Beverages
Master of Mixology: Santanu Chanda Crowned World Class India Bartender of the Year
Last Updated on June 25, 2024 by Daily News Staff
NEW DELHI, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Diageo Reserve’s World Class India Finale, held on June 15th and 16th in Gurugram, redefined the art of mixology, shaking up the scene with some serious talent. This prestigious competition, celebrating its 15th year, brought together the nation’s top bartenders for a two-day event unlike any other.
India’s top bartenders assembled under one roof for the electrifying World Class India Finale. The two-day event was a vibrant celebration of mixology, with innovative cocktails and healthy competition taking centre stage. The crème de la crème – the top 16 bartenders from across the country – battled it out for the coveted title of World Class India Bartender of the Year 2024.
Seasoned judges, including Karina Sanchez (Don Julio Global Brand Ambassador), Chef Manu Chandra (Restaurateur and Founder Partner at Manu Chandra Ventures), Minakshi Singh (Co-Founder Sidecar India), Akanksha Lamba (Co-Founder of The Postcard Hotel), Arijit Bose (Partner and Co-Founder at WineInProgress, BarSpiritForward, Jerry’s cocktails and more), Aashie Bhatnagar (Winner of World Class India finals 2023), Jacob Martin (World Class Global Bartender of the year 2023) Nandini Bhalla ( Editor in chief of The Word Magazine) , Smita Tripathi (Coveted Journalist and Editor), Sarah Proietti (Manager at Maybe Sammy) witnessed the mixologists showcase their artistry through unique concoctions. Each creation pushed the boundaries of flavour and presentation, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Ultimately, Santanu Chanda emerged victorious, captivating everyone with their in-depth knowledge of spirits and their imaginative blends. Santanu has won multiple prestigious mixology competitions around the world, At the helm of HOME Delhi #58Asia’s 50 Best Bar #8 30 Best Bar India.
Commenting on his victory, Santanu Chanda, Winner of World Class India 2024 said, “This title is not solely mine but a testament to the entire Indian bartending community that inspires me. The collective drive to improve and innovate elevates this industry to new heights. Cheers to the spirit of collaboration and a heartfelt thank you to Diageo Reserve’s World Class for creating a space that celebrates our community and fosters an ecosystem of growth and excellence.”
Bhanu Gupta, Vice President and Business Head – Luxury and Super Premium said, “Santanu’s achievement is a testament to his expertise and dedication, as well as the immense talent within the Indian bartending community. At World Class, we have created a global ecosystem that elevates drink experiences across the world, including in India. Our mission goes beyond promoting drinking better, we are dedicated to supporting and uplifting our trade community. Santanu’s victory not only showcases his individual talent but also reflects the growing excellence of the Indian bartending community and the transformative impact of advocacy-led initiatives like World Class.”
Jacob Martin, World Class Bartender of the Year 2023 said, “It’s fantastic to see the World Class legacy continue to inspire such talent in India. The creativity and passion on display this year were truly world-class! Congratulations to Santanu Chanda, and I can’t wait to see what innovative cocktails they bring to the global stage.”
This well-deserved win is a testament to Santanu Chanda’s exceptional talent and dedication. Stay tuned for more details on the competition and Santanu’s signature drink recipes, sure to tantalize your taste buds!
About World Class
World Class is on a mission to inspire people to drink better and create unforgettable experiences in the process. Whether at home or in a bar, WORLD CLASS encourages consumers to think and care about fine drinking in the same way they care about fine dining.
World Class has supported, trained and inspired over 400,000 bartenders, across 60 countries, for over twelve years, while partnering them with the world’s finest spirits – the Diageo Reserve collection. World Class is also the authority on the drinks industry whom consumers look to for the information on the latest drinks, trends, cocktail recipes and industry insight.
Sip. Savor. Celebrate!
About Diageo India
Diageo India is among India’s leading beverage alcohol (alcobev) companies with an outstanding portfolio of premium brands. A subsidiary of Diageo Plc., it is listed in India on both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) as United Spirits Limited (USL).
Headquartered in Bengaluru, Diageo India has one of the largest manufacturing footprints in alcobev with 36 facilities across India. It manufactures, sells and distributes Johnnie Walker, Black Dog, Black & White, VAT 69, Antiquity, Signature, The Singleton, Royal Challenge, McDowell’s No1, Smirnoff, Ketel One, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan and Godawan, an artisanal single malt whisky from India, bringing together global expertise and local pride to deliver innovative, world-class products and experiences to consumers. With a strong focus on driving a positive impact on society, Diageo India has been working on collective action to improve livelihoods, championing Grain to Glass sustainability, responsible consumption and nurturing the alcobev ecosystem, to contribute to India’s growth agenda.
For more information about Diageo India, our people, our brands, and our performance, visit us at www.diageoindia.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, http://www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practices.
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Foodie News
illy Launches Art of Dining Series With Chef-Led Events Across Major U.S. Cities
illy has launched its Art of Dining Series, a year-long program pairing chef-led tasting menus with its signature coffee blend in major U.S. cities.
