The Indian Flair Bartenders Association (IFBA) set Bengaluru on fire with the IFBA Flair Challenge 2025, hosted at Maize & Malt, Whitefield. Presented by Marimbula and powered by Stolichnaya, the event brought together India’s finest bartending talent for an evening of skill, creativity, and high-energy showmanship.
✨ From 110 registrations, 45 bartenders from across India and Nepal were shortlisted to battle it out on stage, dazzling the crowd with a mix of flair artistry, cocktail innovation, and electrifying performances.
Highlights of the Event
- Participants: 45 finalists competing from all corners of India & Nepal.
- Judging Panel: A stellar lineup of industry experts — Flair Judges Rohan Carvalho, Biznu Saru, Sachin Gowda, Clayton Gracias, Ali and Cocktail Judges Harshad Jain, Sandeep Verma, Ranson Carvalho, Keshav Keshu, and Aman Dua.
- Showmanship: Cutting-edge flair routines, innovative cocktail presentations, and breathtaking stage presence.
- Audience: Hospitality leaders, beverage enthusiasts, and aspiring bartenders united to celebrate flair bartending culture.
What the Experts Said
“Tonight’s performances set a new benchmark for bartending artistry in India. The passion, precision, and creativity of every participant reflects the growing professionalism in this field. IFBA remains committed to inspiring the next generation of bartenders, nurturing their skills, and elevating hospitality standards nationwide,” said Rohan Carvalho, President, IFBA.
The Road Ahead for IFBA
The success of this year’s challenge marks just the beginning. IFBA plans to:
- Expand competitions across more regions in India.
- Host workshops and training programs to integrate flair into everyday bartending.
- Prepare Indian bartenders for global competitions.
- Launch a membership drive offering job opportunities, legal support, and skill exchange collaborations.
- Ultimately, host an international flair competition in India, making the country a global hub for bartending talent.
Why It Matters
The IFBA Flair Challenge is more than just a competition — it’s a movement that recognizes talent, inspires innovation, and sets new standards in India’s hospitality industry. With Bengaluru leading the way as a trendsetting hub for mixology, the future of flair bartending in India has never looked brighter.
REFERENCE LINK: Deccan Chronicle Feature
