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New Delhi: India’s dynamic bar and hospitality industry was celebrated in grand style at the prestigious India Bar Awards, hosted during Delhi Cocktail Week. The event brought together top bartenders, bar owners, and industry leaders to recognize excellence, innovation, and emerging talent across the country.
Among the top winners, HIKKI stood out by winning both Bar of the Year and Best Bar in Delhi, while Call Me Ten was awarded Best Bar Team of the Year. Pendulo secured dual wins for Bar Employer of the Year and Bar Food Menu of the Year, reflecting excellence in both operations and culinary experience.
Innovation-led categories saw DLF Club3 Lounge Bar win Bar Innovator(s) of the Year, and Potions take home Drinks Menu of the Year. Individual excellence was also recognized, with Mr. Ashish named Bar Manager of the Year, Dishant Kanojia awarded Emerging Bartender of the Year, and Monika Singh winning Best Female Bartender of the Year. The prestigious Bartender of the Year title went to Sagar Khuntia, while Swaroop LV won Cocktail of the Year.
In the premium and niche categories, 1911 Bar at The Imperial, New Delhi was awarded Hotel Bar of the Year, while IRISS Experience Bar, Goa won New Bar of the Year. The Agave Room claimed both Specialist Bar of the Year and Best Bartenders’ Bar, and Rumours was named Best Wine Bar.
Regional winners included Marieta (Best Bar in Gurgaon) and Chica Loca by Sunny Leone (Best Bar in Noida). Unico was recognized for Sustainable Practices, while Swad Official won Social Media Presence of the Year. The Outstanding Contribution / Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Sandeep Verma. Additional honors included Prakhar Singhal (Brand Ambassador of the Year), Manhattan (Best Brewery Bar), and Mahuaal India (Bartender Agency of the Year), with Twisted Tails also among the notable winners.
Winners’ Rewards & Global Opportunities
Winners at this year’s awards were not only recognized for their excellence but also rewarded with significant global exposure and incentives. The winners of the National Bartenders Championship (NBC) across categories will go on to represent India at the prestigious World Cocktail Championship (WCC) in Macau, offering them an international platform to showcase their talent. Additionally, winners of the Golden Peacock Competition were awarded a cash prize of USD 1000, further encouraging global participation and elevating the competitive spirit of the event.
Competition Highlights
The event also featured high-energy competitions with top bartenders from across the globe:
National Bartenders Championship (NBC) – Classic Category
- Winner: Sagar Khuntia– to represent India at WCC in Macau from 18-24TH October 2026
- 2nd Place: Nagesh Avadootha
- 3rd Place: Ishaan Kaushal
- National Bartenders Championship (NBC) – Flair Category
- Winner: Gagan Arora – to represent India at WCC in Macau from 18-24TH October 2026
- 2nd Place: Sarthhak Jugran
- 3rd Place: Akash Kohli
Golden Peacock International Cocktail Competition – Classic Category
- Winner: Armen Halivoryan (Republic of Armenia) – USD 1000 prize money
- 2nd Place: Aiman Hakeem Zamarol Azmi (Malaysia)
- 3rd Place: Huy-Philip Trinh Quan (United States)
Golden Peacock International Cocktail Competition – Flair Category
- Winner: Nabin Dhami (Nepal) – USD 1000 prize money
- 2nd Place: Andrew Korolev (Russia)
- 3rd Place: Sarthhak Jugran (India)
IBG Student Flair Challenge
- Winner: Priyanshu Dhami (IBG STUDENT FLAIR CHALLENGE)
Celebrating a Growing Industry
The India Bar Awards at Delhi Cocktail Week highlighted the rapid evolution of India’s bar culture—driven by innovation, global exposure, and rising talent. The event continues to strengthen India’s position on the global bar map while inspiring the next generation of hospitality professionals.
Commenting on the industry’s growth, Archit Singhal (President of India Bartender Guild) said,
“The India Bar Awards are about discovering hidden bars and talented bartenders who often don’t get the spotlight they deserve. While most recognition tends to go to larger, established brands, our aim is to celebrate emerging talent and give them a platform where their craft and creativity are truly acknowledged.”
