The Happy High, Mumbai’s premier bartending institute, hosted its inaugural Young Bartender Challenge with partners A-Star Academy, a hotel school in Mumbai, providing a neutral venue, and Smoke Lab Vodka, Mohulo Gin, and Smoke Lab Water supplying the beverages.
The Young Bartender Challenge 2024 received 41 entries from 15 hospitality institutes from Mumbai and Pune. The competition commenced with the masterclass phase, with sessions on mixology, Cognac, Gin, Vodka, and water to empower the participants.
The second phase saw participants sharing their recipes on Instagram in a reel format on the theme, Bharat. 10 participants from seven colleges were selected for the finals, which was held on September 28. The finalists showcased their cocktails to the jury over two rounds, including a mystery round. The judges were Jishnu AJ, Bar Manager and Head Mixologist at Ekaa; Rajesh Israni, Head of Marketing at NV Group, makers of Smoke Lab and Mohulo; Harish Subramanian, Head of Beverage at Papa’s Bombay; and Vishwanath Revankar, Dean of F&B Service at A-Star Academy.
The list of winners of the Young Bartender Challenge 2024 and the cash prizes:
Gold Medal, Rs 15000: Aryan Katara, IHM Mumbai
Silver Medal, Rs 12500: Kailash Chaudhari, Bharati Vidyapeeth Pune
Bronze Medal, Rs 10000: Om Awasare, IHM Mumbai
Best Video/Maximum Shares/Maximum Views, 12000: Vishal Kandu, ITM IHM Oshiwara
Dr Rajeev R Mishra, Director of A-Star Academy Mumbai, said, “A-Star Academy is proud to collaborate with Happy High for organising the Young Bartender Challenge 2024. We believe in providing a platform for students to explore their passion and refine their talents through a holistic approach to education. This event is a step towards creating opportunities for individuals to excel in their chosen careers. With a focus on hands-on learning and real-world exposure, A-Star Academy aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed and become industry-ready in today’s competitive global market. Our association with such activities reflects our dedication to delivering high-quality training and education programmes that meet the evolving demands of the hospitality industry. We are committed to nurturing the next generation of hospitality professionals, and this event is a testament to that commitment.”
Rajesh Israni, Head of Marketing NV Group and a jury member, said, “The first edition of The Young Bartender Challenge 2024 showcased an incredible pool of young talent, enthusiasm, and creativity. These young contestants are ready to shape the emerging cocktail scene with their passion and ingenuity. The challenge not only tested their skills but also their ability to tell a story through a drink. As a jury member, I was impressed by the attention to detail and the bold usage of indigenous flavours from globally popular homegrown spirits Smoke Lab Vodka and Mohulo Gin (India’s First Sipping Gin) by the contestants and their ability to balance creativity with precision.”
Ajit Balgi, Founder, The Happy High, said, “The Young Bartender Challenge was conceived as a neutral bartending competition for hospitality institutes and developed into a platform for participants to gain knowledge through masterclasses, build confidence in front of the camera while creating reels with their cocktails, and nurture their passion to become top bartenders. We were thrilled to see participation from top colleges, and the enthusiasm and effort from the participants were incredible. We are deeply thankful to the college faculty who encouraged their students, and to our partners, A-Star Academy and NV Group (Smoke Lab & Mohulo), for their support and trust in us. We look forward to improving further with YBC 2025.”
