India Bartender Guild marks global success

The India Bartender Guild (IBG), India’s leading professional body for bartenders and beverage professionals, concluded a landmark year with the successful completion of the IBG Zero Proof Competition 2025 and a proud Bronze Medal win at the 24th Golden Cup Cocktail Competition in Taiwan, strengthening India’s growing recognition on the global bartending stage.

As part of its continued commitment to responsible bartending and alcohol-free innovation, IBG organised the Zero Proof Competition 2025, a premium non-alcoholic mixology and flair bartending championship that celebrated creativity, technical excellence, presentation, and international-standard bartending techniques without the use of alcohol. The initiative highlighted the rising importance of mindful, inclusive, and responsible beverage culture within the hospitality industry.

The championship was held across two major hospitality hubs, with the New Delhi edition conducted on 4 August 2025 and the Goa edition on 11 August 2025. Both editions witnessed enthusiastic participation from skilled bartenders across the country, along with strong engagement from hospitality professionals and industry leaders, making it one of the most impactful bartender-focused competitions of the year.

Following a rigorous evaluation process, the competition produced outstanding national winners. In the mixology category, Deepika Shukla and Chetan Choramule emerged as winners, while Ravi Varma claimed top honours in the flair bartending category. The winners showcased exceptional creativity, professionalism, and stage presence, representing the future of Indian bartending excellence.

Building on their national success, the IBG champions went on to represent India at the 24th Golden Cup Cocktail Competition, held in Taiwan from 16 to 20 December 2025, one of the world’s most prestigious international bartending competitions. Competing against leading bartending talent from across the globe, the Indian contingent delivered a strong performance, securing a Bronze Medal for India, a significant achievement that reflects the country’s rising technical standards, growing confidence, and increasing competitiveness on the international stage.

Further enhancing India’s presence at the global event, Archit Singhal, President of the India Bartender Guild, served as an official judge at the Golden Cup Cocktail Competition. His inclusion on the international judging panel underscored IBG’s credibility and India’s respected standing within the global bartending fraternity.

In another major development, the India Bartender Guild officially became a member of the International Bartenders Association (IBA), marking a historic step for the Indian bartending community. This membership strengthens India’s role within the global bartending ecosystem and opens doors to greater international exposure, participation in global competitions, and alignment with internationally recognised professional standards.

Through initiatives such as the Zero Proof Competition, international representation, and global affiliations, the India Bartender Guild continues to build a stronger, more professional, and globally respected bartending community in India, remaining committed to empowering bartenders, encouraging innovation, and firmly positioning India on the world bartending map.