This cocktail recipe by Goa-based bartender won a ₹10 lakh award!

In a country where career paths are often shaped by tradition, bartending rarely features on the list of accepted professions. But every so often, someone comes along who doesn’t just challenge the norm — they rewrite it.

Devi Singh Bhati’s recent win at the Camikara Challenge, where he secured the top prize of ₹10 lakh, is one such moment. It’s more than a personal victory — it’s a spotlight on the creativity, skill, and rising recognition of Indian bartending.

When the Challenge was announced, Devi knew it was his chance to do something meaningful. “The prize money was insane,” he said. “Probably the biggest I’ve seen in any bartending competition, anywhere.” With plans to expand his craft ice business, the stakes were high. “But beyond the money, there was something electric about being on that stage — a theatre, but with cocktails.”


His winning recipe was a large-format punch featuring aged rum, clear lemon juice, jasmine-khus homemade vermouth, a touch of herbal liqueur, and ginger-cardamom bitters. Served in a communal punch bowl, it invited guests to gather, sip, and connect — a celebration of Indian flavours and the spirit of togetherness.

Light, layered, and easy to drink, the highball-style serve won over the judges with its elegance and sustainability-focused approach.

Devi’s triumph is more than just a trophy — it’s a signal that India’s cocktail scene isn’t just evolving — it’s entering a bold new chapter.


Winning Cocktail: Large-Format Punch
By Devi Singh Bhati

Ingredients:
Aged rum (3-Year)
Clear lemon juice
Homemade vermouth infused with jasmine tea and khus root
A touch of herbal liqueur
Ginger-cardamom bitters

To Serve:
Build in a large punch bowl over clear ice. Stir gently to combine. Garnish optionally with seasonal herbs or edible flowers.

Serving Style:
Communal punch — meant to be shared among guests. A celebration of Indian botanicals, sustainable craft, and the joy of drinking together.