Yumit Kumar of The First Floor, Delhi, has been crowned India’s first Grand Gold Maestro at the inaugural Bar Maestro bartending competition, organised by ABD Maestro in association with Tulleeho Beverage Academy. The seven-city competition culminated at IFBE in Mumbai, where 16 finalists from across the country competed for the top honour.
The finalists created original cocktails inspired by the five elements of nature — Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space — using WOODBURNS Contemporary Indian Whisky, Rangeela Contemporary Indian Vodka or ZOYA Special Batch Gin. Kumar’s spirit-forward creation, which brought all five elements together in a single cocktail, won the judges’ approval. Delbert D’Costa of Mofo, Goa, and Sandesh Thalang of Sidecar, Delhi, were named Gold Maestros, while Houz Cafe, Delhi, received recognition for recording the highest national sales during the competition.
The national platform also highlights the growing relevance of premium cocktail culture across India’s major urban markets, including Kolkata, where evolving consumer preferences and the expanding premium hospitality segment are creating opportunities for skilled bartenders and innovative mixology.
The competition received more than 350 entries, with 160 shortlisted for Round 2 across seven cities before the final 16 were selected. The jury comprised Shatbhi Basu, Gresham Fernandes and Vikram Achanta.
