Hailing from a conservative Marwari family, Sristhi Sethia’s specialisation in mixology and bartending came as a shocker to her loved ones. She recalls being interested in the discipline in 2006 when it was all but unthinkable for somebody from a background such as hers to pursue a stream as liberal. Today, she is the head of operations and mixologist at Junglee Billee, New Delhi, and stands tall as a name of note in her field.
Looking back, she counts her fascination for bartenders mixing up a storm and her love for chai among the factors that led her to discover her calling. “My inspiration has always been, and will always be, my love for spices and tea — a love cultured at home by mom.
Eventually, my interest in mixology came through the process of being at the bar, understanding the simple textures of the alcohol bases and realising how malleable alcohol can actually be. It was always so much fun to watch bartenders mix, but the lack of infusions pushed me to become a mixologist myself,” she recalls.
Recalling her childhood, Sristhi adds that among other things, the good old homemade kadha was, and still is, a tremendous source of inspiration for what she does. She says, “It was not only made in the most indigenous way but the blend — as simple as it was — was so flavourful and robust!” Blends aside, she also cherishes an avid interest in cooking.
Here, too, her talent seems to lie in experimenting with new combinations. “Whenever I manage to get some time to cook, I usually go with impromptu recipes born out of the ingredients present in my refrigerator,” she laughs and adds, “Occasionally, you’ll also find me trying to replicate some of my mom’s most delicious recipes. If I’m not doing the cooking and am eating out, though, Thai food is my perennial go-to cuisine.”
Outside the kitchen, the young mixologist also has a penchant for embroidery. “Embroidering is like meditation for me — a form of rejuvenation. The way so many threads of so many colours and textures combine, interact and create such beautiful patterns is simultaneously mesmerising and satisfying for me,” she says and adds that just like the process of creating a piece of embroidery is an individual, quiet and meditative process, on a day off from work, it is quiet “me time” that she looks forward to the most.
“When the party comes to you every day, you want a break. On a day off, I prefer a book, a movie, the company of my best friends Asma and Avlokita and obviously chef Pawan Bisht as well,” she says.
Ask her how she envisions an ideal vacation and she responds, “The perfect holiday would be one that includes a spa, scuba diving, a cosy house party and a chance to experience cultural diversity — including native non-alcoholic drinks.”
Although known for her accomplishments in mixology, few know that Srishti is also an accomplished classical dancer, having been trained in Bharatanatyam as well as Mohiniattam. She shares, “A love for art is something I have nurtured since I was a little girl. My father was very particular about wanting me to learn at least one classical dance form and once I began, my love for dance just grew.”
