MEET VARUN SUDHAKAR

Varun Sudhakar, the mixologist
 at AER, was awarded India’s Best Bartender in the Diageo World Class competition, and went on to represent the country for the second consecutive year at the World Class Bartender of the Year 2014 competition. Diageo's Definitive Drinking Guide features 50 of the most innovative and talented bartenders from across the globe. Each bartender showcases the perfect location, the most inventive cocktail and the finest of ingredients that define the ‘must have’ fine drinking experience in their city, along with providing insider knowledge on the most stylish and sophisticated locations to stay, shop and dine nearby. Those who make up the World Class 50 have been chosen as the 44 finalists who competed in the largest mixology competition in the industry - the World Class Bartender of the Year 2014. The world’s most respected mixology pioneers and industry gurus who sit on the esteemed judging panel.

Varun must have one of the best views from work in the world. Behind the curvy oval bar, Varun, 28, has transitioned from a flair bartender to become one of Mumbai’s finest mixologists. "I believe all cocktails are already created, what we do is reconstruct," Varun says. "I am now very simple and clean with my style. I never get bored behind a bar and there’s always something to learn, that’s what I love about my job. I like spice and bitter drinks - star anise and cinnamon are favourites, so too are wild gooseberries here in India – which are less sweet than the western ones."

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