Archive · 28 Aug 2026
Yumit Kumar Wins India’s First Grand Gold Maestro Bartending Title
India held its first national Bar Maestro bartending competition in Mumbai.
More than 350 bartenders entered the competition.
Sixteen finalists reached the final round.
They had to make cocktails inspired by five elements of nature.
These elements were Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space.
The bartenders used Indian ingredients and creative techniques to make their drinks.
Yumit Kumar from Delhi made the winning cocktail.
Delbert D’Costa and Sandesh Thalang also received Gold Maestro honours.
Delhi-based Yumit Kumar of The First Floor won the inaugural Grand Gold Maestro title in Mumbai.
The competition drew more than 350 bartenders, with 16 finalists advancing to the grand finale.
Finalists created original cocktails inspired by Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space.
Entries used three contemporary Indian spirits alongside regional botanicals, local spices and advanced techniques.
Delbert D’Costa and Sandesh Thalang earned Gold Maestro honours, while Houz Cafe recorded the highest tour sales.
- Who
- More than 350 Indian bartenders competed, with Yumit Kumar winning the title; Delbert D’Costa and Sandesh Thalang were also honoured.
- What
- The inaugural Bar Maestro competition selected a Grand Gold Maestro and recognised other bartending and commercial achievements.
- When
- The grand finale was held on Thursday; the article does not provide a calendar date.
- Where
- The grand finale took place at IFBE in Mumbai, after preliminary rounds in seven cities.
- Why
- ABD Maestro and Tulleeho organised the competition to celebrate bartending talent and give regional professionals a national platform.
- Winner
- Yumit Kumar of The First Floor, Delhi
- Competition
- Inaugural Bar Maestro
- Entries
- More than 350 bartenders from across India
- Finalists
- 16 bartenders competed in the grand finale
- Cocktail brief
- Create an original cocktail inspired by Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space
- Gold Maestro honours
- Delbert D’Costa of Goa and Sandesh Thalang of Delhi
- Highest tour sales
- Houz Cafe in Delhi