MIXOLOGIST AFZAL KABA
Beverage Director Afzal Kaba, Musaafer, Houston, TX
Click to read full article about the winning “Harvey Milk Punch” cocktail concept.
Afzal Kaba
Mixologist Maestro | Beverage Program Director | Judge | Michelin-starred Musaafer | Houston, TX
Afzal, a seasoned professional with over 18 years of invaluable experience in the Food and Beverage industry, has showcased managerial excellence that resonates globally. From India and the UK to Africa, the Middle East, and America, Afzal has successfully managed award-winning bars, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
With a degree in hospitality management from London, Afzal's commitment to continuous learning is evident through his qualification as an educator for WSET UK. His talent extends beyond industry experience, as highlighted by triumphs in prestigious bar competitions like The Truffle Masters, Woodlands Wine & Food, MMI Mixology competition, The Havana Club Master Bartender competition, and Emirates ELR competition in Dubai.
Afzal's expertise in spices, Indian ingredients, and flavours is unparalleled. Through hand-selecting quality ingredients that support local communities, he brings industry benchmarking cocktail concepts and signature serves to the Musaafer menu. His in-depth understanding of Indian culture gives him the edge to create a fun and experiential menu, exemplified by cocktails like The Kohinoor, Paan Negroni, and Pumpkin Spice Kappi. The innovative concept, "The Beekeeper," is a collaboration with a Houston Beekeeper, featuring cocktails representing different neighbourhoods and served in four unique ways.
As a passionate advocate for sharing knowledge, Afzal has trained bartenders throughout his career. Beyond bartending, he has curated luxurious beverage experiences for renowned Michelin-Starred Chefs and ultra-luxury events, collaborating with Chef Vineet Bhatia, Chef Thevar, Chef Yves Mattagne, and receiving the Forbes India Leadership Award in 2023.
Afzal's creative prowess shines through in the 150+ signature serves crafted for prestigious brands like Johnnie Walker, Ketel One, Ciroc, Tanqueray, Don Julio, Baileys, Singleton, Talikser, Nestle coffee, and Monin. He has served an illustrious clientele, including Taj, ITC, Hyatt, JW Marriotts, Four Seasons, St Regis, Ritz Carlton, Impresario, Massive group, Mercedes, BMW, and acclaimed fashion designers Shantu & Nikhil.
Leading the Diageo Bar Academy for eight years, Afzal elevated the standards of bartending and mixology in the region. His expertise and reputation led to invitations to judge prestigious cocktail competitions, solidifying his position as a respected figure in the industry.
COMPETITION APPEARANCES & JUDGING
2025 2 x Winner - (Best in Glass & Crowd Crusher) “Crushing It With Cocktails” The Woodlands Wine & Food Week - winner “Harvey Milk Punch”
2025 Judges’ Choice Winner - Best Cocktail “The Grapefruit Muse” Diageo Cocktail Showdown @ Hotel Zaza
2025 Winner - Bartender Competition - The Truffle Masters with “Truffle & Tequila”
2025 World Class Top 100 - Diageo / USBGA
Craft Clash 2025 2nd spot
Flore De Cana 2024 top 3
Craft Clash 2024 2nd spot
Moya 2024 2nd spot
2016 - 2023 (Judging competitions like World Class India, Monin Cup India, Diageo Bar academy, Cocktails and Creams Cup, Irish House Company Mixology and 30 Best Bars India)
Diageo Bar Academy - Winner 2015
Emirates ELR - Winner 2010
Emirates ELR - Winner 2009
Havana Club - Winner 2008
MMI Dubai - Winner 2008
MMI Dubai - Winner 2007
In conclusion, Afzal's remarkable career journey showcases extensive experience, a diverse skill set, and unwavering dedication to the F&B industry. His expertise, recognized through numerous awards, achievements, and influential collaborations, has left an indelible mark on luxurious brands, large-scale events, and professionals he has mentored throughout the years.
SHORT BIO
Afzal Kaba is the award-winning Beverage Program Director and Mixologist at Musaafer, Houston’s Michelin-starred Indian fine dining destination. With over 18 years of global experience across India, the UK, Africa, the Middle East, and the U.S., Afzal has helmed some of the world’s most dynamic bar programs, earning accolades and setting new benchmarks in the industry. A London-educated hospitality professional and certified WSET UK educator, he is known for crafting sensory-forward, experiential cocktails that fuse Indian ingredients, spice science, and storytelling—elevating each sip into an art form. His signature creations at Musaafer, including “The Kohinoor,” “Paan Negroni,” and the community-inspired “Beekeeper Series,” showcase his mastery in flavor balance and cultural nuance.
Beyond the bar, Afzal has trained the next generation of bartenders and curated bespoke beverage experiences for luxury clients and Michelin-starred chefs such as Vineet Bhatia, Thevar, and Yves Mattagne. His leadership at the Diageo Bar Academy and multiple wins—including The Truffle Masters, The Woodlands Wine & Food Week, and the Emirates ELR Competition—reflect his creativity and industry clout. With over 150 custom serves for brands like Johnnie Walker, Ciroc, Don Julio, and Tanqueray, his cocktail philosophy blends innovation with purpose. Afzal continues to serve as a judge for prestigious global competitions while pushing the boundaries of modern mixology in Houston and soon at the new location in New York City.
Media contact:
McCartney Multimedia, Inc.
Los Angeles, CA
Ruth McCartney
310-301 8166 xtn 221
Cell 310 901 8166
info@mccartney.com
Cocktail Images by Raydon Creative