The hospitality industry is demanding and it was unfortunately also among the worst hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. Workers are vocal about the long working hours and inadequate pay but that hasn’t stopped them from passionately  pursuing what they want to do. Within this multi-faceted industry, bartending is a hugely popular space that is particularly dominated by men, but over the years several women have been getting their foot in the door and making a mark in it.  

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Mid-day Online spoke to three Mumbai women who spend their time tending or managing the bar. These women tell us why they chose to enter a male-dominated space within the hospitality industry. As delicious drinks become increasingly vital to the dining experience, they say they are seeing a visible change –more women want to stand behind the bar not just to mix cocktails but also to be involved in running them. 

Casilda Misquitta became a bartender because of her love for alcohol and being a social person, she also gets the chance to meet a lot of new people. Photo: Taftoon Bar & Kitchen

Casilda Misquitta, head bartender, Taftoon Bar & Kitchen, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (East)
City-based bartender Casilda Misquitta got behind the bar because of her love for alcohol and she has been acing it for the last three years. But it wasn’t her first career choice. “I started my career as a banker, then moved to events and advertising but I have always been a party person and that’s where my love for alcohol started.” The part that fascinates her the most is mixing different flavours and spirits together to create cocktails. As a social person, meeting people at the bar excites her too.