India Bartender Show wraps its 2nd edition

The second edition of the India Bartender Show successfully concluded on February 26. The two-day summit at Le Méridien Gurgaon drew more than 1,900 bartenders, bar owners, beverage innovators and industry professionals. The event reportedly brought together 29 brands across five stages and 45 sessions.

Speakers from 12 countries addressed topics that ranged from flavour innovation and native spirits to the use of artificial intelligence in hospitality and long-term team development. International sessions included “Freezing for Flavour” led by Iain McPherson of Panda & Sons, and “Omotenashi: The Japanese Hospitality Philosophy” with Shuichi Nagatomo of Bar Oscar.

Prominent Indian voices anchored discussions on sectoral shifts and business fundamentals. Industry leaders explored the evolving role of women in hospitality leadership, the economics of running bars and the rise of bartender-owned venues.

Programming was organised into five immersive zones. The Main Stage hosted global bar leaders on sustainability frameworks, flavour innovation and operational systems. Hands-on workshops covered spirits education, South Asian ingredients, tequila, feni and emerging Indian liqueurs. A Future Room examined fermentation, minerality, AI applications for bars and the bartender’s growing role in broader food systems. A Hindi-first “Baithak” stage encouraged candid conversations about career transitions, competitions and practical skills, while a dedicated Beer, Wine & No-Lo zone showcased fortified wines, vermouths, shochu, tea-led beverages and non-alcoholic bar programmes.