India’s most inventive bartenders put a sustainable twist on the classics in the 6th edition of the global competition, and will compete alongside six bartenders from Asia-Pacific for a place at the Global Final in Nicaragua
India, 13 November 2026 – Aspri Spirits, India’s largest alco-beverage distribution company* and Flor de Caña, the globally acclaimed premium rum from Nicaragua, today announced the Top 10 India finalists of the Flor de Caña Sustainable Cocktail Challenge.
The finalists are Dhananjai Subramanian (Lair, Delhi), Calvis Rodrigues (Slow Tide, Goa), Apoorva Kohli (Quinta Cantina, Goa), Parth Aikdesai (Bar Spirit Forward, Bengaluru), LV Swaroop (Taal Bar, Bengaluru), Akash Singh (KOKO, Mumbai), Montoli Sema (Soy Como Soy, Pune), Delju Solaman (KICO Community, Cocktail, Coffee, Bengaluru), Elister (YAZU – Pan Asian Supper Club, Lower Parel, Mumbai) and Kshitij (Bar Painkiller, Delhi).
Now in its 6th edition, and coinciding with Flor de Caña’s 135th anniversary, the Flor de Caña Sustainable Cocktail Challenge is a global celebration of sustainability that inspires, promotes and recognizes the world’s most talented mixologists. This year, bartenders were invited to create a sustainable riff on a classic cocktail, infusing a timeless recipe with a modern, sustainable twist while adhering to sustainable practices in sourcing and preparation. A panel of external judges virtually reviewed entries from across the country to select the ten finalists, assessing each creation on taste, aroma, appearance, story and presentation, creativity, sustainability and components.
The finalists will present their creations live at the final in Mumbai on 3 December 2026, where theywill be joined by six bartenders from across the Asia-Pacific region: Ren Hayashi – Lobby Bar, Tokyo Edition (Japan), Rafli Razaq – Artesian Bar, Langham Hotel (Indonesia), Yi-Fan Lin -Bar Home (Taiwan), Josiah Chee – Bar bon Funk (Singapore), Yiu Yvonne Chan – Ex Gokan (Hong Kong) and Kirk John Lucas – Baccarat Room & Bar (Philippines). The winner will travel to Nicaragua in 2027 to compete at the Global Final at Las Isletas, a cluster of 365 volcanic islets on a lake, for the title of World’s Sustainable Cocktail Champion and a cash prize of US$10,000, among other benefits.
The competition reflects the values on which Flor de Caña has been built since 1890. A premium, family-owned rum from Nicaragua, Flor de Caña is distilled and naturally aged at the base of an active volcano and is renowned for its additive-free rums and exceptional craftsmanship. It is Carbon Neutral and Fair Trade certified, making it one of the most sustainable spirits brands in the world, and is available in more than 75 countries.
Speaking about the finalists, Pritish Matai, CEO, Aspri Spirits Limited, said, “Sustainability is fast becoming one of the most exciting ingredients in India’s cocktail culture. What stood out in this year’s entries is how Indian bartenders are reimagining the classics with local produce, zero-waste thinking and a deep respect for where their ingredients come from. These ten finalists represent the cutting edge of the Indian bar community. At Aspri Spirits, our role extends beyond distribution; we build brands and categories, and giving this talent a global stage alongside Flor de Caña is central to how we see premium rum growing in India.”
Flor de Caña entered India through its partnership with Aspri Spirits, bringing its award-winning portfolio to Indian consumers and bartenders: the crisp, versatile Extra Seco 4 Year white rum; the Gran Reserva 7 Year, an elegant sipping and cocktail rum with notes of toasted coconut, honey and dark chocolate; the naturally aged Centenario 12 Year, with flavours of vanilla, baked apples and honey; the ultra-premium Centenario 18 Year, with exceptional depth and a long oaky finish; and Flor de Caña Spresso, a coffee liqueur with rich coffee, chocolate and vanilla notes. Through the Sustainable Cocktail Challenge, the brand and Aspri Spirits aim to deepen bartender engagement and category education as premium rum and cocktail culture grow across India.
David Arguello Gutierrez, Head of Global Marketing, Flor de Caña, said, “For 135 years, Flor de Caña has believed that exceptional rum and respect for the planet go hand in hand. The creativity we have seen from India’s bartenders in this 6th edition has been remarkable: each finalist has shown that sustainability is not a constraint but a source of inspiration. We look forward to welcoming them, together with our Asia-Pacific competitors, in Mumbai on 3 December, and to seeing who earns a place at the Global Final in Nicaragua.”
