Five bartenders share their advice on creativity, and making memorable experiences

On getting it wrong, and making beautiful things for people.

Jay Cozma at Old Mate's Place in Sydney. Photo: Boothby
Jay Cozma at Old Mate's Place in Sydney. Photo: Boothby
In partnership with Espolòn Tequila's Afterlife - To The Bone cocktail competition.
In partnership with Espolòn Tequila's Afterlife Underground

Do you consider yourself a creative person? A creative bartender? What does that mean?

We tend to think creative bartenders are the ones who come up with out-there recipes, or those who push the boundaries in terms of technique and flavour combinations — but I think there’s more to it than that. I think the best bartenders work creatively to find ways of making the guest feel something memorable; it’s not just about the bartender’s ego — it’s an outward-looking thing. Now, it might be the drink that carries the weight of some of that experience, but it never happens without the bartender working to make the guest feel something, and inviting them into their world.

With that in mind, we’ve got a series of interviews with some rather creative bartenders for you here.

In June, Espolon Tequila gathered 11 likeminded and creative bartenders together in Hobart to attend Dark Mofo, the winter festival of arts and culture known for being a little subversive and provocative. They discussed creativity, swapped ideas, and found inspiration in the depths of winter — and now they’re sharing what they found.

And in today’s newsletter you’ll find five of those stories.

Take a look below.

Jay Cozma on why getting it wrong makes better drinks
“When I think about drinks, I’m not making drinks for myself.”
“There’s something radical in making something beautiful,” says Andie Bulley
The award-winning bartender on creativity, ideas, and why story is everything.
When it comes to drinks inspiration, Georgia Gresham gets inspired by people
“Inspiration is literally everywhere,” Georgia says.
Jesse Kourmouzis: “Go out and try things, test things.”
The talented bartender shares his advice and his creative process.
“You can take inspiration from anywhere,” says Rachel Abou
“It’s making people enjoy an experience,” says Rachel.