Ahmedabad raises a toast to Zero Proof Cocktails

A celebration of taste and talent that redefined cocktail culture in Ahmedabad

⦿ By NIKITA Dudani

Cocktails without alcohol took centre stage in Ahmedabad as the city played host to “Proof Positive: Zero Proof Cocktail Workshop and Competition” on August 20, 2025, at Ishaara, Palladium Mall. Curated by senior F&B critic and writer Anil Mulchandani, the event broke stereotypes, showing that mocktails can be just as creative, indulgent and socially engaging as their spirited counterparts.

Organized by Ishaara Restaurant, Innovative Food Entrepreneur Alliance (IFEA) and SnS Culinary Studio, with Sober as the beverage partner and Ruchi Beverages as the gifting partner, the event drew an eclectic crowd of chefs, mixologists, restaurateurs, sommeliers, influencers and food lovers. Together, they witnessed how wellness-driven beverages are carving a space in India’s evolving dining culture.

The competition was the highlight of the afternoon. In the first round, participants presented mocktails they had created at home and assembled at the venue. Drinks were assessed by a panel that included Suprio Bose, Head of Marketing at Ishaara. The excitement ramped up in the live round, where finalists crafted cocktails on the spot. The winners — Ruchi Mehra, Jugnu Mehrotra and Bhairavi Shrivastava — impressed with their innovation, balance of flavours and presentation.

Beyond the contest, guests experienced a masterclass on zero-proof cocktails by Sober, live demos of Ishaara’s new mocktail program and curated pairings with small plates. To keep the energy high, SnS Culinary Studio added fun with a lively Housie game. Every participant walked away with certificates and welcome gifts, underscoring the inclusive and celebratory spirit of the day.

The choice of venue itself added meaning. Ishaara, known for employing speech and hearing-impaired individuals, provided a warm, inclusive backdrop that resonated with the event’s theme of accessibility and creativity. The setting was enhanced with theatre-style seating, Sober’s bottle displays, standees and colourful mocktail counters that looked as inviting as they tasted.

By the end of the evening, as high tea and conversations flowed, one message was clear: zero-proof cocktails are not just substitutes but premium experiences in their own right. For Ahmedabad, often overlooked in India’s cocktail culture, Proof Positive marked a refreshing new chapter — one where wellness, inclusivity and culinary innovation blended seamlessly in a glass.