Avinash Kapoli: The Mixologist Shaping Bengaluru's Cocktail Revolution
Born in Dharmasthala and raised in Bengaluru, Avinash Kapoli grew up immersed in the rhythms of restaurants and kitchens, thanks to his father's extensive experience in the hospitality industry. This early exposure laid the foundation for his future career as a prominent figure in India's mixology and hospitality sectors.
Building a Hospitality Empire in Bengaluru
As co-founder of Kompany Hospitality, Avinash has significantly expanded his footprint with several standout ventures. He launched The Jamming Goat brew garden in Marathahalli and expanded his flagship bar SOKA, which played a crucial role in Bengaluru securing a spot on the coveted Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025 list. This achievement marks a milestone moment for the city's evolving cocktail culture.
This year, he also unveiled Kanara Kanteen, a modern dive bar in Mangaluru that creatively reimagines coastal classics with playful drinks and authentic local flavors. Today, as both a bartender and entrepreneur, Avinash blends nostalgia, innovation, and community to craft unique experiences that reflect both his personal journey and the vibrant city he calls home.
Bengaluru: A Testing Ground for Innovation
For Avinash, Bengaluru represents more than just a business base—it serves as an essential testing ground for new concepts. "What resonates with me personally and professionally about Bengaluru is that this city gives you the opportunity to put yourself out there," he explains. "Consumers here are experimental. You have a community that helps you grow and do better each day. That's one of the biggest reasons I chose to start something here rather than anywhere else."
He notes that most major food and beverage brands test their concepts in Bengaluru first because they recognize the city's openness to experimentation. "In Bengaluru, innovation isn't just appreciated—it is expected," Avinash emphasizes, highlighting the city's unique position in India's hospitality landscape.
Bengaluru Leads India's Cocktail Movement
When Avinash began his career fifteen years ago, Bengaluru had already earned its reputation as the pub capital of India. Today, he observes a significant evolution. "Cocktail bars are emerging as a defining feature of the landscape. They offer something new, while still creating a sense of familiarity," he says.
While acknowledging that Mumbai and other cities maintain strong cocktail scenes, Avinash points out that Bengaluru has propelled the movement forward. "In the latest edition of Asia's 50 Best Bars, three bars were from Bengaluru. That means 6% of the top bars on that list are from one single city. That's incredible," he notes, underscoring the city's global recognition.
The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Bars
Bengaluru's bar landscape continues to grow exponentially. "In areas like Indiranagar, you could easily see fifty cocktail bars in a single neighbourhood," Avinash observes. With a median age around twenty-eight, the city is powered by Gen Z and millennials who are increasingly mindful about their consumption choices.
"A lot of Gen Zs are already choosing not to drink. So, non-alcoholic bars are on the rise, and that's going to be a major shift in this city," he predicts, identifying this as the next significant trend in Bengaluru's evolving beverage scene.
Endless Opportunities for Bartenders
The rapid growth of the industry has created a high demand for skilled professionals. "The industry is growing so fast that we don't have enough trained bartenders," Avinash acknowledges. While he admits that bartending as a career in Bengaluru can present challenges, he firmly believes the opportunities far outweigh the drawbacks.
At his establishments, he actively hires freshers from diverse educational backgrounds. "Our focus is to show them how exciting this field can be. You meet new people every day, build networks, and connect with bartenders from around the world through takeovers—opportunities that don't happen as frequently in other cities," he explains, highlighting the unique career advantages available in Bengaluru's dynamic hospitality environment.
