Prrateek Chaudhary: The journey of a passionate cocktail maker

Opinions expressed by Digital Journal contributors are their own.Indian-born Prrateek Chaudhary remembers watching chef Gordon Ramsay on TV as a child and being intrigued by his culinary skills. His interest in the food and beverage industry began then, and he said he wanted nothing more than to learn every aspect of it.

As a young man, he was interested in the opportunities to create new things, and he was determined to learn the subtle nuances and stories behind food and beverages. Today, he is an experienced hospitality professional who has worked with numerous prominent brands in the industry, including Shangri-La, Marriott, Fairmont, IHG, Hyatt, Leela, and Taj. During the COVID-19 lockdown, he conducted over 100 webinars, training thousands of students in different colleges.



He has also been the guest lecturer for 13 colleges.He believes that the beverage industry is so much more than the obvious. One of his favorite recipes, Old-Fashioned Chai, and its comforting chai nuances celebrate Indian culture.

Prrateek explained that Masala chai is a popular drink that is enjoyed across all regions of India in different variations. Old-fashioned chai: A timeless recipePrrateek shares the recipe for this popular drink, explaining: “This cocktail brings the essence of a comforting cup of chai into a refined whiskey-based drink.” Photo courtesy of Prrateek ChaudharyTo create the drink, use an infusion of bourbon with black tea, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper.

This will create a robust, earthy profile with a lingering warmth. A jaggery syrup can then be used to sweeten the mix naturally. Star anise provides the perfect garnish for subtly enhancing its aromatic appeal.

Served over large ice cubes in a classic, old-fashioned glass, this drink pays homage to India’s cherished tea culture while embracing the sophistication of a timeless cocktail.From humble beginningsWith a love for the food and beverage industry in his heart from an early age, Prrateek started a lucrative career at a beautiful hotel property in Fairmont in Jaipur, India, where he worked as a bartender. His skills were recognized, and he soon climbed the ladder and took on managerial positions.

His approach distinguished him from others as he sought to create unique experiences and create an experience through his offerings rather than just providing a product.He later worked for different luxury hotel brands under various titles, from Head Mixologist to Bar Manager to Assistant Director of Food and Beverage.Prrateek is a mixologist working in the United States.

While his work is already being noticed, he says his goal is to expand his recognition in the industry.Excellence through telling a storyOne of the factors contributing to Prrateek’s achievements has been so successful is that he goes beyond the obvious and mundane and uses creativity, passion, and innovation to create drinks that are not only tasteful and appealing but also tell a story.He is passionate about cocktail creation and innovation, and this passion shows in his drinks.

“I go deeply into the details when I am drafting a cocktail,” he says. For example, he sought to introduce Indian ingredients to cocktails he created for IHG. As a well-respected mixologist, he has used innovation and a modern approach to create new cocktails that merge traditional flavors with something new and exciting.

He also believes that working with a smile and creating memorable experiences with guests sets him apart in his competitive industry. This approach has played a role in his success in the United States.A dream for the futurePrrateek’s success has had an influence on the restaurants and facilities where he has worked.

He has designed bars and trained bartenders to ensure bar operations run smoothly. He has also orchestrated cocktail menus and was instrumental in opening new restaurants in the IHG Hotels and Resorts Group in India and also in Texas in the United States. He says his management helped improve operations at both establishments.

Inspiring the next generationPrrateek recalls being impressed by big names in the industry as a child. Now, he has his sights set on making a name for himself and passing on his wisdom, know-how, and experience to the next generation. He wants to pay it forward, much as chefs Gordon Ramsay and Robert Irvine set an example for him to follow.

“I have many role models, including these world-renowned chefs,” he said. “However, some of the people I have been most inspired by have been my own managers. They have shaped me into the manager that I am today,” he says.

His passion remains the golden thread throughout his career journey, and he has always expressed it with a big smile. “I have learned many lessons from my mentors, but the best advice that I give, which I myself have learned, is to ‘do your job with a smile.’ Serve with a smile and try to make memories with each guest,” he says.

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