Happy World Bartender Day
As marked in calendars, today is the world bartender day. Bartenders are not just people who make drinks; they are masters of their craft, skilled in the art of mixology. And, they have the ability to make us feel at ease, to bring joy and laughter to our lives, and to create enduring memories.
In today's fast pace world, where we are often too busy to stop and appreciate the little things, bartenders remind us of the importance of human connection, of taking a moment to sit down, relax, and enjoy the company of others. They are the backbone of any good bar, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment that brings people together and fosters a sense of community.
To celebrate this day I am going to name some of the most famous and influential bartenders around the world and introduce their signature cocktails. You, on the other hand, you can go to your local bar or a bar that you usually go, and appreciate your bartender with a wide smile and thanks them for their hospitality.
Dale Degroff
a.k.a. "King of Cocktails," Dale DeGroff is considered one of the pioneers of the craft cocktail movement and has trained some of the most renowned bartenders in the world. He began his career in 1960s as a bartender in New York City. In 1980s he became the head bartender at the Rainbow Room and in early 1990, the king became one of the first bartenders to advocate fresh ingredients in cocktails. He has written several books in mixology, including The Craft of the Cocktail and The Essential Cocktail. Dale DeGroff is considered one of the most influential figures in the modern cocktail renaissance.
He developed a number of classic cocktail recipes that are still popular today, such as the Cosmopolitan and the Lemon Drop. Who can better teach the recipe of a drink than the king of cocktail himself?
Salvatore Calabrese
He is an internationally renowned bartender and cocktail expert. He began his career in the hospitality industry at the age of 11, working as a bar-back in his father's restaurant. He later moved to London, where he worked at some of the city's most prestigious hotels and bars. Calabrese is also known for creating several iconic cocktails, including the Breakfast Martini and the Red Earl. Enjoy his video making his infamous breakfast martini.
Julie Reiner
She is a renowned American bartender and runs a number of well-regarded cocktail establishments in New York City, including the Clover Club and Leyenda, and is a well-known American author. Reiner established the Clover Club in Brooklyn in 2008, which has garnered recognition for its cutting-edge and creative cocktail menu. Reiner founded Leyenda, a cocktail bar in Brooklyn, in 2015 with a focus on drinks and food with Hispanic influences.
The Craft Cocktail Party and Speakeasy: The Employees Only Guide to Classic Cocktails Reimagined are two cocktail books that she has co-authored. Reiner has been an outspoken supporter of diversity and inclusivity in the profession and is regarded as one of the most successful female bartenders in the world.
Tony Conigliaro
He is a British bartender, mixologist, and entrepreneur, known for his innovative and experimental approach to cocktail making. He is considered one of the most influential bartenders of his generation, and has been recognized with numerous awards for his contributions to the industry.
He has published several books on cocktail making, including The Cocktail Lab and Drinks: A User's Guide. He has also been featured in numerous publications, including The New York Times, The Guardian, and Food & Wine.
Ryan Chetiyawardana
Also known as Mr Lyan. He is a British bartender, entrepreneur, and founder of Lyan Industries, a bar and restaurant consultancy company. He is known for his innovative and experimental approach to mixology, using unusual ingredients and techniques to create new and unique flavors. He has also been recognized for his commitment to sustainability and reducing waste in the hospitality industry, earning him the title of "Greenest Bartender" by Food & Wine magazine in 2017.
In addition to his work in the bar industry, Chetiyawardana has also written several books, including Good Things to Drink with Mr Lyan and Friends and Good Together.
