- Name: Hemant Pathak
- Instagram: @hemantnyc
- Favorite Cocktail: Negroni
- Favorite Non-Alcoholic Drink: Fresh Lime Soda (sweet and salted) – a simple yet delicious base for many cocktails, says Hemant.
Hemant Pathak’s journey in the beverage industry is a testament to passion, perseverance, and commitment to craft. As the General Manager and Head of Bar Education for Junoon and Jazba in New York City, his story is one of determination and an innate ability to transform learning into excellence. Reflecting on his early days, Hemant recalls that he was never a conventional student during his hotel management studies from 2005 to 2008. “I was more of a visual learner,” he shares. It was during his second year that he found himself drawn toward beverages, setting the course for a career that would later take him across continents. His first job at Taj Palace, New Delhi, was with the Indian restaurant Masala Art, where he noticed a dormant live bar and convinced his manager to bring it to life. This initiative marked the beginning of his bar journey. His skills and curiosity soon earned him the title of bartender, leading him to the renowned Blue Bar, where he worked alongside international bartenders and deepened his understanding of classic cocktails and their foundations. Hemant firmly believes that success is not about the individual but about the people around them. Support from colleagues, bartenders, and supervisors shaped his learning, leading him to participate in competitions and immerse himself in the global world of bartending. Mentors played a pivotal role in his journey.
He fondly recalls his first structured training at Taj under Mr. Yangdup Lama, which ignited his passion for bartending. Later, Ms. Shatbhi Basu, whom he met in 2011, left a lasting impression. Mr. Arijit Bose took him to Puerto Rico, a transformative experience that ultimately led him to settle in the United States. Many other industry leaders, including “Sandy Sir,” further enriched his professional growth. The evolution of India’s bar industry has been remarkable in Hemant’s eyes. In 2008, cocktail culture was confined to hotels, with limited and unchanging menus. However, from 2010 onwards, independent bars began emerging, bringing creativity and innovation into the scene. By 2014, the mindset had shifted—bartenders were experimenting, standalone bars were flourishing, and India had established itself as a serious player in the global cocktail landscape. This progress is something Hemant takes immense pride in. Culture is at the heart of his craft. Even in America, he remains rooted in his heritage, incorporating Indian spices and flavors into his mixology. At Junoon, he drew inspiration from the restaurant’s spice room, experimenting with Southeast Asian flavors and spices like those from his own home. By sourcing ingredients like coffee from Chikmagalur for espresso martinis, Hemant brings a piece of India to the global stage. His advice to aspiring bartenders is simple: love what you do, love what you do! Find your strengths, and carve your own path rather than chasing titles. Passion and hard work, he believes, will always pave the way for success. Hemant’s accomplishments speak volumes. In 2011, he won the prestigious Diageo Reserve World Class competition, emerging victorious among 396 participants and representing India globally. The following year, he competed in the Bacardi Legacy Cocktail Competition, earning praise from judges. His creativity and expertise were further recognized in 2017 when he was named among the top seven finalists worldwide for Patron Margarita of the Year, representing New York with his signature “Mumbai Margarita.” This achievement not only cemented his status as an industry leader but also highlighted his ability to infuse cultural elements into world-class cocktails.
Amidst all his achievements, Hemant remains deeply connected to his personal life. A proud husband and father of two, he emphasizes the importance of balance. His routines include swimming and working out, ensuring that he dedicates time to both his family and career. Looking ahead, Hemant’s next milestone is opening a speakeasy in Manhattan—a dream he hopes to realize in the near future. With his expertise and vision, it is bound to be a space that redefines cocktail culture yet again.