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Reviving the art of bartending with flair and mixology : The journey of the Indian flair bartenders association

In 2019, a group of passionate individuals came together with a shared vision: to breathe new life into the dwindling art of flair bartending in India. Thus, the Indian Flair Bartenders Association (IFBA) was born. Their mission was simple yet ambitious—support and revive the once-thriving flair bartending culture, provide a platform for bartenders to showcase their creativity, strengthen the flair bartending community and guide and upskill aspiring professionals on the art of cocktail-making.

A Vision to Transform

Flair bartending, once celebrated as a blend of art and skill, had begun losing its limelight in India. The IFBA stepped in to change this narrative. Their vision was not just about rekindling interest in flair but also about inspiring bartenders to stay motivated and skilled. The association’s goal was to create a strong community where flair bartending is recognized as an art form and to provide opportunities for professionals to shine.

National-level competitions were once the heartbeat of flair bartending in India, giving bartenders a reason to practice and excel. The IFBA aimed to bring back this sense of purpose by organizing such events, ensuring that bartenders had a stage to demonstrate their talents while fostering connections within the community.

Key Achievements

 Since its inception, the IFBA has organized more than eight national-level flair and mixology competitions. These events have uncovered hidden talents and given bartenders the recognition they deserve. Beyond individual accolades, these competitions have created a ripple effect—future generations of bartenders look up to these recognized professionals as mentors, setting the stage for a stronger, more inspiring community.

Another significant achievement has been fostering dialogue and collaboration. Through competitions and panel discussions, bartenders have engaged in meaningful exchanges, sharing skills and ideas that have enriched the craft.

Supporting the Community During COVID-19

 The IFBA’s commitment to its community shone brightly during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the hospitality industry at a standstill, the association stepped up—not with competitions, but with support. Led by members, the IFBA raised funds to assist 280 bartenders and hospitality professionals, including servers, hostesses, and housekeeping staff.

The fundraiser united the industry, providing financial aid, essential supplies, and emotional support through counseling sessions and masterclasses. These efforts kept spirits alive and strengthened the sense of community when it was needed most.

Overcoming Challenges

 One of the biggest challenges faced by the IFBA was the declining interest in flair bartending, as the industry shifted focus to mixology. However, through persistent efforts and well-organized competitions, the association has managed to reignite interest and gain appreciation for this unique art form.

Future Plans

The road ahead for IFBA is ambitious. The association plans to scale up its competitions, cover more geographical regions across India, and inspire bartenders in smaller towns. It envisions workshops and training programs to integrate flair into everyday bartending, preparing participants for international competitions.

The ultimate dream? Hosting some International Competition in India, positioning the country as a global hub for flair bartending. Alongside this, IFBA aims to strengthen its community by launching a membership drive, offering job opportunities, legal support, and fostering international collaborations for skill exchange programs

A Legacy in the Making

 The Indian Flair Bartenders Association is not merely an organization; it’s a movement—a renaissance of an art form that once faced obscurity. With a clear vision and unyielding dedication, the IFBA is reshaping the narrative of flair bartending in India.