The future is yours to create: Sahil Essani

Sahil Essani is a bartender, mentor, and storyteller whose journey into the drinks world began with a summer gig and evolved into a full-fledged calling. Known for his thoughtful approach and passion for community, Sahil blends science, creativity, and cultural narrative behind the bar. Representing India at the Campari Red Hands competition, he brought both technical precision and heartfelt authenticity to the global stage.

A little bit about me

One summer after college, I found myself with a lot of time on my hands and a growing curiosity about the drinks world. I took up a gig making cocktails on a distillery tour and spent weekends leading tavern-hopping groups. Somewhere between stirring drinks and storytelling, I realized this wasn’t just a side hustle, it felt like home. This industry, and especially the people in it, made me feel like I truly belonged.

What I love most about my job is that no two days are the same. The fact that I used to get scolded for being too chatty in school, and now building genuine connections is a key part of my role, it’s kind of poetic. And the nerd in me loves the science behind it all: drinks are physics, chemistry, biology, and math rolled into one beautiful experience. Every shift is a mix of chaos, creativity, and learning.

“I’ve been lucky to have incredible mentors from day one, and I wouldn’t be half the bartender, or person, I am today without them. A mentor once told me, “Pay it forward,” and those words stuck.”

What makes me happiest, both behind the bar and beyond it, is helping others grow. I’ve been lucky to have incredible mentors from day one, and I wouldn’t be half the bartender, or person, I am today without them. A mentor once told me, “Pay it forward,” and those words stuck. Being able to support someone else’s journey, even in small ways, gives a deeper meaning to the work I do.

What drives me as an individual is purpose and evolution. I’m not trying to outdo anyone else, just the version of myself from yesterday. If I can keep showing up with a clear heart, growing with intention, and staying honest with myself, I know I’m on the right path.

How I approach my work

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received is also one of the simplest: “Don’t be a d*ck.” It sounds cliché, but in an industry as small and interconnected as ours, kindness and humility travel far. It costs nothing, but it builds everything.

For me, professional growth isn’t tied to just one thing, it’s a blend. But if I had to pick, I’d say travel has expanded my mind the most. Seeing how people drink, think, and live in different corners of the world has helped shape my perspective in ways no textbook ever could.

What really motivates me at work is when there’s a clear vision that people genuinely believe in. When leadership collaborates with the team to map out growth paths, both for now and for the future, it gives me something to hold onto. It says, “You matter here,” and that makes all the difference.

Brands are absolutely essential to this industry. From competitions to collaborations, they play a vital role in helping bartenders and bars grow. But beyond the products, it’s their support of the people, the community, that makes a lasting impact. When brands empower individuals, everyone wins.

My experience in Campari Red Hands 2024

Representing India on the Red Hands stage meant the world to me. Our bartending community is filled with raw talent and deep passion, and I felt like I was carrying that spirit with me. It wasn’t just about showcasing a drink, it was about honoring a scene that deserves global recognition.

The energy in Milan was electric. Being surrounded by bartenders from all over Asia pushed me to do better, to be sharper. It felt like one big, buzzing celebration of creativity, and I wanted to rise to that occasion.

The biggest challenge I faced was my cocktail’s ice, it needed a higher freezing point than the freezers on-site could provide. I panicked a little, but the Campari Academy team swooped in and helped me improvise with a dry ice setup. It was a great reminder that solutions often come from community and quick thinking.

The story behind my cocktail was rooted in Campari’s global legacy. I wanted to show how Milan’s influence ripples across cultures, from the silk trade with Japan during the Meiji era to the architecture and flavors of Mexico City. My goal was to weave a narrative through every round, connecting East and West through flavor and history. Sadly, round three will have to wait for another day!

To bring a piece of Indian bar culture into the final, I leaned into craftsmanship. I had a cup custom-made by a local artisan, inspired by the blue-and-white façade of Mexico City’s Palacio de Bellas Artes. It was my way of tying Indian artistry to global storytelling.

“Coming from a small town in India and finding myself on that stage, it’s surreal. I didn’t know where I was headed five years ago, but standing there representing my country felt like a full-circle moment.”

One of the most memorable things I learned from the other finalists came from Gotji, the winner. In his first round, he used music not just as a vibe-setter but as part of the actual flavor experience, sonic seasoning. None of us realized it until the twist came. It was one of those goosebump moments I won’t forget.

Looking back, what I’m most proud of is simply being there. Coming from a small town in India and finding myself on that stage, it’s surreal. I didn’t know where I was headed five years ago, but standing there representing my country felt like a full-circle moment.

My advice to next year’s finalists would be: be your authentic self. Don’t try to fit into a mold. When your presence reflects who you truly are, people connect with your story, and that’s what leaves a mark.

This competition definitely changed how I see myself as a bartender. I became more structured, more intentional. There’s a rhythm to preparation, scheduling, tasting, rehearsing, and I’ve started embracing that rhythm in all areas of my work.

What’s next? Let’s just say I’m excited. There are some things brewing in the background, but I’m keeping them under wraps for now. I’d love for you to be part of the journey when the time comes.