There’s an unmistakable flair when a female bartender takes centre stage. In a profession historically dominated by men, women are not only making their presence felt — they’re redefining creativity, charm, and skill in the world of bartending. This was on full display recently at Hodd’s Cocktail Bar during an exclusive bar takeover featuring Roku Gin, held at Hyatt, Gachibowli. The event spotlighted some of the most celebrated women bartenders of today — Apoorva Kohli (head bartender, winner of the Wild Winner Bars Scholarship 2023), Demitria Dana-Paramita (owner, Hats Bar, Jakarta, and global finalist of The Blend and 50 Best Bars Scholarship 2023), and Kartika Killanpur (bartender, Papa’s, Mumbai, and global finalist of Roku and 50 Best Bars Scholarship 2024). These trailblazers shared their journeys, challenges, and dreams behind the bar.
Apoorva Kohli recalls her unconventional start, saying, “I began my career at Sidecar in New Delhi — my very first bar. Before that, I pursued hotel management, but during the COVID lockdown, I had a lot of time away from college. That’s when I discovered Sidecar during an internship. I instantly loved the vibe and decided to stick around. I spent about two and a half years there, during which I got selected for the 50 Best and Roku Gin scholarship. It was a global competition where I got to share my ideas — and I was lucky enough to win. That’s also how I met Demitria, who was one of the top three globally. Post that, I got the chance to travel and intern at some of the world’s best bars. Now, I’m gearing up to launch a new bar called ‘Wild’ in Bengaluru, and I’m really excited for what’s ahead.”
On her Hyderabad visit, Apoorva adds,“This tour is very close to our hearts, especially during Women’s Heritage Month. Kartika and I wanted to bring Indian women into the global bartending conversation. Demitria, with her incredible bar ‘Hats’ in Jakarta, was the perfect collaborator. We kicked off the tour in Delhi, then Pune, and now Hyderabad. It’s been a journey of celebration and representation.”
When asked about challenges, Apoorva reflects,“I’ve heard stories from 10 years ago when women weren’t allowed to be bartenders, and even now in some parts of India it’s restricted. Personally, I’ve been lucky to have a supportive family. Winning the scholarship gave them confidence in my path. I’ve also had great teams and was always vocal about my experiences, which helped me navigate the rough patches.”
Kartika Killanpur echoes similar sentiments, expressing, “Like Apoorva, I had a very supportive family, even though no one in my family was from hospitality. They didn’t fully understand bartending at first but encouraged me anyway. That gave me the confidence to pursue it seriously. Sure, there are stereotypes — we constantly have to prove ourselves — but a good team, a strong community, and friends like these make it all worthwhile. Once you find the right people, gender doesn’t matter anymore. Passion and support take you far.”
Demitria Dana-Paramita, clearly thrilled to be in Hyderabad, shares her fascinating journey. “I studied culinary arts and was supposed to be a pastry chef — I love cold desserts and pastries! Then one day, I entered a beverage competition just for fun and picked up a shaker. Somehow, I kept winning. That led to a job in Malaysia, followed by four years in Singapore, and eventually, I went back to Indonesia, where I opened my own bar — Hats in Jakarta. It’s quirky — it looks like a sorbet shop from the outside, but it’s a full-fledged bar inside.”
On the story behind Hats, she smiles, noting, “We believe people wear different ‘hats’ — personalities or roles. But when you enter Hats, you leave them at the door. It’s a place to be your true self, unwind, and just be.”
Reflecting on family and cultural expectations, Demitria admits,“My decision to become a bartender shocked my parents. Coming from a conservative Indonesian-Chinese background, this path was far from the norm. Initially, bartending was a hobby, but over time, I took it seriously. I joined competitions, built my skills, and slowly gained recognition. Eventually, my parents learned of my success through their friends — and now they even visit my bar! It’s a full-circle moment that makes me really proud.”