The India Bartender Guild (IBG), India’s leading professional body for bartenders and beverage experts, concluded 2025 with a series of landmark achievements that underscore the country’s growing prominence in the global bartending arena. The successful hosting of the IBG Zero Proof Competition 2025 and India’s Bronze Medal win at the 24th Golden Cup Cocktail Competition in Taiwan highlighted a year of innovation, excellence, and international recognition for Indian bartending professionals.
Zero Proof Competition 2025: Celebrating Innovation Beyond Alcohol
Demonstrating its commitment to responsible and inclusive beverage culture, IBG organized the Zero Proof Competition 2025, a national championship spotlighting non-alcoholic mixology and flair bartending. The competition evaluated creativity, technical skill, presentation, and adherence to international standards, reflecting the growing global demand for mindful, alcohol-free beverage experiences.
The championship was conducted across two major cities:
- New Delhi: 4 August 2025
- Goa: 11 August 2025
The events drew enthusiastic participation from professional bartenders nationwide, as well as engagement from hospitality leaders and industry stakeholders, cementing the competition’s position as one of the year’s premier bartender-focused initiatives.
National Winners of Zero Proof Competition 2025:
- Mixology Category: Deepika Shukla – Winner, Chetan Choramule – Winner
- Flair Bartending Category: Ravi Varma – Winner
These winners showcased remarkable creativity, precision, and performance, setting new benchmarks for non-alcoholic bartending in India.
India Shines at the Golden Cup Cocktail Competition, Taiwan
Following their national success, IBG champions represented India at the prestigious 24th Golden Cup Cocktail Competition in Taiwan from 16–20 December 2025. Competing against top bartenders worldwide, the Indian team’s exceptional skill and professionalism earned them a Bronze Medal, demonstrating India’s rising global competitiveness in the bartending industry.
Indian Representatives:
- Deepika Shukla – Mixology
- Chetan Choramule – Flair
- Ravi Varma – Flair
Adding to this international recognition, Mr. Archit Singhal, President of IBG, served as an official judge at the Golden Cup, further highlighting India’s credibility and influence on the global bartending stage.
IBG Joins the International Bartenders Association
In a historic development, the India Bartender Guild officially became a member of the International Bartenders Association (IBA). This membership strengthens IBG’s global footprint, enabling international collaborations, exposure to global competitions, and adoption of worldwide professional standards.
Looking Forward
With initiatives such as the Zero Proof Competition, international accolades, and prestigious global affiliations, IBG is shaping a robust, skilled, and globally connected bartending ecosystem in India. The Guild remains committed to nurturing talent, driving innovation, and positioning India as a respected leader in the international bartending community.
