Entrepreneur, published author of a cocktail book (Cocktails & Dreams) and co-owner of award winning bars Sidecar, (Greater Kailash 2, Delhi) and Cocktails & Dreams Speakeasy, Gurgaon, Yangdup Lama is one of India’s foremost beverage professionals. Yangdup is also the brains behind Cocktails & Dreams bar school (estd 2003) providing holistic training for aspiring bar professionals as well as bar and beverage consultancy services.
Drinks International Magazine, United Kingdom featured Yangdup into the coveted list of Bar Worlds 100 most influential figures in 2020 and 2021 (the first and only Indian to make it to the list)
In December 2021 his bar Sidecar made it to the Worlds 50 Best Bars List at #47. It is also ranked #16 in Asia’s 50 Best List in May 2021 from #40 last year.
Appointed American Whiskey Ambassador India 2017 by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) and India Attache by Tales of the Cocktails (New Orleans) in 2017.
Regional Committee Member APAC, Tales of Cocktails, New Orleans, 2021
Yangdup is one of India’s most revered consultant beverage trainers for top hotel chains in India (Taj Luxury, ITC, The Oberoi, Hyatt, Park Hotels) and the master trainer for various bar programmes (Johnnie Walker Barmens Club, Bacardi Bar League, Diageo Bar Academy) and is regarded a bastion of the Indian bartending community.
With a journey spanning over two decades, he is best known for his relentless efforts in shaping the spirits and cocktail culture in India as a trainer, ambassador, and mentor. Yangdup continues to set a high benchmark for beverage professionals and brands through engaging talks, workshops, and leadership.
Awarded the Indian Bartender of the Year in 1996 by H&FS and the Asia-Pacific 30 under 30, by Susan and Field Associates, Hong Kong in 1997.
Featured as a “YOUNG TURK” on CNBC TV18 in January 2007.