Shatbhi Basu

Shatbhi Basu, often referred to as an 'accidental bartender,’ was the first woman bartender in India, recognized by the President of India and the Ministry of Women and Child Development. With a bright smile and a glass of whiskey often in hand, Shatbhi has dedicated her career to elevating the standards of bartending in India. After graduating from the Institute of Hotel Management in Mumbai in 1981, she began her journey in the hospitality industry at Chopsticks, a standalone Chinese restaurant on Mumbai’s Linking Road. Initially focused on kitchen duties, Shatbhi’s career took an unexpected turn when she was assigned to manage the bar, marking the beginning of her illustrious career in mixology.

Over the decades, Shatbhi has worn many hats: bartender, teacher, author, consultant, content advisor, and television host. Her contributions have been instrumental in creating a skilled workforce in India’s evolving bar industry, now valued at $17.54 billion. In the 1980s, when India’s bartending scene was almost exclusively male, Shatbhi’s entry into the field was groundbreaking. Despite the initial challenges, she quickly adapted, drawing on her education and innate curiosity to master the art of cocktail making.

Shatbhi founded the ‘STIR Academy of Bartending’ to equip young students with the skills, direction, and purpose needed to pursue a career in bartending. The academy aims to support their families and provide growth opportunities. Her teaching style, characterized by wit and an irreverent approach, simplifies complex subjects, making them accessible and enjoyable. 

Beyond education, Shatbhi has consulted for over 50 institutions and multiple brands, designing working bars, fabricating signature equipment, curating menus, and training teams.

Shatbhi's innovative spirit is evident in her conceptualizing and publishing ventures. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she launched ‘Spiritual Sweat By Shatbhi Basu,’ a project focused on food and beverages. She also curated and published 'The Can’t Go Wrong Book Of Mocktails' and 'The 2nd Can’t Go Wrong Book of Cocktails,' comprehensive guides featuring over 150 recipes each, with a special focus on 'Made in India' ingredients.