- Name: Sahil Essani
- Instagram: @sahil.essani
- Favorite Cocktail: Campari Shakerato – a quick blend of 60 ml Campari with two cubes of ice, whirled in a blender for eight seconds until it turns creamy, frothy, and irresistibly smooth. One ingredient, one step, and full of flavor.
- Favorite non alcoholic drink: A glass of water
- Industry Experience: 6 years
In Bangalore’s ever-evolving bar scene, Sahil Essani, head bartender at Muro, stands out for his mix of discipline, creativity, and calm precision. Known for his thoughtful approach to flavors and mentorship, he represents the new generation of Indian bartenders redefining the country’s cocktail culture – with an emphasis on structure, storytelling, and heart.
His favorite drink, the simple yet striking Campari Shakerato, captures his philosophy perfectly: uncomplicated, bold, and full of personality. There’s no elaborate garnish or dramatic flair, just pure focus on taste and technique.
Sahil’s journey behind the bar began unexpectedly. What started as a summer gig for pocket money soon turned into a calling. Surrounded by mentors who believed in excellence, he quickly realized that bartending could be both an art and a discipline. One of his early mentors went on to win World Class India 2019, sparking Sahil’s own pursuit of the global stage.
When he finally competed in World Class 2022, he brought the same precision he’s now known for. He created what he calls his “punch list” — an organized breakdown of everything from ingredients and practice sessions to garnish choices. It wasn’t just a list; it was a philosophy. “Passion is important,” he often says, “but passion without discipline doesn’t last.”
That balance of emotion and execution defines how he now runs Muro. “Everyone’s here to learn,” he believes. “The goal is to make sure people leave stronger, smarter, and more confident than when they came in.”
Storytelling in a Glass
For Sahil, cocktails are not just about flavor – they’re about connection. “Every drink needs a why,” he says. “Everyone can make something delicious, but what makes it memorable is the story behind it.”
He’s known for building drinks that evoke emotion through familiarity – what he calls being “culinary adjacent.” Instead of drawing inspiration from classic cocktails that guests may not recognize, he anchors his creations in flavors people already love: mango sticky rice, strawberry-basil-vanilla, or even the nostalgic tang of Doritos. The result is drinks that feel personal, approachable, and deeply Indian.
Hospitality, for him, is an act of empathy. “You’re not above or below your guests — you’re with them,” he explains. “It’s about creating comfort, not hierarchy.”
Mentorship, Mindset, and What’s Next
Sahil’s approach to mentorship reached a new height when he became the first Indian bartender selected for the Cocktail Apprentice Program (CAP) at Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans. The experience, he says, reshaped his understanding of systems, leadership, and the power of mentorship. “It was like attaching a jetpack to my career,” he often shares.
Now, he channels that learning back into his work at Muro, training the next wave of bartenders to balance creativity with consistency. “Real growth happens when you can do great work even on your toughest days,” he says.
Looking ahead, Sahil has his eyes set on a new challenge – opening his own bar within the next three years. He’s already thinking about how it will look, feel, and sound. “It’s an exciting time for bartending in India,” he says. “There’s so much talent, and so much heart.”
In a world that’s constantly shaken and stirred, Sahil Essani remains the calm at the center of the glass – precise, grounded, and quietly crafting drinks with skill, heart, and kindness.
