Bacardi, the family-owned spirits company, has completed the fourth cohort of its Shake Your Future programme in India in 2026, taking the total number of aspiring hospitality professionals trained this year to 57.
The programme, organised in partnership with Bar Kala Academy, aims to help unemployed and underrepresented young adults build careers in hospitality, particularly mixology. Participants underwent 10 days of intensive training in bartending, beverage basics, mixology, flairing, personal branding, social media and communication, followed by three weeks of on-the-job industry exposure. Bacardi also connects graduates with placement opportunities through its hospitality network.
Radhika Tomar, HR Director (INDSEA) at Bacardi, said the initiative equips aspiring professionals with skills, confidence and industry connections while supporting a more diverse talent pipeline.
Since its launch in India in 2024, graduates have secured roles in India and overseas. Alumni include Deepika Shukla of Japonico, Gurugram, Dubai-based Rupali Gaddoo and Pallabi Nath, who leads the bar programme at Sidecar.
In Kolkata, the programme could support the city’s hospitality sector by expanding the pool of trained bartenders and mixology professionals as restaurants, hotels and bars seek skilled talent to enhance customer experiences.
Bacardi said it plans to launch a dedicated all-women cohort in Delhi early next year under its Good Spirited initiative.