The Most Innovative Bartender
Cocktail Competition Dehradun
Dehradun’s Playboy Beer Garden became the epicentre of bartending excellence on August 20th and 21st, 2024, hosting the highly anticipated ‘Most Innovative Bartending Competition hosted by India Bartenders Guild and IBG Bar Academy. It was Dehradun First ever Cocktail & Flair Competition as Dehradun is in the middle of being named the fastest growing hospitality industry in North India and epicentre of Hotel Management Colleges. The list of sponsor included Blue Pine water, Monin, Bab Louis Bitter, Pernod Richard, Kingfisher, The Cocktail Shop and many more. This two-day event was a spectacular showcase of mixology and flair bartending, drawing top talents from across the country i.e Kerala, Goa, Delhi and setting the stage for a memorable celebration of bartending artistry.
The first day was dedicated to mixology, where competitors went through 3 rounds which were evaluated on their creativity, presentation, and technical skills. A distinguished panel of judges, including Siddarth Tomar, Bar Manager at FTV Lounge and Centre Head of IBG Bar Academy Dehradun, Ross O’Reilly, Jameson Brand Ambassador (North India), and Keshwar Rawat, Brand Ambassador for Monin India, had the formidable task of selecting the standout mixologists. Nikit Kala triumphed as the champion, with Niteesh Singh and Yubraj Pradhan earning second and third places, respectively. The competition showcased an impressive range of innovative cocktails that highlighted the participants’ skills and creativity.
Day two shifted the focus to flair bartending, where competitors mesmerized the audience with their dynamic showmanship and precise techniques. The flair competition was judged by Binu Thankachan, Flair Trainer at IBG Bar Academy, Vikas Bidlan, Celebrity Flair Bartender and former IBG Trainer, and Prashant Tiwari, Training and Trade Marketing Manager, ACE Beverages. Rohan Joshi from Bar Jockey emerged as the flair champion, with Ravi Varma from Bar Jockey and Athul Krishnan from Flair Monk securing second and third places. The flair performances were a visual treat, combining speed, skill, and showmanship in ways that captivated the audience.
The event also attracted industry luminaries such as Archit Singhal, President of India Bartender Guild and IBG Bar Academy, and Vera Prokofeva, a prominent event management and content creation professional based in Dehradun. Their presence underscored the significance of the competition and its role in fostering the growth of bartending talent in India.
The 8th Edition of The ‘Most Innovative Bartending Competition’ was more than just a contest; it was a celebration of the art and craft of bartending, offering a national platform for emerging talents to shine. The event not only highlighted the incredible skill and creativity of India’s bartenders but also set a new benchmark for future competitions. The Event also saw the launch of India’s First Bartender Community Magazine – Mixologist India and Book Launch of Archit Singhal’s latest book on F&B Industry.
Looking ahead, we are excited to announce that this is just the beginning. We will be organizing more events like this to continue promoting innovation and excellence in the bartending industry in the city. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements and join us as we create more opportunities for bartenders to showcase their talents and elevate the standards of mixology and flair bartending in India.
To stay connected and updated, follow us on Instagram @ibgbaracademy and @indiabartendersguild .