ABD Maestro Pvt. Ltd., the super-premium and luxury spirits arm of Allied Blenders & Distillers Limited (ABD), has launched “Bar Maestro,” a nationwide bartending competition aimed at nurturing talent, strengthening India’s evolving cocktail culture, and creating a platform for bartenders to gain industry recognition and career opportunities.Launched in partnership with Tulleeho, one of India’s leading bar and beverage education platforms, the competition will roll out across Mumbai, Delhi, Gurgaon, Goa, Pune, Bangalore and Kolkata from June 15. The initiative is designed as a three-round contest that will test creativity, technical expertise and regional storytelling through cocktails crafted using ABD Maestro’s portfolio of RANGEELA Contemporary Indian Vodka, ZOYA Special Batch Gin and WOODBURNS Contemporary Indian Whisky.
The first round requires participants to submit an original Highball cocktail inspired by their city and culture. Shortlisted bartenders will advance to subsequent rounds where they will create cocktails incorporating local ingredients, regional stories and distinctive cultural elements before competing on a national stage.“The Indian bar and cocktail culture is going through a significant and positive discovery,” said Bikram Basu, Managing Director of ABD Maestro. He noted that bartenders are emerging as central creative figures in the hospitality ecosystem and that Bar Maestro is envisioned as an annual intellectual property aimed at promoting Indian talent nationally and globally. Winners will also get an opportunity to meet ABD Maestro co-founder and actor Ranveer Singh.Vikram Achanta, Founder of Tulleeho, said the Indian bar industry is rich in talent but often lacks adequate visibility. He said Bar Maestro seeks to position bartenders as cultural contributors while showcasing their role in shaping local identities through beverages.
In Kolkata, the city’s inclusion in the competition highlights the growing demand for premium spirits and craft cocktail experiences in eastern India. Industry stakeholders believe the initiative could further energise Kolkata’s hospitality sector by encouraging innovation among bartenders and strengthening consumer engagement with premium and luxury beverage brands. ABD Maestro said the initiative reflects its community-first approach to the spirits business, placing bartenders at the centre of brand-building efforts. Nominations for Bar Maestro 2026 are now open.
