Juliana Silva Wins Inaugural Gather Cup at Gather 22
- Madeline Curtis-Long
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
A night of cocktails, community, and competition in the heart of Indy’s bar scene.
On Monday, April 7, over 100 guests packed into Gather 22, a full-service restaurant and event space in downtown Indianapolis, for the first-ever Gather Cup—a high-energy cocktail competition created to spotlight the creativity and talent driving Indy’s bar scene.
The bracket-style showdown featured 10 of Indianapolis’ most respected bartenders, who competed head-to-head through three intense rounds of no-prep challenges, blind spirit draws, and a surprise absinthe finale. After a wildcard twist and a room full of cheers, Juliana Silva, Beverage Director at Taxman Brewing Company, took home the title of Indy’s Best Bartender for 2025.
But the night was about more than the trophy. It was a packed, standing-room-only celebration of the people who make Indy’s bar and restaurant culture what it is—loud, creative, and rooted in community.
What Set the Gather Cup Apart?
Unlike traditional cocktail competitions, the Gather Cup was designed to feel immersive and high-energy—complete with a live DJ (shoutout to Little Town), a pizza + charcuterie buffet, a pop-up bar featuring a sneak peek of our spring cocktail menu, and a full-venue livestream so every guest had a front-row seat to the action.
The judging panel scored bartenders on taste, presentation, balance, aroma, technique, and creativity, leading to a final round that had the entire room tuned in.
What’s Next for the Gather Cup?
We’re already planning for 2026—and yes, Juliana Silva will return to defend her title. We’re thinking more TVs, a satellite bar, and an even bigger crowd. We’re also working on an application system for bartenders who want to compete, with the possibility of turning next year into a regional invitational.
At its core, the Gather Cup was created to honor the people behind the bar—the ones who show up every night and bring something special to Indy’s hospitality scene. The response from the community showed us that this is more than an event—it’s something people believe in.
