MONIN Cup 2026 India Finals – Key Outcomes
LV Swaroop, Bar Manager at Taal Bar in Bengaluru, was crowned the winner of the MONIN Cup 2026 India Finals. The competition, which attracted more than 1,000 registrations nationwide, narrowed down to 13 finalists representing Kolkata, Noida, Mumbai and Hyderabad before the national finale was held at Tropika Brewing Co., Marathahalli, Bengaluru.
The event was judged by a panel comprising bartender and bar owner Yangdup Lama, alco‑bev consultants Arijit Bose and Karina Aggarwal. The competition theme, “Timeless Twists,” required participants to reinterpret classic cocktails using at least one MONIN product while drawing on personal stories and regional influences.
Winning Cocktail
Swaroop’s winning entry, titled “Mystery Speaker,” combined MONIN Elderflower Syrup, cucumber, pineapple, tequila, lime and tonic water. Judges praised the drink for technical precision, seamless ingredient integration, originality and emotionally resonant storytelling.
Runner‑Ups and Special Awards
- First Runner‑up: Jeshika Thami, The Brook, Delhi
- Second Runner‑up: Harsita Ghatge, Freelance Bartender, Bengaluru
- Best Innovative Drink: Sankalp Tembe, Kamari, Goa, recognized for exceptional creativity.
Competition Structure and Insights
- Registrations received: 1,000+
- Finalists in Bengaluru: 13
- Regional rounds: Kolkata, Noida, Mumbai, Hyderabad
- National finale venue: Tropika Brewing Co., Marathahalli, Bengaluru
- Global finale: Paris, France on 8‑9 December 2026, where Swaroop will represent India alongside winners from over 80 countries.
The press release highlighted emerging trends in India’s cocktail landscape: tequila emerged as the preferred base spirit, savory components such as tomato, curry leaf, chilli, garlic and herbs gained momentum, and regional ingredients like gongura, kokum, nolen gur, palm jaggery, Joha rice, raw mango and jamun were prominently featured. Advanced techniques such as clarification, fat‑washing, carbonation and house‑made cordials were also showcased.
MONIN India Investment
MONIN India announced an investment exceeding INR 350 crores to establish a new manufacturing facility in Telangana, slated for inauguration by the end of 2026. This investment underscores MONIN’s commitment to expanding its production capacity and supporting the Indian hospitality sector.
Quotes
- LV Swaroop: “Winning the MONIN Cup is an incredible honour… the mystery round tested my ability to balance flavours under pressure while staying true to my idea.”
- Yangdup Lama (Judge): “Each of the thirteen bartenders interpreted the theme uniquely, drawing on personal experiences and regional inspirations.”
- Germain Araud, Managing Director, MONIN India: “The MONIN Cup provides a platform for young bartenders to challenge themselves, learn from one another and gain international exposure. We look forward to Swaroop representing India at the Global Finals in Paris.”
About MONIN
Founded in 1912 in Bourges, France, MONIN is a global leader in premium flavour solutions, operating in over 160 countries with a portfolio of more than 200 flavours across eight categories. MONIN India, established in Hyderabad with an R&D centre since 2019, continues to expand its footprint through initiatives such as the MONIN Cup, MONIN Creativity Coffee Cup and Experience Studios in New Delhi, Bengaluru and Mumbai.