- Name: Dhruv Sachdeva
- Instagram: @dhroov04
- Industry Experience: 10 years
- Favorite Drink: Daiquiri; deceptively simple, just three ingredients but also very difficult to balance.
- Favorite Non-Alcoholic Drink: A nice cold-pressed chilled fresh orange juice
Clocking nearly a decade in the hospitality industry, Dhruv Sachdeva credits his eight years behind the bar to his relentless drive, bold choices and a deep-seated passion for bartending. His work innings may have started in India but today, Dhruv is crafting cocktails in some of Canada’s top bars.
His decision to move to Canada for work was not from a shortage of opportunities at home. Ever-passionate and driven, Dhruv wanted to fast-track his learning curve. “I wanted to be busy, I wanted to grow fast, and I needed to build something solid for the future,” he shares. Armed with a degree in distillation studies, he combined his scientific understanding of spirits with hands-on experience in Bartending.
From humble beginnings on the Canadian scene as a dishwasher at Bar Banane, Dhruv was quickly recognised for his bartending skills. A trial shift where he whipped up a signature Daiquiri became the pivotal moment in his career. In a few months, he was behind the bar, designing drinks that slowly made their way to the menu and today are a mainstay of the bar’s identity with the bold, flavour-forward tipples.
At Bar Banane, his Indian roots became the wind beneath his wings.The Long lost lassi (Pisco, bitter aperitivo, anchor, Greek vanilla yogurt and mango) is a crowd-favourite that still has its pull on the menu. Then there’s a punchy house-made coffee liqueur made from Arabica beans in Coimbatore, that features in a drink called Slapdash.
His current stint at Mother, one of Canada’s top-rated bars, Dhruv is part of a core team lef by Massimo, a well-respected industry figure. The latest menu, Mirror Mirror is a play of innovation on approachability. Here, the Truffle Croissant is one of Dhruv’s personal highlights, a delicate balance of truffle, croissant distillate and toasted chamomile notes.
Part passion, part performance, Dhruv is committed to his craft. Busy nights are his jam, the energy of guests and the rhythm of the bar is where he feels most alive, and at home. Hospitality and cultural exchange form the crux of his personal philosophy and each drink becomes a marker, each guest interaction a sweet connection.
We ask Dhruv what’s next on the radar? An Italian-inspired aperitivo bar is in the pipeline; omakase-style cocktail and food pairings. This dream is another step in a long journey of growth and connecting with people far and wide–one drink at a time.
– Nagwa Kureshi
