“You are not one, you are a thousand. Just light your lantern.” – Rumi
Asia Pacific Cocktail Competition
For the very first time in history, India proudly stepped onto the global stage at the 2025 Asia Pacific Cocktail Competition, organized by the International Bartenders Association (IBA) and the Singapore Bartenders Association. Represented through the Indian Bartenders Guild (IBG), our country secured a place among the Top 6 — with Yogesh Kumar competing in the Mixology category and Sarthak Jugran showcasing his talent in Flair bartending.
This was more than just a competition; it was a moment of pride where India stood shoulder to shoulder with the world’s finest bartenders. It was not about losing or winning, but about embracing wisdom, growth, and learning — building the strength to return even stronger in the coming years. Every challenge became an opportunity, and every doubt turned into a stepping stone.
Prerana Rawat – A Historic First for India
Adding to this milestone, Prerana Rawat made history by becoming the first Indian ever to successfully complete the prestigious IBA Elite Bartender Course. Out of 17 participants from 10 countries, she was the only one to complete it with excellence — a remarkable testament to her dedication and the Indian Bartenders Guild’s mission of shaping world-class professionals.
Her journey of success doesn’t stop there. Prerana was also crowned the winner of the Bar Queen Challenge at the India Bar Show 2025, further solidifying her reputation as one of the brightest emerging talents in India’s bartending industry.
Her achievements represent not only personal triumph but also a national milestone, inspiring the next generation of bartenders to aim higher and proving that Indian talent can shine on both domestic and global stages.
This journey is about much more than competition. It’s about building bridges across nations, creating friendships, and expanding the Indian bartender community globally. With every step, IBG is flagging open doors for Indian talent to shine brighter across international platforms.
We extend heartfelt gratitude to the Singapore Bartenders Association for their warmth, hospitality, and for treating our team like family. It was also heartening to reconnect with the wider IBA family, strengthening bonds that go beyond borders.
While we will truly miss being part of the Pan American Championship in Chile, our spirit remains high and we send our best wishes to every competitor raising the bar there.
The journey has only just begun. India is here, ready to shine — today, tomorrow, and beyond…!
