My Mentor Yangdup Lama

Back in 2010, at a lively place called Venom in Kolkata, something big happened. It was the Bacardi Martini Grand Prix, and the man of the hour was Yangdup Lama, the judge of all things tasty. His cool vibes influenced everyone there, especially me. I had no idea this night would kick off a cool chapter in my life.

In the lively world of bartending, where each cocktail tells a unique story, mine began with a simple quest – a Google search to discover "India's famous Bartender." Little did I know that this digital exploration would lead me to the doorstep of Yangdup Lama, a maestro in mixology and the mentor who would chart the course of my journey from bar rookie to his esteemed academy in Delhi. This is the tale of how fate mixed a concoction of destiny and mentorship, shaping not only my career but also the way I perceive the art of crafting cocktails.

Just as Yangdup Lama found guidance in the art of bartending from Dale DeGroff, I've been fortunate to have Yangdup Lama as my mentor. His expertise and passion have been my compass in the vibrant world of mixology, shaping my journey one sip at a time. His story is an inspiration, showcasing the transformative power of passion, creativity, and a profound belief in the global appeal of Indian flavors.

In the enchanting hills of Darjeeling, where tea plantations weave tales, where the Himalayan breeze whispers dreams, where the air is crisp and dreams float freely, a young soul named Yangdup Lama began a journey that would shape the very essence of Indian mixology. Born in the heart of the Himalayas, Yangdup's early years were steeped in the tranquility of Darjeeling. The vivid culture and breathtaking landscapes painted the canvas of his imagination, setting the stage for a life drenched in creative endeavors.

After his graduation from IAM, Kolkata (another venture of IIHM) in hotel management, the bustling streets of New Delhi became the canvas for Yangdup's early ventures into the world of bartending. It was at the Hyatt Regency where he took his first steps, not merely as a bartender but as a trailblazer. Restless for new challenges and experiences, Yangdup's journey led him beyond the conventional, into the dynamic realm of mobile bartending, where he honed his skills and gleaned a deep understanding of the industry. With continuous learning through industry events, and self-study on Indian ingredients and global cocktail trends, he is known as The Spirited Monk.

Yangdup Lama isn't just a bartender; he's a visionary in the realm of mixology. He has played a pivotal role in transforming the Indian bar scene into a dynamic, innovative landscape. Yangdup Lama has earned a reputation as one of the country's leading mixologists. With an unwavering commitment to his craft, boundless creativity, and a passion for education, Yangdup stands as a trailblazer in the world of cocktails.

Discovering the art of crafting cocktails took me to the pages of Yangdup Lama's "Cocktails & Dreams: The Ultimate Indian Cocktail Book." This mixology treasure trove unveiled some incredible recipes that turned ordinary evenings into extraordinary experiences. Yangdup's accolades include being appointed American Whiskey Ambassador, listed among the "100 Most Influential Figures in the Bar World," and featured as a "Young Turk" on CNBC TV18. Indian awards include "Bartender of the Year" by the Indian Bartenders Association and the prestigious "Asia-Pacific 30 under 30 Award." Yangdup has curated a diverse portfolio that includes a bar service, beverage consultancy, and two award-winning bars – Sidecar and Cocktails & Dreams Speakeasy. His entrepreneurial spirit has not only shaped the Indian bar scene but has also garnered international acclaim. Sidecar, under his guidance, has secured the World's 50 Best Bars with ranking in order of #91 in 2020, #47 in 2021, #26 in 2022 and #67 in 2023 including Asia's 50 Best Bars 2023 with ranking in order of #40 in 2020, #16 in 2021, #14 in 2022 and #18 in 2023 followed by India’s 30 Best Bars with ranking in order of #1 in 2019, #2 in 2021 and #1 2022. Meanwhile, Cocktails & Dreams Speakeasy has earned the 12th spot in India's 30 Best Bars. Yangdup's impact on the global stage is undeniable. His inclusion in Drinks International's Bar World 100 Most Influential Figures for three consecutive years (2020, 2021, and 2023) attests to his stature as a key player in the international drinks industry. Notably, he holds the prestigious title of Keeper of the Quaich, conferred at Blair Castle, Perthshire, Scotland in 2023.

With each shake and stir, he defies the conventional tick-tock of time, blending innovation with the wisdom that only years of dedication can bring.

In 2011, Yangdup founded the Cocktails & Dreams Bartending Academy, a beacon for aspiring bartenders seeking skills, knowledge, and confidence. Renowned for its comprehensive courses, the academy emphasizes practical skills, bar management, and customer service. The same year, when I found myself behind the bar at Hotel Indismart in Kolkata, I felt like I needed a change, so I sent him a message on Facebook, asking him to check out my drinks. To my surprise, he actually showed up at the bar one day. He didn't just want a drink; he wanted me to make something special. It went well because he didn't just say, "Good job." Nope, he gave me a job teaching at his school for bartenders. How cool is that? I packed my bags and went to Delhi, where his school was. That one year was like magic. I learned a lot, and I'm grateful for his guidance even now.

I raise a glass to Yangdup Lama. A mentor, a maestro, and a maven in mixology, his influence continues to ripple through my craft, a testament to the power of mentorship and the artistry of a well-crafted cocktail. Cheers to the spirited journey, the unexpected encounters, and the magic stirred into every drop of inspiration.

As I reflect on the journey – from that Google search to standing beside a maestro – it's clear that Yangdup Lama isn't just a name in the mixology world. He's a narrative, a story told in every cocktail shaken, stirred, and savored. A journey from mentorship to entrepreneurship, from the bars of Delhi to the global stage, Yangdup Lama is a living legend, and the echoes of his story resonate in every glass raised in celebration. Cheers to the spirited pioneer, the entrepreneur extraordinaire, and the keeper of the quenching tales – Yangdup Lama.

Yangdup Lama, your mentorship is a symphony of inspiration, a blend of wisdom and creativity that transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences. Thank you for the lessons, the laughter, and the endless stories shared over a well-crafted cocktail.

narrated by Sanjay Ghosh (Dada Bartender)

penned by Jitendra Khater