Crafting joy, one cocktail at a time

OVER the last year, Gemini Cocktails has launched a venture that has filled a very niche need in the market. Born out of a casual suggestion between powerhouse business duo Amrita Bahadur and Lawanda Pillay, this unique cocktail service has redefined the local mixology scene, blending flavours, convenience, and a touch of personalisation into every sip.

Now, with a loyal customer base and a growing reputation for quality and originality, Gemini Cocktails proves that when creativity meets determination, the possibilities are endless—and so are the flavours. Whether it’s a casual weekend gathering or an elaborate event, Gemini Cocktails hopes to bring the buzz to every occasion.

No stranger to business, Amrita, and mixologist at Gemini Cocktails, grew up surrounded by entrepreneurship. After the loss of her family store, however, she shifted gears and worked a few jobs in Georgetown before returning to her passion for entrepreneurship. “Originally, I’m from New Amsterdam, Berbice. My parents had a store there, but unfortunately, in 2003, a fire in Pitt Street claimed many businesses, including ours. After that, I went to high school, started working, and eventually moved from Berbice to Georgetown. That’s where my journey really began,” she told the Pepperpot Magazine.

Hat’s Off Custom Décor is the mother company to Gemini Cocktails and was already established as the go-to place for unique event décor. The idea of Gemini Cocktails came sometime after, as the two sought a way to expand on the business they already had. As Amrita explained, “Gemini Cocktails basically started with my partner suggesting, out of the blue, that we start a cocktail business. She’s the ideas person, and I’m the executor. We wanted it to complement our décor company, as we already catered to events. Now, we offer both cocktail services and packaged cocktails for clients,” she said.

Perhaps the biggest foundation behind Gemini is convenience. They wanted to give Guyanese the opportunity to enjoy some of the best cocktails in an easy and convenient way. “Our packaged cocktails are designed for convenience. They’re perfect for trips, hanging out at the seawall, weekend get-togethers, or even relaxing at home. People love the packaging so much that they think it’s imported, but it’s actually locally mixed and packaged,” said Amrita.

Like so many businesses now getting started, launching Gemini took a lot of work, but passionate about their idea, Amrita took on the job of learning mixology. “At first, I had no experience with mixology. I took a course to learn everything—from crafting cocktails to perfecting measurements and garnishes. It took a few months of research and practice before we officially launched. Now, I do all the mixing myself.”

Marketing has also been a hurdle that most small businesses pinpoint as one of their biggest challenges. Amrita and Lawanda have found a creative way around this challenge, and it has been incredibly effective. “We’ve grown steadily over the past year. Initially, marketing was a challenge, but we’ve since partnered with an influencer who advertises with us, and that has significantly boosted our visibility.”

Cocktails may not be too difficult to achieve, but what is hard to find is individuality, and that is what Gemini offers. “What sets Gemini Cocktails apart is our creative approach. We don’t just stick to the basics. For example, instead of traditional mojito ingredients, we might use coconut rum or grapefruit soda to give it a unique twist. Our clients love the originality of our recipes.”

Oftentimes, when it comes to events, whether it’s a wedding, birthday party, or shower, we want to make it unique. This is something that Amrita and Gemini Cocktails say they can offer their customers. “We offer customisation to suit clients’ needs. For themed events, we create personalised labels to match the occasion. For example, we’re preparing cocktails for a birthday party this weekend, complete with customised packaging,” she said.

The woman-powered business aims to be an all-inclusive frontier for event planning. Since its launch a year ago, the business has seen tremendous growth and has already gained a large following, with people falling in love with the creative taste of Gemini Cocktails. As Amrita shared, “Our event services include table settings and all the necessary ingredients for cocktail mixing. It’s different from what other vendors offer, and clients have responded positively. We’ve never received a single complaint since we started.”

Gemini offers more than a few splashes of exotic alcohol but gives customers a convenient and unique taste of the Caribbean with the use of new and interesting flavours such as coconut. “Our cocktails are crafted specifically for your events, and we aim to provide a unique experience. We don’t plan to have a storefront because our focus is on delivering exceptional service and creativity.”

As the festive season approaches, Gemini Cocktails is already making waves with its latest innovation—the “booze ball,” a creative twist on traditional holiday décor. But for Amrita and Lawanda, their venture is about more than just cocktails. It’s about crafting experiences, building connections, and pushing the boundaries of what a small business in Guyana can achieve.