Last Updated on May 4, 2026 by Daily News Staff
illy is bringing coffee and fine dining together with its new Art of Dining Series, a year-long program featuring chef-led dining experiences in cities including Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
The series launched in March with a dinner at Boia De in Miami and will continue with curated events built around custom tasting menus inspired by illy’s signature blend. One of the upcoming stops is set for June in San Francisco at Wolfsbane, where illy Chef Ambassador Rupert Blease will create a menu inspired by his own bespoke illy blend.
The company says the program is designed to create immersive, in-person experiences that connect guests with the illy brand through flavor, atmosphere, and hospitality. The launch also builds on illy’s broader gastronomy strategy, including its Chef Ambassador program and its role as the exclusive coffee partner of World’s 50 Best Restaurants for the past four years.
Founded in Trieste, Italy, in 1933, illy is known for its 100% Arabica coffee blend and global presence in more than 140 countries.
Source: illycaffè via PR Newswire
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At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
Last Updated on May 4, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Bold Beverages to Elevate Cinco de Mayo Celebrations
(Feature Impact) Few things say Cinco de Mayo like festive drinks and a lively atmosphere. This year, give your glass a signature chile-lime kick and turn every sip into a celebration.
Elevating classic beverages is effortless with the bold trifecta of chile peppers, lime and sea salt – the perfectly balanced blend that delivers tangy, zesty and mildly spicy notes to take drinks from ordinary to unforgettable.
Raise a glass with these easy, at-home recipes designed to make even novice mixologists feel like pros. For a refreshing option, try a vibrant Watermelon Agua Fresca that combines the natural sweetness of fresh watermelon with the irresistible kick of Tajín’s Chamoy Sauce and a rim of its Clásico Seasoning for a craveable finish.
If you love the timeless taste of a margarita, the Spicy Jalapeno Margarita is a perfect choice, bringing bar-quality flavor to your celebration in just a few simple steps.
Both beverages feature a Tajín Clásico Seasoning rimmer that adds eye-catching color and a burst of flavor, complementing the sweetness of fresh fruit. Citrus like orange and lime, tropical options such as pineapple and mango, and melons including cantaloupe, watermelon and honeydew all pair beautifully. It’s an easy, fun way to add a pop of color and make everything from orange juice to fruity mocktails feel festive and special.
With a little prep, you can turn Cinco de Mayo into a truly unforgettable fiesta. For more swoon-worthy recipes ideas, visit Tajin.com.
Watermelon Agua Fresca
- 2 cups fresh watermelon, cubed
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1/2 ounce agave syrup (optional)
- 1/2 cup cold water
- ice
Rim:
Garnish:
- lime slice
- watermelon slice
- Dip glass into Tajín Chamoy Sauce then into Tajín Clásico Seasoning.
- In blender, blend fresh watermelon cubes; lime juice; agave syrup, if using; and cold water until smooth and well combined.
- Fill prepared glass with ice and pour watermelon mixture into glass.
- Sprinkle with pinch of classic seasoning on top.
- Garnish with lime slice and watermelon slice.
Spicy Jalapeno Margarita
- 2 slices fresh jalapeno
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 2 ounces blanco tequila
- 1 ounce orange liqueur
- 1/2 ounces agave syrup
- ice
Rim:
Garnish:
- jalapeno slice or lime wheel
- To rim glass, brush Tajín Chile Lime Sauce on side of glass then dip into Tajín Clásico Seasoning to coat. Set aside.
- In shaker, muddle jalapeno slices with lime juice to release heat and flavor.
- Add tequila, orange liqueur and agave syrup. Fill with ice and shake vigorously 10-15 seconds.
- Fill prepared glass with ice and strain margarita into glass.
- Garnish with lime wedge and jalapeno slice.
SOURCE:
Tajin
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
Beverages
Heidi Klum Fronts GREY GOOSE “Devil Wears Prada 2” Push Featuring The Devil’s Roast Cocktail
GREY GOOSE is stepping into the spotlight with a new collaboration tied to 20th Century Studios’ “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” arriving exclusively in theaters May 1. The French vodka brand is rolling out a multi-platform campaign that blends fashion, film, and cocktail cultureand it’s led by supermodel and Emmy-winning television personality Heidi Klum.
The partnership includes celeb-forward social content, immersive pop-ups, in-theater cocktail activations, and limited-edition packaging inspired by the highly anticipated sequelwhich returns more than 20 years after the original film became a defining pop-culture moment.
Klum stars in an original content piece created with BBH USA, set inside the world of “The Devil Wears Prada 2.” The spot spotlights The Devil’s Roast, a GREY GOOSE twist on Miranda Priestly’s iconic coffee order from the first film, reimagined as an espresso martini-style cocktail. Klum draws a line between Runway Magazine’s exacting standards and the craftsmanship behind the collaboration.
The Devil’s Roast is positioned as the campaign’s signature serve: made with GREY GOOSE vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, a pinch of salt, and finished with three gold-dusted coffee beans. Fans can try it at GREY GOOSE Devil’s Roast pop-ups in New York City on April 14, 21, and 23 at Zuccotti Park and Manhattan West Plaza, paired with gold-dusted popcorn. Select theaters nationwide will also feature specialty GREY GOOSE cocktails when the film opens.
Additional U.S. elements include New York City out-of-home billboards and a limited-edition GREY GOOSE specialty box available starting April 1 at retailers nationwide.
SIP RESPONSIBLY.
Source: GREY GOOSE (PRNewswire, Mar 17, 2026)
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