India’s cocktail culture has long been associated with metro cities, the polished bars of Mumbai, the experimental labs of Bengaluru, and the high-energy venues of Delhi. But over the past few years, a confident shift has been underway. Tier 2 cities are no longer playing catch-up; they’re actively shaping the narrative. And if there was ever a moment that cemented this transition, it was at the World Class 2026 finals, where Indore’s Karan Dhanelia was crowned Bartender of the Year 2026. World Class is an annual bartender competition and training programme held by Diageo India, the multinational alco-bev company that supports bartenders from across the world to elevate cocktail culture.
This win signals a broader movement, one where cities traditionally known for their food are now carving a space for themselves in the world of cocktails. Indore, often celebrated for its street food culture, is now entering conversations about innovation in mixology. And Dhanelia, representing Atelier V, stands at the forefront of that shift. Apart from him, among the top 8 finalists was Dishant Kanojia, representing 1932 Trevi from Jaipur, another city known for its history but seldom considered when it comes to cocktail culture. What makes this evolution particularly compelling is how organic it feels. Unlike the metros, where cocktail culture is largely influenced by global trends, Tier 2 cities are building their identity from the ground up. There’s curiosity, experimentation, and a willingness to push boundaries without being boxed in by expectations. Dhanelia’s now-celebrated cocktail featuring onion soda and spirulina syrup is a perfect example — unconventional, rooted in flavour, and confident in its originality.
His journey also reflects the growing accessibility of platforms like World Class. With over 800 entries this year across India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, the competition has become a serious catalyst for bartenders looking to elevate their craft. It’s no longer just about winning; it’s about exposure, mentorship, and being part of a larger global conversation. As Dhanelia notes, the experience pushed him to rethink not just flavours, but storytelling through drinks. “Winning World Class is a huge moment for me. It’s something I have worked very hard for, and to be able to represent India on a global stage is incredibly special. I’m also glad that I can put Indore on the cocktail map of India. More than anything, the journey has pushed me to think differently about my craft, from the way I approach flavours to how I tell a story through a drink. The mentorship through the platform has been invaluable, and I’m excited for what comes next.”
This idea of storytelling is crucial to understanding why Tier 2 cities are thriving in this space. Bartenders here aren’t just recreating classics; they’re interpreting them through their own lens. Local ingredients, regional palates, and personal histories are finding their way into cocktail menus, making the experience more layered and rooted.
Another noteworthy highlight from this year’s finals was the diversity in representation. The Top 8 featured bartenders from cities like Indore and Jaipur alongside established hubs like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi. This wider geographic spread indicates that talent is no longer concentrated in a handful of urban centres. Instead, it’s emerging from across the country, bringing with it new perspectives and approaches.
Equally significant was the highest-ever representation of women at this stage of the competition, with three out of the top eight finalists being women. In an industry that has historically been male-dominated, this marks a meaningful shift. Bartending and the art of making delicious drinks aren’t just limited to men anymore; women are taking up space, leading bars, creating space for other women and redefining what the industry looks like.
The World Class platform has played a pivotal role in enabling these shifts. Over the years, it has evolved into more than just a competition. It’s become a training ground, a networking hub, and often, a turning point in a bartender’s career. Past winners like Jeet Rana have gone on to open their own bars, while others have built global careers, carrying their learnings far beyond the competition stage. This accessibility is key to the growth of cocktail culture in Tier 2 cities. As consumers become more curious and informed, the demand for better, more thoughtful drinking experiences increases. Bars respond by raising their standards, bartenders push their creativity further, and we get an evolving drinking culture that is innovative and thoughtful.
Dhanelia’s win is a personal milestone but also a larger moment of recognition for a city and by extension regions that are often overlooked or underestimated, but are bursting at the seams with creativity if we take a closer look.
