From a small town in Bihar to centre stage at some of India’s best bars, Sonam Rai — Mixologist and Beverage Head at Aditya Birla, New Age Hospitality — has never been afraid to ask, “Why not me?” What began as a part-time hostess job quickly became a mission to claim her place behind the bar, then lift the next generation of women with her. Winner of Mixologist of the Year 2025 at the Times Food & Nightlife Awards, Sonam now uses her platform to push for real inclusion in hospitality. We sat down with her to talk first steps, turning points and what “raising the bar” truly means.
‘’ If they can do it, why can’t a woman?’’
1) Your Journey Begins
How did you first step into the world of bartending or hospitality?
I entered the hotel industry as a hostess to earn extra money. Every night I watched the (all- male) bar team mix, stir and shake with confidence. I kept asking myself: If they can do it, why can’t a woman? That question lit a fire.
Was there a moment early on when you thought, “I’ve found my calling”?
Absolutely. I asked the bar manager if I could work with them. He told me to create five original cocktails. I spent the entire night studying spirits and recipes, came back with my
drinks, and landed a barback job on the spot. Deep down I knew this was where I belonged, even if my orthodox family disagreed.
2) Challenges & Turning Points
What almost made you give up, and how did you keep going?
There was a point when everything felt stacked against me, long hours, sceptics, cultural push- back. I reminded myself that I had chosen this path on purpose. I put my head down, focused on learning, and kept going until things turned.
3) Milestones That Matter
A career highlight you’re proud of?
Winning Mixologist of the Year 2025. Sharing that stage with colleagues who had witnessed the whole journey made the night unforgettable.
How do you define success today?
Feeling fulfilled and content with whatever I set out to do. Awards are great, but true success is waking up excited for work.
‘’ Leadership must hire diversely, promote fairly and base opportunity on passion and potential, not stereotypes’’
4) Shifting the Narrative
How has the role of women behind the bar changed recently?
In India, guests and operators now accept and respect women bartenders as professionals. What once felt taboo is slowly becoming a celebrated career choice.
What does real inclusion in hospitality look like to you?
It means being seen, heard and valued without ticking a token-hire box. Leadership must hire diversely, promote fairly and base opportunity on passion and potential, not stereotypes.
One mindset that needs to change right now?
Assuming a woman cannot handle bar work or late shifts. The culture is improving, but outdated stereotypes still pop up and need to go.
5) On Women Raise the Bar
What does the movement mean to you?
It’s a powerful reminder to every woman behind the bar that she belongs, not just in the room, but at the forefront of leadership and innovation.
How do we move from talking to doing?
Turn words into action: hire more women, mentor them, give them space to lead and fail, invest in training, challenge bias. Intention only matters when matched with opportunity.
6) Quick Picks
• Favourite drink to make: Margarita (I could sip them forever).
• Current ingredient obsession: Mezcal.
• “Raising the bar” in one sentence: An open door for women to rise and shine.
Why Sonam's Story Matters
Sonam Rai’s journey is proof that courage and curiosity can challenge even the oldest norms.
Her story reminds us that when women step up, the whole industry levels up.
Felt inspired? Join the Women Raise the Bar community and be part of a growing movement where every voice matters. Come raise yours.
