The India Bartenders Show’s Handshake Grant – fuel for the future
Riding on the coattails of the second edition of The India Bartender Show, India’s bar scene is buzzing with potential. With a new generation of bar industry professionals on the rise, particularly those from tier 2 and tier 3 cities, young bartenders now, more than ever before, are afforded access to educational and networking opportunities with both peers from across the subcontinent and mentors, particularly through the Handshake Grant.
The India Bartender Show
The India Bartender Show (IBS) – the country’s first dedicated platform created solely for bartenders, beverage professionals, and bar enthusiasts – is more than just an annual event; it’s a pioneering program designed specifically for the bartending community, addressing the need for skilled talent in a rapidly evolving landscape.
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As the number of cocktail bars in India skyrockets, so does the demand for professionals who not only understand drinks but also embody the essential aspects of hospitality, culture, and emotional intelligence. Yet, despite this growth, pathways to success in the industry have remained somewhat limited for many aspiring bartenders, particularly those from developing cities
The Vision Behind the India Bartender Show
Founded by industry pioneers Minakshi Singh, Vikram Achanta, and Yangdup Lama, IBS aims to close the gap between opportunity and access to meaningful exchange and connection. Through structured education, networking opportunities, and mentorship, the event focuses on ensuring that passion and skill can shine regardless of geographical limitations.
IBS’s Handshake Grant
An integral component of IBS is the Handshake Grant, which aims to empower up-and-coming bartenders by funding their travels to the Bar Summit. The grant benefits 100 bartenders, laying the foundation for the future of India’s bartending world.
The grant provides recipients access to workshops, masterclasses, and panel discussions led by industry leaders; mentorship opportunities with experienced professionals from across the globe; and community building initiatives so that these bartenders can return to their cities with insights and connections that uplift their teams and communities.
“The Handshake Grant came from a simple but powerful observation: talent is everywhere in India, but access is not. We bring recipients into the room, ensuring they are part of the larger conversation shaping India’s bar future, regardless of geography or privilege,” explains Singh.
“Standards rise, conversations deepen, and collaboration becomes more natural. It creates a ripple effect, a chain reaction that strengthens not just individuals but the wider Indian bar ecosystem,” lends Lama.
6 Handshake Grant Winners
Renjith Reji from Ivory Club at Hyatt Regency, Trivandrum
Reji’s curiosity about flavours transitioned him from culinary aspirations to bartending. “There are huge changes in India’s bar scene; it’s shifting towards local ingredients and regional flavors so that bars express culture and reflect tradition,” lends Reji, who dreams of owning a flavour-driven bar someday. Reji believes that drinks are meant to share emotions that elevate the experience. “We often find narratives behind cocktails that speak about culture, memories, or personal journeys, which increases the value of the drink,” he adds.
@themallubarfly, @theivoryclubtvm
Sarbani Mukherji from Conversation Room, Calcutta
Mukherji entered the bar industry by chance when a bartender asked her to fill in during a shift. This unexpected opportunity ignited her passion for bartending, which has now blossomed into her role as Bar Head. She emphasizes the transformative impact of IBS, “It has given me access to larger industry platforms, where I can learn, network, and, grow – not just technically, but mentally by understanding global trends, leadership, and the bigger picture of the industry.” Looking ahead, she envisions building a successful bartender-driven bar that focuses on craft, team culture, and strong hospitality values.
@naam_sarbani, @conversationroom_
Bedang Tushi Jamir, Nichey Resto, Dimapur
Jamir’s entry into the bar world was sparked by a desire to express art through mixology and connect deeply with people. The Handshake Grant has been a catalyst for her career, providing recognition and confidence. “It reassured me that my vision matters and pushed me to think bigger – not just for myself, but for the future of India’s bartending industry,” she shares. Bedang aims to mentor talent and promote responsible drinking while showcasing regional flavors, emphasizing that her biggest takeaway is the importance of originality: “Great bartending is not just a skill but storytelling, identity, and confidence are what truly set you apart.”
@the_naga_alchemist, @nichey.resto
Priya Mili, Terra Mayaa, Guwahati
Mili began her journey in service, captivated by the artistry of bartending. “Getting the chance to meet many of Asia’s best bartenders at IBS is incredibly valuable.” She’s seen many co-workers move abroad for better financial opportunities and career prospects, but now, she believes India offers some of the best opportunities. As India’s bar culture continues to contribute to global trends rather than just following them,“we may even see more international bartenders coming here to work.”
@the_flying_bird_priya, @terra_mayaa
Sanjana Oswal, Swig Bar and Eatery, Pune
Oswal transitioned from filmmaking to bartending, where she found a new stage for storytelling. She views the Handshake Grant as validation, saying, “It told me that my voice, ideas, and journey mattered. It reinforced that the industry believes in me, and that responsibility pushes me to give back.” Sanjana aspires to help shape a more educated and sustainable bar culture that focuses on community: “No one grows alone. Collaboration, not competition, is what will truly move India’s bar scene forward.”
Debdyuti Majumder, Muro, Bangalore
Majumder sees the bar world as a platform for hospitality, creativity, and culture. She describes IBS as incredibly motivating, stating, “It has opened doors to mentorship, international exposure, and learning opportunities that would have been difficult to access otherwise.” Majumder sees herself as a student – forever learning, particularly how to advance cocktail quality and narrative from the direct access to global bar leaders available at IBS.
With the Handshake Grant at the core of IBS, the initiative empowers the next generation of bartenders while also enriching the entire industry, ensuring that the future of India’s bartending landscape is bright, diverse, and full of potential.
Image credit: Supplied
Sophie Steiner is a food & beverage, travel, and lifestyle journalist and photographer, based in Shanghai for the last 10+ years. She loves exploring culinary culture, from local to luxe, across Asia and beyond. Her works have been featured in publications like Travel + Leisure, World’s 50 Best, Business Insider, Michelin, and LUXE City Guides.
