As much as we love a cocktail bar that has been tried and tested – proving itself as the place to be...
The World's Best Bartenders
Jump to
The art of mixology can be a difficult science, but the very best bartenders in the world make it look easy. They mix up flavours and create new cocktail concoctions that other people would never have dreamed of putting together. Often emulated but never bettered, if you are looking for the perfect blends of spirits and mixers, then take a trip to one of these destinations where you will find five of our favourite bartending wizards.
1. London
Head to the Gibson bar in the trendy Shoreditch area of London to track down Marian Beke, the Slovakian cocktail master who came to London to learn both English and the language of mixology. He has spent some years refining his craft, picking up award after award for his genius combinations, until he was finally able to open his own bar and fill it with his cocktails. The bar’s signature cocktail, the Gibson Martini, takes the traditional drink and gives it a modern twist.
2. Singapore
If you ever find yourself wandering along Hongkong Street, then make your way to number 28, where Zdenek Kastanek can be found mixing a delicious cocktail or two. The bartender is from the Czech Republic and has also managed bars in London, where he worked on his craft and often found himself in the running for many prestigious awards, although he is still, unbelievably, yet to win one. His signature drink is a Quo Vadis.
3. Sydney
You can’t spend time in this Australian city without visiting one of Tim Phillip’s bars. Choose from Bulletin Place or Dead Ringer and make your way through a cocktail list full of traditional favourites. While the menu changes on a daily basis, you might get the chance to experience Phillips’ signature cocktail, the Reincarnation Flip, which is a quirky, yet delightful drink that is well worth the journey.
4. Tokyo
According to Hidetsugu Ueno, the Japanese style of cocktail making is very different to what you might experience in America or Europe. He is a bartender that takes part in both judging and winning international awards, but when he is not travelling the world you will find him at Bar High Five in Tokyo, where your Daquiri will be shaken, not frozen.
5. Cork
Andy Ferreira is the owner of Cask bar in Ireland, and has built his reputation on creating cocktails using foraged and seasonal produce. His menu changes on a weekly basis, depending on what ingredients he has on offer, so you are always sure to find something unique and unexpected.
So, if you are ever wandering around any of these cities, make sure to pop in and say hello to these genius mixologists – you might get the best cocktail you have ever tasted!
Pardon the interruption
Did you know that you can become a member for free, taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11. You can save your My Bar ingredients, make tasting notes, have personalised Tried and Want to try lists and more.
More to explore
Whether at a public bar or private party, the average drinker may not see the need for the abundance...
With most classic cocktails, it is possible to track down the origins of the recipe. Bartenders love...
Bartender's top tip
Related posts
The History of the Grasshopper Cocktail
Have you ever come across a cocktail as bright and glowing as the green, green Grasshopper? Made up of creme de cacao, creme de menthe, and good, old fashioned cream, this is a frothy, delightful blen... read more
The History of the Pina Colada
"If you like Pina Colada, and getting caught in the rain." This classic cocktail has a reputation that proceeds itself, synonymous with beach holidays, tacky tourist resorts and that cheesy song! It m... read more
The History of the Moscow Mule
This week, the Moscow Mule was rated the top cocktail in Michigan, according to research undertaken by Versus Reviews. Its easy to see why; who can resist that mouth-watering combination of spicy ging... read more
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Get tips straight into your inbox.
Upgrade your mixology
Become a member for free taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11.
- Save your bar forever
- Access to our Cocktail Creator, allowing you to create your own wonderful concoctions.
- Save cocktails to personalised 'Tried' and 'Want to try' lists
- Create and record tasting notes on cocktails
- Create lists of cocktails to share with friends and family
- A pesonalised MyBar URL, allowing you to share everything you can make with friends
- And much more ... (what to buy next, measurement choices, search personalisation...)
Olympic Cocktails and More
Discover a host of cocktails inspired by the Paris 2024 Olympics, meet the bartenders behind the cocktails and win yourself some juicy Amazon vouchers.
Our Olympic Cocktail Hub