Varun Sudhakar

Turning drinks into artful expressions

In an alternate universe, Varun Sudhakar could have been rocking the stage as a musician, but his journey took a different, equally vibrant path. Instead, he found his rhythm behind the bar. His initial role as a flair bartender at the Taj Green Cove was where he composed his first symphony, not with instruments, but with the art of mixology.

In the ever-evolving world of hospitality, where every moment counts and every detail matters, few stories stand out as brilliantly as that of Varun Sudhakar. Varun's foray into hospitality began with a part-time job as a flair bartender at the Taj Green Cove in Kerala during his college years at IHM. The vibrant energy and creativity of the bar scene instantly captivated him, sparking a passion that would define his career. The opportunity to entertain guests with flair tricks and craft creative cocktails became his gateway into the industry. Following his initial experience, Varun's career trajectory took a significant turn when he joined Sarovar Hotels in Kerala. His dedication and skill soon led to a full-time role, allowing him to deepen his understanding of the industry. The turning point came when he won the Regional Qualification Rounds for Bacardi Martini Grand Prix, which opened doors to prestigious opportunities, including a position at the Four Seasons in Mumbai. Over his 6.5 years with the Four Seasons, particularly at AER, he rose to the role of Mixologist, refining his craft and setting new standards in beverage innovation. Varun's career was punctuated by notable achievements, such as winning the World Class Competition in India in both 2013 and 2014. These victories propelled him into the role of Brand Ambassador for Diageo, one of the leading names in the industry. His expertise and reputation continued to grow, leading to a pan-India role as the Beverage Innovation and Operations Head for Gourmet Investments, where he worked with an array of prestigious brands.

In Varun Sudhakar's hands, mixology becomes a storytelling journey. Each drink he creates tells a tale of passion, innovation, and a deep-seated love for the craft. His work resonates with authenticity and a quest for pushing the limits of what a cocktail can be.

Amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Varun founded Bar Bundle, a company dedicated to bar consulting, beverage education, product development, and content curation. This venture allowed him to channel his vast experience into helping other businesses thrive and innovate in the hospitality industry. Today, Bar Bundle is recognized for its customized solutions and educational initiatives, reflecting Varun's commitment to elevating the bar experience. Looking ahead, Varun aspires to build a strong brand presence for Bar Bundle and develop robust products that streamline services for hotels, restaurants, and bars. He envisions creating a comprehensive online presence to showcase the brand's people, products, and services, thereby furthering its influence in the industry.

During the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic with bars and restaurants shutting down, Varun saw an opportunity to bring the bar experience to people's homes, ensuring that high-quality cocktails could still be enjoyed without the hassle of sourcing ingredients. This vision led him to join forces with Sameer Mirajkar and Viraj Sawant, the founders of InACan, to revolutionize the way people enjoy cocktails at home. InACan, founded in 2020, was born out of a desire to offer premium, ready-to-drink cocktails that didn't compromise on taste or quality. Varun's expertise in bartending and product development was crucial in this endeavor. He brought his extensive knowledge and creativity to the table, helping to create a line of canned cocktails that were not only convenient but also sophisticated and refined. Varun's role as the Head of Product Development was pivotal during this phase. His dedication and passion for the craft ensured that every can of InACan cocktail carried a touch of his award-winning flair and expertise. Varun's reputation as a two-time winner of the National Diageo Reserve World Class Competition and India's Best Bartender in 2013-14, along with his title of Teacher’s Glasses Best Bartender – India 2019, added significant credibility to the brand. With Varun at the helm of product innovation, InACan not only survived the pandemic but thrived, offering a bar experience without any hassle. The unique approach and high-quality products of InACan eventually caught the attention of Shark Tank, where the brand successfully secured a significant deal. This milestone was a culmination of the relentless efforts and innovative spirit of the team, led by Varun Sudhakar. His journey with InACan highlights his ability to adapt, innovate, and lead, bringing bar-quality cocktails to consumers in the comfort of their homes.

Varun and Dada Bartender mix it up!

Blending art and science, Varun Sudhakar shakes his way to mixology mastery.

When asked about his favorite cocktail, Varun cites the Negroni and Aperol Spritz, reflecting his appreciation for classic, well-crafted beverages. As Varun looks to the future, his aspirations include building a strong brand presence for Bar Bundle, developing products that streamline services for hotels, restaurants, and bars, and creating a comprehensive online platform to showcase the brand's people, products, and services.

Throughout his career, Varun has been fortunate to receive guidance from remarkable mentors who have shaped his journey. It all began during his college years at IHM, where Mrs. Jolly Joseph and Mr. Ashok VD provided invaluable support in the early stages of his career. Their encouragement and insights laid a strong foundation for his future endeavors. As Varun progressed, he was privileged to receive mentorship from remarkable individuals who significantly influenced his growth and development. Mrs. Satbhi Basu, Mr. Yangdup Lama, Mr. Rohan Carvalho, Mr. Rohan Jelkie, Mr. Tim Judge, Mr. Nick Ord, Mr. Dimi Lezinska, and Mr. Raveen Misra each played pivotal roles at various points in his career. Their expertise, wisdom, and support were instrumental in honing his skills and building his confidence.

In celebrating and honoring another gem, this time, we're spotlighting a star from the city of dreams, Mumbai. Varun Sudhakar's journey from a flair bartender to a leading figure in the hospitality industry showcases his passion, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence. His work with InACan Cocktails and Bar Bundle continues to inspire and elevate the bar experience for all. With each shake and pour, Varun embodies the essence of excellence, sharing a cherished piece of advice he received, now echoing to the next generation: "Measure your value and your time, and you'll find the path to true success."

Join us in raising a glass to Varun, a visionary who's redefining the art of cocktails and mentoring future stars. Here's to honoring his remarkable journey and the endless possibilities it inspires.

narrated by Varun Sudhakar

penned by Sanjay Ghosh (Dada Bartender) and Jitendra Khater