MONIN, a top syrup brand in India and a favorite among hospitality professionals worldwide, recently wrapped up the MONIN Cup 2024 National Finale in Hyderabad. This competition was designed to showcase the talents of young bartenders, aged 18-27, from around the globe. Participants were tasked with creating original drinks using MONIN products, allowing them to demonstrate their skills as mixologists.
In India, bartenders were invited to compete in regional heats held across four different locations from July 30th to August 28th, 2024. Hemanshu Badola emerged as the winner, earning a fully-paid trip to the MONIN Cup Grand Finale in Bourges, France, scheduled for December. Hemanshu will represent India on the global stage. The second and third places were taken by Yathish Kumar V and Cheasong Yonzon Lama, respectively.
This year, the MONIN Cup’s theme was ‘Low is More,’ encouraging bartenders to draw inspiration from the growing trend of low and no-alcohol beverages. Participants were asked to craft flavorful cocktails using MONIN’s wide range of products, including syrups, fruit mixes, purees, crushes, sauces, and frappe powders. The diverse MONIN product lineup provided the contestants with ample opportunities to experiment, innovate, and create drinks that align with current trends.
The finalists had the chance to hone their skills by learning from industry experts. They received valuable feedback on their presentation, technique, and flavor profiles. Germain Araud, Managing Director of Monin India Pvt Ltd, expressed his excitement about the competition, stating, “The MONIN Cup competitions offer a fantastic platform for budding bartenders across the country to showcase their incredible talent on a global stage. Our goal is to provide a professional space where they can grow and learn new skills. Representing their country is a significant achievement. Through events like the MONIN Cup, Monin India shows strong support for the bartending community, promoting skill development, recognition, and international representation. We are thrilled to see our national winner perform at the Grand Finale in France.”
Keeping up with trends is essential for hospitality venues to stay relevant. This year’s theme provided young Indian bartenders with a perfect opportunity to enhance their cocktail-making skills. With MONIN’s extensive product range, they could experiment with flavors, add unique twists, and impress the judges with their creations.
MONIN encourages aspiring bartenders from across the hospitality industry to participate in this celebration of mixology. Competitions like the MONIN Cup are crucial for ensuring a bright future for the drinks industry. They help to nurture the next generation of bartending talent, which MONIN is always eager to support.
