Madhu Mandapam's 2nd edition wraps up with mixology showdown

The second edition of Madhu Mandapam, an alcobev focused showcase at World Food India 2025, drew to a close on Sunday at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, with a high-energy cocktail competition that brought together 15 mixologists. Contestants, a heady mix of up-and-coming talent and seasoned professionals, let their imaginations run wild, presenting cocktails that ranged from sweet and savoury to boldly umami, captivating both the audience and a distinguished panel of judges.

The judging panel comprised ace mixologist and entrepreneur Kama KM, Kuldeep Chauhan aka K.D. from the Bar Academy of Doon and Bishan Kumar, Editor-in-Chief of Spiritz Magazine, with the competition conducted by alcobev expert Sarang Kumar. The panel assessed each entry on storytelling, execution, balance, originality and participant’s ability to showcase Barents Premium Whisky as the hero spirit.

After an intense round of tastings and performances, Mixologist Sandeep Kumar emerged victorious, taking home a cash prize of ₹40,000, and Saurabh Rana and Mithra Nishani were adjudged first and second runners-up respectively. In a new addition to this edition’s line-up, a Jury’s Choice Award was introduced that was presented to Mohit Sindhu.

The pavilion also played host to an exclusive masterclass by whisky aficionado Shubham Shukla, who guided attendees through how to appreciate a premium spirit such as Golden Circle Global Craft Whisky. The workshop covered practical, hands-on topics from production technique and barrel selection to blending, sensory evaluation and advanced cocktail construction, inviting novices to long-time connoisseurs to identify the various aromas in the spirit.

Over a period of four days, Madhu Mandapam offered a varied programme of masterclasses, cocktail competitions, culinary–mixology collaborations, guided tastings, flair-bartending showcases, panel discussions and a B2B lounge. Presented in collaboration with FSSAI, APEDA, Invest India, FICCI and EY and supported by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), the pavilion was designed to connect brand owners with distributors and institutional buyers, to spotlight innovation, and open new routes to market for India’s evolving alcobev sector.