Following a highly successful debut that united India’s most promising mixologists, Bar Maestro has now advanced to Round 2. The seven-city bartending challenge is hosted by ABD Maestro Pvt. Ltd., the luxury and super-premium spirits arm of Allied Blenders & Distillers Limited (ABD) in partnership with the Tulleeho Beverage Academy. The opening round attracted over 350 entries from across the country, while conversations around the competition resonated widely on social media, with more than 7.6 million views on Instagram; underscoring the excitement surrounding India's emerging cocktail talent.
At the core of the opening round was a challenge rooted in creativity: to craft an original highball cocktail using WOODBURNS Contemporary Indian Whisky. What emerged was a beautiful tribute to India's diverse heritage, as bartenders looked inward to the traditions and landscapes that shaped them. Following a nationwide selection, 160 mixologists are progressing to Round 2, with every shortlisted cocktail standing out for its technical mastery, ingenuity, and cultural storytelling.
Bengaluru emerged as a true hub of culinary curiosity, delivering highballs that paired deep nostalgia with cutting-edge technique. Local bartenders showcased exceptional craftsmanship by turning standard regional ingredients into unexpected expressions of liquid creativity. The city's shortlist featured brilliant applications of Byadgi chilli, jackfruit, tamarind, Annapurna leaf, and even clarified sambar. These cocktails captured Bengaluru's distinct identity a place where technical experimentation and deep respect for heritage converge to push the boundaries of India's contemporary beverage culture.
Commenting on the response to Bar Maestro and the commencement of Round 2, Bikram Basu, Managing Director, ABD Maestro, said: “The response to ‘Bar Maestro’ is a powerful milestone in the evolution of India's bartending community. It was fascinating to see participants build narratives around their own local cultures and ingredients. This creative independence is driving a vibrant, new Indian cocktail culture. Through ‘Bar Maestro’, we will champion craftsmanship and innovation.”
Round 2 will be evaluated by an esteemed panel of industry experts, including Rohan Carvalho, Founder of Bar Square India and Aslam Gafoor, Hospitality Professional, Independent Writer & Columnist who will play an integral role in identifying the 2 bartenders from Bengaluru who will advance to the national finals. The competition will culminate in a Bar Takeover on 19 August 2026, followed by the Grand Finale on 20 August 2026, where India's inaugural Bar Maestro champion will be crowned.
Consumers can experience the magic of these cocktails from 27th July to 03rd August 2026 at these outlets in Bengaluru:
Indiranagar: Barwild, The Reservoire, The dual room, Humming Tree
Koramangala: House of Dopamine, Saporeii Bar House kitchen
Whitefield: Maize and malt, Underdoggs Whitefield
Marathalli: Chifa, NST
HSR Layout: Roxie
Other regions: Indian Craft Brewery 572/90, Outer ring road; Biergarten, Belandur; The Oterra Hotel, Electronic City; Runway 27, Kadubeesanahalli; Koko Bengaluru, Kodihalli; Cleo’s up top, Manyata Business Park; The Bier Library, Sarjapur; Kico Bangalore, St Mark's Rd
About ABD Maestro Private Limited
ABD Maestro Private Limited is a super-premium and luxury spirits company, and a subsidiary of Allied Blenders and Distillers Limited, the largest domestic Spirits company in India, in terms of annual sales volumes. Bollywood superstar Ranveer Singh is a co-founder and creative partner at ABD Maestro.
The ABD Maestro portfolio include The Collective Limited Edition, Arthaus Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, Aodh Irish Whiskey, Woodburns Contemporary Indian Malt Whisky, Yello Designer Whisky, Zoya Special Batch Gin and its flavours, Rangeela Contemporary Indian Vodka, Pumori Small Batch Gin and Pink Gin, Segredo Aldeia Café and White Rums. Through its partnership with Roust Corporation, the company has introduced Russian Standard Vodka to India in three distinct segments: Original, Gold, and Platinum.
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