In India’s rapidly evolving beverage industry, The Happy High has positioned itself as a key player in wine and spirits education, bar consulting, and cocktail innovation. Founded by Ajit Balgi, the company has established itself as a trusted name, helping hospitality businesses refine their beverage programs while also educating consumers and professionals alike.
A Pioneer in Beverage Education
At its core, The Happy High is an education-driven company. Recognizing the lack of structured wine and spirits education in India, Ajit Balgi set out to bridge this gap by offering specialized training programs. The company provides certifications, workshops, and tasting sessions designed to enhance knowledge about wines, spirits, and mixology. These programs cater to industry professionals, hospitality businesses, and even enthusiasts who want to deepen their understanding of alcoholic beverages.
The Happy High’s approach to education is not just about theory—it emphasizes practical knowledge that helps bartenders, sommeliers, and hospitality professionals develop a nuanced appreciation of global beverage trends while also understanding local drinking habits. This hands-on approach has made The Happy High a sought-after training partner for top hotels, bars, and restaurants across India.
Revolutionizing India’s Bar Consulting Scene
Beyond education, The Happy High is also a leader in bar consulting, helping businesses elevate their beverage programs. Whether it’s curating innovative cocktail menus, training staff, or introducing unique international and indigenous ingredients, the company brings deep expertise to every project.
One of the standout aspects of The Happy High’s consulting work is its emphasis on local flavors and indigenous spirits. As India’s bar culture matures, more establishments are looking to blend international cocktail trends with homegrown ingredients. The Happy High has been at the forefront of this movement, incorporating regional flavors such as Mahua, Feni, and local agave spirits into contemporary cocktails. This fusion of tradition and modernity is what sets its consulting work apart.
Spotting and Shaping 2025’s Beverage Trends
With 2025 on the horizon, The Happy High is keeping a close eye on industry trends and playing an active role in shaping them. Some key insights from their work include:
1. The Continued Rise of Tequila
Tequila has gained immense popularity in India’s metro cities, and this trend is expected to spread to tier-2 and tier-3 cities. With more brands entering the Indian market and consumers becoming more experimental, tequila-based cocktails will become even more mainstream.
2. The Resurgence of Rum
While India has long loved its dark rums, the rise of premium and craft rums is shifting the narrative. The Happy High predicts a surge in rum-based cocktails, with bartenders moving beyond classic dark rums to explore white and aged rums in sophisticated drinks.
3. Indigenous Spirits Going Mainstream
India has a rich history of indigenous spirits, but they have often been overlooked in premium cocktail culture. This is changing, with Mahua, Feni, and Indian agave spirits making their way into high-end bars. The Happy High has been a strong advocate for these drinks, ensuring they find a place on modern cocktail menus.
4. High-Tech Mixology
The future of cocktails is as much about science as it is about flavor. Techniques such as fat-washing, milk-washing, and the use of rotary evaporators (RotoVaps) are becoming more common in India’s top bars. These methods, once exclusive to high-end Western bars, are now making their way into Indian mixology. The Happy High has played a key role in bringing these innovations to Indian bartenders through its training programs.
5. Ayurveda and Indian Botanicals in Cocktails
Indian herbs and botanicals are finally getting the recognition they deserve in mixology. Many high-end bars, inspired by The Happy High’s consulting projects, are now using traditional Indian ingredients like tulsi, ashwagandha, saffron, and Indian sarsaparilla in their cocktails. This fusion of Ayurveda and mixology not only makes drinks more unique but also adds a wellness angle to alcohol consumption.
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Showcasing Indian Cocktail Culture to the World
As Indian bars gain global recognition, The Happy High is working to put Indian mixology on the world map. Many of their consulting projects focus on telling a uniquely Indian story through cocktails. For example, their recent menu for ITC Grand Chola in Chennai was inspired by regional Tamil Nadu drinks, incorporating local ingredients like almond gum (Pisin) and Indian sarsaparilla (Anantmool). By using these indigenous ingredients in cocktails, The Happy High ensures that travelers and locals alike experience a taste of India’s rich beverage heritage.
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A Vision for the Future
The Happy High is not just following industry trends—it is creating them. By blending education, consulting, and a deep appreciation for both global and indigenous flavors, the company is setting new benchmarks in India’s beverage industry.
As India’s cocktail culture grows, The Happy High will continue to play a crucial role in educating professionals, guiding businesses, and helping India’s bars stand out on the global stage. Whether it’s through cutting-edge mixology techniques, reviving forgotten Indian spirits, or crafting trendsetting cocktail menus, The Happy High is shaping the future of Indian drinking culture—one cocktail at a time.
