Small-town bartenders are transforming India's cocktail culture

Bartenders from small towns in India are gaining recognition for their unique contributions to the cocktail scene. The recent India Bartender Week in Gurgaon showcased talent from across the country, highlighting the influence of bartenders from non-metro areas. Notable figures like Erik Lorincz and Michito Kaneko attended the event, which featured young bartenders from smaller cities. Many of these bartenders are incorporating local ingredients and cultural heritage into their drinks, expanding India's cocktail culture. As interest grows in bartending from Tier 2 and 3 cities, more bartenders are being recognized for their creativity. They are blending traditional flavors with modern techniques, enriching the industry with diverse influences from their backgrounds.