After a milestone debut in 2025 and ahead of its second edition in February 2026, India Bartender Show is hitting the road. The platform has announced a nationwide Roadshow Series across tier-1 and tier-2 cities, reaffirming its commitment to nurturing grassroots talent and strengthening India’s rapidly growing bar community.
Conceptualised by industry stalwarts Vikram Achanta, Minakshi Singh, and Yangdup Lama, India Bartender Show continues to build a future-focused ecosystem for bartenders and beverage professionals. Through roadshows in 10 cities, it will introduce the platform to new audiences and guide bartenders on applying for the Handshake Grant.
Over the next few weeks, India Bartender Show will travel to new cities such as Dehradun, Chandigarh, Jaipur, and Kathmandu, as well as Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, Goa, and Pune, bringing together local bartenders, bar owners, aspiring professionals, and beverage brands.
A core focus of the roadshows is building awareness of the Handshake Grant: what it offers, why it matters, and how it empowers young bartenders by providing access to the platform, global exposure, industry leaders, workshops, and networking opportunities.
“This roadshow helps us meet bartenders on their own turf, understand local flavours, and build relationships with communities that continue to shape India’s bar identity,” says Vikram Achanta, Co-Founder, India Bartender Show.
The Handshake Grant Returns: Bigger, Wider, and More Inclusive
In 2025, the Grant supported 100 bartenders by funding their travel and stay for the Bar Summit, giving them access to mentorship and learning that would otherwise be out of reach.
Key features of the 2026 grant include:
- Support for 100 bartenders across India
- A focus on emerging talent aged 18-25
- Priority for bartenders with under 5 years of experience
- Increased inclusion of applicants from smaller cities and first-time participants
- Additional support for those travelling from regions farther from Delhi
- Cross-learning opportunities with chefs, beverage innovators, and senior industry mentors
Registration link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeVcVdcC9qTBKqTJEpMC80we1cwW8RPxaxd6gdLPzZHWyktEw/viewform
Last date to apply: December 31, 2025
Yangdup Lama, Co-Founder, India Bartender Show, says, “Our aim is to widen the pipeline. There is incredible young talent emerging in cities like Dehradun, Jaipur, Guwahati, Kochi, and Lucknow. The Grant helps them enter the wider conversation.”
Why This Matters for India’s Bar Future
India’s bar culture is undergoing a rapid transformation. Regional ingredients are taking centre stage; consumers are more informed; and bartenders from non-metro cities are redefining the craft. India Bartender Show is building a platform that reflects this evolution: one that is inclusive and firmly rooted in India.
“The Roadshow and Handshake Grant ensure that India Bartender Show isn’t just a two-day event; it becomes a yearlong process of learning and community-building,” adds Minakshi Singh, Co-Founder.
