India’s beverage bar fraternity is slated to raise the bar (quite literally) with the debut of India Bartender Week (IBW), India’s first dedicated platform for the bar fraternity.

Slated for February 20-27 in Gurugram’s Le Meridien Hotel next year, this initiative has been brought to life by industry stalwarts Vikram Achanta (Founder of Tulleeho), Minakshi Singh and Yangdup Lama (Co-founders of Sidecar, Delhi).

IBW is a movement that celebrates the artistry of bartending while fostering innovation, community and global connections. With its unique focus on showcasing Indian talent and traditions, IBW promises to unite and elevate the country’s bar professionals like never before.

According to Minakshi, India’s bartenders have lacked a unified platform to showcase their skills, creativity and innovation. India’s rich culinary heritage, from spices to native ingredients of the mountains, makes it a treasure trove for creating unforgettable cocktails.

“With the bar industry booming across cities and small towns alike, the time is ripe for IBW to bring together the diverse voices shaping India’s beverage scene,” she noted, adding that IBW is set to become a magnet for the bar trade across South Asia, the Middle East and beyond.

Yangdup said that IBW will empower bar professionals, turning them into entrepreneurs and change-makers through mentorship, skill development and creative expression. “We’re not just celebrating cocktails, but also fostering a community that can change the world, one guest at a time,” he added.

Vikram informed that the IBW will bring together an array of industry leaders, brands, and experts to share knowledge, inspire creativity, and elevate the customer experience. “It will help change perceptions about bartending in India, positioning it as a respected career path with immense potential for global recognition,” he added.

Between February 21 and 25 next year, 20 of India’s top bars will participate in a week-long event, showcasing creativity through bespoke drinks crafted with local ingredients. Consumers can experience the best of India’s vibrant bar culture.

The Bar Summit (February 26–27): will be a gathering of industry leaders, bartenders, hoteliers and influencers, featuring panel discussions, master classes, product showcases and bar takeovers.

For more information, visit https://indiabartenderweek.in/, or follow on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/india_bartenderweek/).