Shaking Things Up: Bartending Workshop at PES University Brings Mixology to Life

On March 23, 2025, the Department of BBA – Hospitality and Event Management at PES University transformed the Tech Park 5th Floor into a vibrant hub of creativity, flavors, and flair for an immersive Bartending Workshop. What unfolded was more than just an educational event—it was a hands‑on experience that blended learning with excitement, led by industry experts from AA Beverage Consultancy.

Crafting the Perfect Cocktail: Inside the Workshop
The session kicked off at 10 AM with an insightful address by esteemed mixologists Monish Raj and Thejeswar, who walked students through the fundamentals of bartending using a crisp, engaging PPT.

From there, the workshop dived straight into the heart of mixology

Classic & Contemporary Mixology
Students learned the craft behind legendary classics while also exploring modern cocktail trends shaping today’s beverage culture. Techniques like clarification, foam garnishing, and the art of balancing sweet, sour, bitter, and strong notes took center stage.

As one keynote quote beautifully captured it:

“The best cocktails are all about balance. Think of it like a symphony of flavours – sweet, sour, bitter, and strong all playing their part in harmony.”

Hands-On Demonstrations & Flair Bartending
Nothing beats learning by doing. Participants rolled up their sleeves for

• Practical mixology sessions
• On-spot cocktail creations
• Live flair demonstrations showcasing the performance art behind bartending

Energy levels were high, with students experimenting, laughing, and learning—turning the classroom into a buzzing bar setup.

Behind the Scenes: Student-Run Excellence
The workshop’s smooth execution was credited to the meticulous efforts of the 4th semester BBA-HEM students, who handled:

• Event planning & organisation
• Bar setup
• Audio-visual arrangements
• Creative design
• Vendor coordination

Under the guidance of Dr. Thashneem, their teamwork turned a learning session into a full-scale professional experience.

What Students Took Away
For the 35 students who attended, the workshop offered invaluable takeaways such as

• Understanding the fundamentals of flavour balance
• Mastery of basic bartending tools and techniques
• Clarity on various cocktail categories and structures
• Appreciation for the importance of presentation
• Inspiration to experiment with ingredients and ideas
• Insights into career growth in bartending and beverage management

A Stirring Success
The Bartending Workshop was more than just a skill-building activity—it was a celebration of artistry, precision, and the vibrant world of beverage craft. By blending expert guidance with real-world exposure, PES University once again created a meaningful, memorable learning experience for its hospitality students.