Kapoli – Bar Manager, Byg Brewski, Bengaluru

Avinash Kapoli is the fresh face of Bengaluru’s experimental mixology scene. With a passion for hyperlocal ingredients, he redefines tropical, spice-laden drinks with cutting-edge presentation.

“Kokum, betel leaf, gooseberry—India has cocktail ingredients the world hasn’t even imagined yet.”

Must-Try Cocktail: Kokum Highball

A gin-based drink with kokum syrup, Himalayan salt, and citrus—vibrant, zingy, and uniquely Indian.

Signature Style: Tropical regionalism
Go-To Base: Gin
Favourite Flavours: Tamarind, kokum, jaggery

The Rise of Indian Bartenders: From Pourers to Pioneers

From global accolades to Instagram-friendly presentations, those Indian bartenders are far more than drink makers—they are also curators of culture, experience architects, and liquid artists. Bringing together international awards with hyper-local experimentation and a community-first mental attitudes, they have altered the bar landscape of India, cocktail by cocktail.

Keep an Eye On:

• Sidecar, Delhi – Consistently in Asia's 50 Best Bars
  
  
• Comorin, Gurugram – For experimental infusions & fermentation-forward cocktails
  
  
• Saz, Mumbai – Home of fat-washed, American-style cocktail royalty
  
  
• Whisky Samba, Gurugram – For whisky lovers who crave bold creativity
  
  

Read also : 8 Best BYOB Places in Delhi NCR (2025) – Sip, Savor, and Save!

Final Sip:

These bartenders are not just redefining drinks—they're reshaping the narrative of modern India’s hospitality. If you're building your bar bucket list, add these names—and their bars—to the top.

For regular updates : join WhatsApp channel