A Celebration of Craft, Creativity, and Community
Indian Bartender Week 2025: The First of Many
The very first Indian Bartender Week just wrapped up, and what a ride it was! Over the course of the 2-day event, bartenders, industry pros, and cocktail lovers came together to celebrate the craft, share ideas, and push boundaries. From creative cocktails to thought-provoking discussions and high-energy parties, this was an event to remember.
Flavour Forward: The Woodford Reserve & Chef Megha Pairing Menu
One of the most exciting highlights was the Woodford Reserve and Chef Megha Kohli pairing menu. It wasn’t just about drinking whiskey; it was about truly experiencing it. Each bite-sized dish was designed to bring out the six distinct flavors of Woodford Reserve - such as grain, or citrus - creating an immersive tasting journey. It was a fresh take on how food and spirits can work together to create something more than the sum of its parts. Special mention to the custom built experiential table which unlocked to reveal fresh produce and enhance the tasting session which was hosted by Carmen Hartwich - Brand Ambassador for Brown Forman Australia.
Sustainability in Action
A notable aspect of the event was its genuine commitment to sustainability. I appreciated how industry leaders and innovators took practical steps toward a greener future. For instance, Dre Masso and Agustin de Sambiagio from Potato Head shared their approach to sustainable practices, proving that quality hospitality can go hand in hand with environmental responsibility. They discussed how the team replaced roughly 35,000 single-use paper coasters a month with a locally produced rattan alternative - despite a higher cost per unit, this option only needs to be replenished a few times a year. They explored alternative materials to replace plastic straws, upcycling old uniforms, aprons, and bottles, turning what would have been waste into valuable resources.
Cocktails with a Twist: Nitro Espresso Martini & Temperature-Switched Irish Coffee
A real crowd-pleaser was the Teeling Irish Whiskey stand, hosted by Robert Caldwell - Teeling Whiskey’s Global Ambassador and Jonas Ax - Head of Advocacy, Bacardi India & NC. Memorable serves were the Nitro Espresso Martini - a silky serve, poured in an instant, straight from the tap. Then there was the temperature-switched warm cream, stout spiked Irish Coffee, a clever play on texture and heat that flipped expectations on their head. These weren’t just great drinks; they were a masterclass in technique and inspiration on how to work with common flavours in new & improved ways..
The Future of Bartending: Workshops & The Future Room
The Future Room and Workshop spaces were buzzing with activity, offering hands-on learning experiences and deep dives into everything from the application of modern culinary techniques to India’s incredible local ingredients. Whether it was refining classic skills or experimenting with new ideas, these sessions were a reminder that the craft of bartending is always evolving.
Big Ideas on the Big Stage: Panel Discussions with Global Icons
The main stage was where some of the week’s most insightful conversations took place. Industry legends, including guests Kaitlin Wilkes and Chloe Natterer from the Ada Coleman Project and the renowned Eric Lorinz from London’s Kwant, shared valuable perspectives from the Global landscape. From sustainability to innovation, these discussions were packed with knowledge and inspiration, giving attendees plenty to think about.
Everyone Likes a Challenge
The Pour Your Own Beer Challenge by Bira gave attendees the chance to show off their skills and win a pair of beer glasses in the process. What more could you ask for? Our own Evonne Eadie proved that she hasn’t lost her touch on the taps, and that she’s just a little bit competitive.
The Grand Finale: A Party to Remember
No great event ends without a party, and the closing party did not disappoint. Surprise guest DJs Yangdup Lama, Devi Singh, and Jeet Rana kept the energy high, and the dance floor packed. It was the perfect send-off, celebrating everything that made this first-ever Indian Bartender Week so special.
The Start of Something Big
This was only the beginning. Indian Bartender Week 2025 set the stage for what’s to come, proving that the country’s bartending community is thriving, innovative, and ready to make its mark on the global stage. If this first edition was anything to go by, the future looks bright - and we can’t wait to see what’s next.
Until next year, cheers to the craft, the community, and the good times ahead!
