Nupur Joshi and the art of mixing potent concoctions

Remember the girls from "Sex And The City" and their Cosmopolitans? Yup, those pink cocktails that would always be a part of their conversations? Ever wondered what that intoxicating mix is? Well for that you would need to get behind the bar, and that is where  Nupur Joshi steps in. More than just your average bartender who can whip up tasteful concoctions, she excels at leveraging her knowledge to showcase to brands what they can really do to win customers and order another glass.  A mixologist by profession, she believes in pursuing a mad creative high!

"I create signature sangria flavors"

The dive into mixology.

"Simply put, a mixologist is a person who makes cocktails and loves to mix different tastes together to create new delicious alcoholic concoctions! I tasted my very first mix at the age of 16, and there was no turning back! I got my formal qualification from the American Hotel & Lodging Association in Hotel Management and also finished my Level 2 from WSET (Wines & Spirits Education Trust of U.K.). After spending plenty hours in the most beautiful vineyards in Spain and Germany, here I am, following my passion!"

Representation of women in the F&B industry.

"At present there seem to be very few women who have made a mark for themselves, though those that have are on par with the best that there are in the field. As far as numbers go, at the amateur level not too many seem to show an interest because this field does not seem to be respectful enough for women. However I would like to assure the talented girls who have a passion for mixology to take the plunge! In today's times the male counterparts are extremely respectful and supportive of talent even if it's a woman."

Unfortunately most of the times- more and more pretty girls get behind the counter, as they seem to be a good catch and that's just sad.  But if you have something substantial to contribute you are quite easily respected even as a woman.

" It's sad that sometimes brands think pretty girls behind the counter will work for their image"

Breaking the glass ceiling in the alcohol industry.

"In India the alcohol industry is pretty stereotyped . You don't see many women bartending or crafting cocktail concoctions for a special menu or special events. But this mindset is changing- especially in the larger metros. Unfortunately most of the times- more and more pretty girls get behind the counter, as they seem to be a good catch and that's just sad.  But if you have something substantial to contribute you are quite easily respected even as a woman. A lot of respect and admiration can be gained if the clients and audiences respond to you well."

Also read about a food blogger who is also a fitness freak: Protima Tiwary

The amazing consulting showcase

"I do brand activations for various brands from wineries to internationally acclaimed liquor & liqueur brands. I do a lot of live workshops and demonstrations for various beverage brands at events & restaurants.I design thematic beverage menus for restaurants, events,  corporate & private parties.I have showcased  brands in Goa, Mumbai & Pune."

The startup challenge of a mixologist.

" The biggest challenge for me was being a female mixologist as it wasn't a known concept in many restaurants and even the industry!"

The work mantra.

" If you are sincerely involved and madly creative, you can find your high!"