The Best In What She Does!

More than four decades ago, when Shatbhi Basu entered the alcoholic beverage industry, chances are that there would have been no woman bartender or mixologist. But not the kind to be deterred, she continued perfecting her skills, which are now considered legendary. As Director of Stir Academy of Bartending, Shatbhi shares nuggets about her exciting journey so far and what she looks forward to as an innovator par excellence.

Being part of an industry for 45 years and still approaching it with the enthusiasm of a newcomer is a testament to true passion and dedication. That is precisely the case with Shatbhi Basu, a trailblazer who has made an indelible mark on the alcoholic beverage industry.

An alumna of IHM Mumbai, Shatbhi began her journey in restaurant and bar operations, mastering the art of bartending before expanding into writing for both mainstream and trade publications. Her expertise and love for the craft also led her to television, where she hosted ‘High Spirits’ on NDTV Good Times, bringing mixology into the limelight.

Now, as the Director of Stir Academy of Bartending, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of mixologists while consulting for bars and beverage brands. But what first drew her to bartending and mixology? “Initially I was pushed towards the bar as there was nobody to handle it. Then I began reading it up from books to update myself on spirit knowledge, mixing techniques, and the preparation of cocktails. The more I studied, the more involved I became.

Skill, Not Gender

One would assume that trying to create her own identity in a male-dominated sector would have been a frustrating experience. However, Shatbhi disagrees. “I have worked hard to reach the top and even today the best part is to see the joy on someone’s face when they taste a drink I have created. And no, I didn’t face any challenges as a woman at all,” she shares. She never viewed bartending as a man’s world. The real challenges for her were more as a professional wanting to be the best. “It was the lack of ingredients, tools and information that made the work difficult. However, these very challenges taught me to get better at it,” she adds.

And if Shatbhi were a cocktail? She sees herself as an Espresso Martini—bold, deep, intense, and full of character. One of her team members describes her as a Negroni—nuanced and complex, while she laughs, calling herself an Old Fashioned—strong and interesting. Jest aside, her journey has been one of dedication, late nights, and high-energy shifts, but she has always kept her personal life close. “Make the effort to stay connected. Deep breathe, focus and enjoy what you do” is her mantra.

Quick Shots

🌸 One word to describe your drive
Visionary

🌸 An accomplishment you are most proud of
Raising a fantastic daughter

🌸 A person who inspires you the most
My mom and aunt

🌸 Your go-to mantra for tough days
Take a deep breath and let go

🌸 If not in your current role, what would you be doing?
Living in a quiet village sharing my skills beyond bartending with a new generation

🌸 Legacy you want to leave behind
To be remembered as someone who cared deeply for the bartending community, and pushed for change

🌸 One drink that describes you
Wine and whisky

🌸 Early bird or night owl
Night owl

🌸 Go-to power song
We are the Champions’ by Queen

Spirited & Unstoppable

Shatbhi has dabbled in opening a bar and loved every moment of it, yet she hasn’t set her sights on creating her own brand. “I don’t know if I have an ultimate goal—just a series of small goals that I can reach,” she says. What excites her most today is seeing bartenders embrace India’s local and regional ingredients, bringing the country’s rich flavours to the global stage.

If she had to choose just one spirit to work with for the rest of her career, it would be whisky—though the thought saddens her. There is still a wide world of whisky to play with, given that there are so many nuances to discover and pair with interesting combinations,” she states. For aspiring female bartenders, her advice is simple: “Don’t be one of the boys.” She would like them to use their individual abilities and simply believe in their own selves.