Yangdup Lama is mixologist, bar-owner, entrepreneur, and author based in India and is known to be one of India’s finest mixologists. With a journey spanning over two decades, he is best known for his relentless efforts in shaping the spirits and cocktail culture in India as a trainer, ambassador, and mentor. Yangdup continues to set a high benchmark for beverage professionals and brands through engaging talks, workshops, and leadership.
In 2022, Lama was named mixologist of the year by Travel + Leisure Asia.
Lama has also been featured by Drinks International magazine in the Bar World 100 list of most influential people in the global beverage industry 2020, the first Indian to be featured on this list.
Additionally, his bar Sidecar secured a coveted spot on the World’s 50 Best Bars awards in 2022, and ranked as India’s best bar in 2021 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars awards. Additional accolades for Sidecar include Asia's 50 Best Bars awards 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 and the Nikka Highest Climber Award 2021. Lama was also awarded the Industry Legend Award at the 30 Best Bars India 2021.
While mixologist is his craft, Lama prefers the title ‘bartender’. “I prefer to be called a bartender because I come from a time when the word mixologist didn’t exist. I call myself a bartender purely because I love being behind the bar. I’m the best when I’m behind the bar,” he says.