Who are the top 5 bartenders in the world? What sets them apart on this world-class list? Though the list can vary based on different rankings and opinions, we have carefully selected several names that have had significance on the industry. In this article, we will explore the exceptional achievements of these master mixologists with unrivaled knowledge of spirits and flavor combinations.
Related Article: What Is Mixology?
Who Are The Top 5 Bartenders in the World?
Here we explore their journeys from bartending beginnings to becoming globally recognized names in the artisanal spirits industry.
1. Adrian Michalcik
First on the list is none other than Adrian Michalcik, also known by the accurate spelling of his name, Adrián Michalčík. The Norwegian mixology artist is crowned “The Best Bartender in The World” as he won Diageo World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2022.
“Just to get the chance to compete here, in real life, against some truly amazing bartenders, feels like the start of a new chapter. There were moments I wasn’t sure I’d make the next round let alone win the title,” said Michalcik as reported by Spirited.
Michalcik previously took a different path before diving into the craft beverage world. Who knew the guy was a professional hockey player?
However, Michalcik openly embraces being a people person, finding genuine joy in bringing smiles to others effortlessly. With sophisticated simplicity as the key to his craft, he presents a unique approach to the world of beverages.
Taking a peek at his Instagram, he’s now serving his creativity as the Director of Mixology at Pier 42 in Manhattan. The New York City bar welcomes you to try Michalcik’s very own signature cocktail menu.
2. Jeff Bell
Jeff Bell is an award-winning mixologist from New York City who is renowned for his creative twists on classic cocktails. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for unique flavor combinations, Bell consistently creates drinks that are both inventive and highly palatable.
Having honed his craft to win several prestigious awards and worked at some of the city’s hottest establishments, Bell has developed a reputation as the best American bartender. His specialty lies in taking traditional recipes and infusing them with modern flavors to create a brand new combination.
Bell’s passion for the industry started back in his college years. It was the year of 2003, and he got a job washing dishes at a restaurant in Washington. He then worked his way up to bartender when he was of drinking age.
Through a lot of dedication, Bell’s name absolutely rocked the stage, claiming the top spot in the US and snagging an impressive second place in the Global Diageo World Class Bartender Competition of 2013. More recently, Bell was crowned the Best American Bartender by Spirited Awards at Tales of the Cocktail 2017.
Looking to witness his artistry firsthand? Feel free to swing by New York City, as he has been the bar manager at Please Don’t Tell (PDT) for over a decade. You won’t want to miss out on this epic experience!
3. Dale DeGroff
Now let’s take a closer look at Dale DeGroff, popularly known as the King of Cocktails, who brings a whole new vibe to the table. Referred to as the father of modern mixology, DeGroff’s legendary skills have influenced the creation of some of your all-time favorite drinks.
It’s quite possible that your go-to refreshment is a result of his craft. Some of his innovations include a number of creative drink variations, such as cosmopolitan cocktail, whiskey smash, and margarita.
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Originally from Rhode Island, DeGroff first made the leap to the vibrant streets of NYC with the dream to become an actor. However, life has a funny way of showing its true colors. He dabbled in various odd jobs, taking on roles like a mover, dishwasher, and poster hanger in his casual work adventures.
It was when he worked as a waiter at Charley O’s, an Irish bar owned by restaurateur Joe Baum, that his love for beverages began.
“In the 1970s, during my time, there were no cocktail menus. No one wanted to drink cocktails. People were usually ones for a classy drink like Bourbon, Chardonnay, and Martinis,” the cocktail legend said.
4. Natasha Mesa
Natasha Mesa is a masterful mixologist who has gained acclaim for her craftsmanship in the Portland bar scene. She is the head bartendress at one of the city’s hottest spots, where she specializes in creating unique and flavorful cocktails using locally-sourced ingredients. From classic concoctions to innovative twists on old favorites, Mesa is best known for her unparalleled skill and creativity behind the bar.
Her signature drinks have been praised by critics for their bold flavors and perfect balance of sweet and tart notes.
In addition to crafting interesting libations, Mesa also promotes social responsibility in her community by supporting local businesses and charities through fundraisers held at her bar. She often hosts educational seminars to teach others about mixology, as well as encouraging safe consumption practices among patrons.
As she found herself at home in the bar community, Natasha Mesa is now the head bartender and bar manager at Deadshot, a thrilling drinking establishment in Portland, Oregon. As reported by Bartender Spirits Awards, she’s all about supporting fellow women and bartenders, empowering them to carve out their own paths and make a name for themselves.
5. Erik Lorincz
Raised in western Slovakia, Erik Lorincz is a world-renowned mixologist who has been at the forefront of the industry for many years. He earned his reputation as head barman at The American Bar in London, where he gained recognition for creating inventive and delicious cocktails. During his tenure there, he won multiple awards for his creations, including International Bartender of the Year 2017 – one of the highest honors in mixology.
In addition to perfecting classic recipes and pushing boundaries with new flavor combinations, Lorincz is also known for his focus on hospitality and attention to detail. His hospitality-focused philosophy ensures that visitors to The American Bar always receive a warm welcome and an outstanding experience.
This tradition goes way back to the early days of his career, as he even treated beer as “golden liquid” while serving drinks at a local pub back in 1998. But it didn’t take very long for him to delve into the world of beverages. Lorincz then went to a bartender school in Prague and jumped on to the competitive scene.
As part of his commitment to fostering professionalism within the industry, Erik Lorincz hosts seminars and workshops on topics such as customer service, cocktail making techniques, and responsible alcohol consumption. Through these events he seeks to inspire others while promoting safe drinking habits among bartenders everywhere.
Erik Lorincz is highly respected among other professional bartenders around the world due to his unparalleled skill set and creative approach to mixology. His expertise has made him an invaluable asset to The American Bar, and has helped elevate its status as one of London’s best bars.
Honorable Mention: Monica Berg
“Cocktails are about being social, about being around people, and it’s essentially an extension of who we are,” said Monica Berg, quoted by The Mixer.
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This london-based entrepreneur and exceptional bartender is an esteemed name in the game. Her works are considered bold as they serve as a breakthrough in the whole industry. Check out one of Berg’s exotic drink recipes, mango-infused cocktail.
Monica Berg’s most recent innovations include creating P(OUR) along with Alex Kratena, Jim Meehan, Xavier Padovani, Ryan Chetiyawardana, Simone Caporale, and Joerg Meyer. Established in 2016, P(OUR) is a non-profit organization with the main objective to expand knowledge of beverage arts while supporting communities in the industry.
For her groundbreaking efforts, Berg received some seriously impressive recognition, bagging notable awards like Bar Innovators of The Year 2020 by Class Magazine with partner Alex Kratena, International Bartender of The Year 2019 at Spirited Awards, and Bartender’s Bartender by The World’s 50 Best Bars along the way.
The reigning champ of Drink International’s Bar World 100, this top-notch bartender also joined forces with partner Alex Kratena to launch Tāyer + Elementary, an absolute gem among the world’s finest bars.
These top 5 bartenders in the world have truly made their mark in the world of mixology, with each one bringing something unique and innovative to the table. Whether it’s Jeff Bell’s creative recipes or Erik Lorincz’s focus on hospitality, they are all incredibly talented professionals who strive to inspire others while constantly pushing boundaries within the industry.
While this article highlights the crème de la crème of mixologists for 2023, it’s important to note that there’s a whole lot of other extraordinary names in the mixology world. Now, who’s your role model?
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