Level Up with Mohit Sharma

Mohit Sharma never thought that he would ever have a career in hospitality, as becoming a worldwide champion in his field was a long way from his upbringing in northern India.

Sharma is a consultant, hospitality trainer, and freelancer for his business, Bartender & Bar Solutions, and has also achieved critical acclaim for his bartender and mixology skill set.

Sharma admits that he was an average student at school, but it was through a family connection that he found his path into the world of hospitality.

“I started working at my uncle’s Hotel when I was seventeen. My parents advised me to get a proper qualification in this sector. So, I went to hospitality school and from there the journey started,” he said.

After spending around three years in a front-of-house position, he became attracted to bartending. He would complete a diploma in food and beverage management in Auckland, and after working in various bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, he would eventually start working as a tutor in a hospitality college.

From this platform, Sharma was able to set up his own business in bar and hospitality training. Sharma added that the most important part of his job is understanding what the customer wants, not necessarily what he prefers himself.

Bartender & Bar Solutions offer services that include training in execution and research, operational equipment sourcing, public relations and marketing, bar menu design services, and much more.

“This job helps me to remain innovative, develop different types of cocktails, and keep experimenting. I love the feeling of being nervous before a big project or a function and the feeling of self-satisfaction after the event or a project. It's like an addiction. I love those pre and post-function feelings.”

Sharma firmly believes that there is a drink for every moment, and that the use of such ingredients as fresh fruits, use of spices, and local flavours sets his company apart from others.

“A few years back a hotel manager asked me that, once I share my drinks recipes all my hard work goes to someone else and I feel afraid of this. I told him this actually keeps me on my toes and I push myself to be more creative and try to find something new,” said Sharma.

Sharma said that making a drink by watching a video online can work, but having a passion and love of mixology is vital for the industry.

“A few weeks back I ordered a cocktail, and by the time drink came to the table, I told my partner it seemed like my kind of presentation on the drink. Soon, I saw one of my ex-students coming out of the bar counter. I was so happy and proud to see that,” said Sharma.

Most of his work is done somewhere in the hospitality industry, whether it is teaching or practising mixology, working with local spirit brands for brand activations and developing pre-mix cocktails for different companies, or creating cocktails for restaurants.

Sharma said that covid has pushed back his long-time ambition to open a cocktail bar, but winning the supreme cocktail championship in 2017 was one of his career highlights. Sharma has also worked alongside Michelin Star Chefs to create cocktails that paired the menu.