New Delhi, October 2026: Monkey Shoulder, the premium blended malt Scotch whisky brand, has concluded the New Delhi round of the ninth edition of the Ultimate Bartender Championship at Bizou Bizou in Aerocity, bringing together more than 100 bartenders to showcase their skills, creativity and service expertise. The competition marks the India leg of the brand’s global World Ultimate Bartender Championship, which celebrates bartending talent and professional excellence in the hospitality industry.
The Delhi round featured a series of challenges designed to test essential bartending skills, including pouring accuracy, spirit nosing, industry knowledge, customer service and cocktail preparation. The competition focused on precision, consistency and the ability to perform under pressure, highlighting the technical expertise required behind the bar.
Hosted by Vidit Mantri, Brand Ambassador for Monkey Shoulder India, the New Delhi round concluded with Mayank and Krish from Botai, along with Sachin from Upside Bar, emerging as the three city finalists. They will advance to the India finale scheduled for October, where they will compete against finalists selected from other participating cities. 
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Joe Petch, Global Brand Ambassador for Monkey Shoulder, highlighted the importance of celebrating bartenders who combine technical proficiency with personality and a commitment to the hospitality profession. He said the World Ultimate Bartender Championship Global Final provides an international platform for bartending talent, bringing professionals together to demonstrate their skills and consistency.
Following the Delhi round, the Ultimate Bartender Championship will continue across Kolkata, Pune, Mumbai, Goa, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Jaipur, alongside other participating cities. The 2026 edition is expanding its reach, with Guwahati, Chennai and Jaipur identified as new additions to the championship’s city line-up.
The national competition will culminate in the India finale in October. The winner will earn the opportunity to represent India at the World Ultimate Bartender Championship Global Final in November, competing against bartenders from international markets. Through the championship, Monkey Shoulder continues to spotlight bartending craftsmanship and recognise professionals contributing to India’s evolving bar and hospitality culture.
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