Summer’s on its way and it’s a great time to get in the good books of your local mixologist if you want them to remember your post-work highball order. But since it’s World Bartender Day, maybe consider giving your favourite bartender a shoutout on social media, or not ordering an espresso martini during the closing rush. However, if you’re trying your hand at at-home mixing, you may need to look for help online, vis-a-vis virtual tutorials and Instagram hacks. Luckily, the finest mixologists in the country also have some of the most efficient Instagram and we cherry-picked the best to help you with your home bar.
Akhilesh Sheoran
Sheoran has previously worked for Delhi’s Perch, Ek Bar and the now-defunct Together at 12th. At the moment Sheoran is the chief mixologist at The Tangra Project at DLF Commons, which boasts the first-ever walk-in bar in a Delhi mall. Some of Sheoran’s signatures at The Tangra Project include Doctor’s Advice (Turmeric infused gin, fresh orange, ginger, tonic water) and Cold Pot (Vodka, miso honey, charred pepper, coriander).
Sheoran’s Instagram offers insight into DIY cocktails and essential bar tools and ingredients. His short tutorial reels are snappy, efficient and helpful. His newest post, for instance, explores the recipe to a good ol’ Smoke and Spice, made with Oaken Glow whiskey.
Ami Shroff
The flair bartender is also a prolific juggler and hosts contact ball juggling classes. Ideally, they’re meant to help people improve their hand-eye coordination, something mixologists need on the daily. Shroff is also the first female mixologist champion of La Maison Cointreau India and was recently featured on the Netflix travel docu-series Midnight Asia.
“I was in a field which was niche, around 2003. There were like 5 or 6 flair bartenders in the country. My friend Delnaaz (Irani) and I were amongst the firsts. We learned from the best which was why it was so easy,” Shroff had shared during her 2018 TED talk. Needless to say, Shroff’s Instagram features some immaculate cocktail-making reels and contact ball juggling which could be one of the most interesting things on your feed.
Prantik Haldar
O Pedro’s head bartender Prantik Haldar’s Instagram feed has the best DIY inspiration. His three-ingredient cocktail with Singleton of Glendullan 12Y, homemade 'Fruit Cup' Cordial and Fernet Branca, for instance, is creative and fun. For his entry for the World Class India’s Heritage Highball Challenge 2021, Haldar paid homage to his Bengali roots, by making a Black Label infused with Gobindobhog Rice, Gondhoraj Lime bitters, Bengali 5 Spice Soda, along with raw mango and turmeric tuille.
“I wanted to dedicate this drink to the flavours of a traditional rice meal at my house, with the fragrant Gobindobhog rice, zingy local lime, raw mango daal or chutney, with some veggie side dish tempered with the unique 'paanch phoron,’ a Bengali spice mix of fennel, fenugreek, nigella, cumin and wild celery (also called Radhuni locally),” Halder shared.
Rohan Matmary
Matmary was named the India Winner of the Diageo Reserve World Class 2021 which also earned him a place in the global finals. Matmary has managed some of the most eclectic bars in the country and is currently the Head of Beverages at New Delhi’s Sidecar, which found a place on the list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2020 and 2021. Matmary’s simplistic, modern approach to mixology makes his Instagram really interesting. Don’t miss out on the Real Pina Colada video which uses Réal Pineapple and Réal Activ 100% Tender Coconut Water to make a delicious mocktail that can be whipped up at home with pantry ingredients.
Find the Real Pina Colada recipe here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/RohanMatmary
Rohan Matmary Instagram
Shatbhi Basu
Shatbhi Basu’s The Can’t Go Wrong Book of Cocktails is a must-have for anyone trying to upgrade their home bar skills. Basu is also India’s first female mixologist and she curated the menu at Kolkata’s LMNO_Q. In a recent chat with My Kolkata, Basu shared some basic tips for those looking to set up a home bar. “Availability and home delivery of alcoholic beverages and new craft Indian spirits made it even more exciting to entertain at home, and hopefully it's here to stay,” she shared. Her Instagram also has updates about her mixology workshops and Basu even held an alcohol-free mixology masterclass recently!
Yangdup Lama
The co-founder of Delhi’s Sidecar is also one of the most celebrated mixologists in the country and has acquired a string of awards in his 25-year career. Lama is also the product evangelist for the homegrown label, Jimmy's Finely Crafted Cocktail Mixers. You’ll spot a string of mixology tutorials by Lama on the Jimmy’s Cocktails YouTube page. Lama’s Instagram, however, is a good place for scouting cocktail trends.
Hemali Bendre
The Bombay Canteen’s Hemali Bendre has the liveliest Instagram that offers quick and easy hacks for DIY cocktails. Her quick-fix Bacardi cocktail with limes, for instance, is a great beginner’s mix and can be recreated with essential bar ingredients. Bendre also makes a mean Plum Sour, made with plum puree and caramel and we’ve already bookmarked it as our go-to order.
