Shatbhi Basu

Shatbhi Basu’s journey into the world of bartending is about embracing the unexpected. Originally intending to become a vet, allergies forced Basu to pivot towards hotel management. She joined Mumbai’s Centaur Hotel, starting out as a trainee chef. While she initially hoped to make her mark in the kitchen, specifically the Chinese section, fate had other plans. When promised opportunities in the kitchen didn’t materialise, she made the bold decision to leave the hotel for a new opportunity at a Chinese restaurant called Chopsticks.

Initially hired for a kitchen role, she was instead placed in charge of a modest, makeshift bar. With no formal training in bartending, this could have easily been a setback in her story, but Basu embraced the challenge instead. Armed with nothing more than a cocktail guidebook, she set out to master the craft of mixology, thus becoming the country’s first female bartender. What began as a necessity quickly turned into a passion, as her natural curiosity and intuitive grasp of flavours helped her excel. That small sideboard became the launchpad for a remarkable career that would span over four decades, cementing Basu as a pioneer in India’s cocktail culture.

From there, Basu’s influence grew beyond her personal achievements. Recognising the lack of formal bartending education in India, Basu established Stir, the country’s first bartending academy. Her goal was clear: to elevate bartending to a respected profession. With her irreverent yet insightful teaching style, she made even the most complex techniques accessible, equipping young bartenders with the knowledge and confidence to succeed.

In addition to her work in education, Basu became a trusted consultant for some of the world’s largest beverage brands. Her expertise was sought by global companies, where she played a key role in launching and positioning these iconic brands in the Indian market. She has also curated signature cocktail menus, shaped the design of bars in India, Sri Lanka and the UAE, and penned two books—The Can’t Go Wrong Book of Cocktails and The Can’t Go Wrong Book of Mocktails, providing a resource for both professionals and home bartenders alike.

Her contribution to elevating the art of mixology in India has left an indelible mark on both the local and global stage. Through her work as an educator, author, consultant and innovator, Basu remains a driving force, continually shaping the future of the bartending landscape in India and beyond.