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Sam Bygrave

Sam Bygrave is the editor and founder of Boothby Media, where he writes, shoots, and talks about bars, bartenders and drinks online and in Boothby’s quarterly print magazine.

Why don’t the best bars clone themselves the way restaurants do?

Whatever you call them — clone bars, chain bars, outposts — you don't see it as often, for a reason.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 13 Feb 2024

Centro 86 in Sydney. Photo: Boothby

Drinking deep in the funk zone: just how savoury and funky can cocktails be?

This detailed Som Tum recipe from Bangkok-based bartender Pae Ketumarn digs in deep.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 9 Feb 2024

Pae Ketumarn, the bartender behind the adventurous drinks list at F*nkytown.

“It’s so easy to find fakery.” Stu Gregor on storytelling, Australian spirits industry, Four Pillars and more

In conversation with the chair of judges at the forthcoming Sydney Royal Distilled Spirits Show.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 7 Feb 2024

Stu Gregor, co-founder of Four Pillars and chair of judges at Sydney Royal's new spirits comp. Photo: Supplied

First look: what to expect at Centro 86, the new bar from the team behind Cantina OK!, Bar Planet

First impressions from drinks across two nights at Centro 86.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 5 Feb 2024

First look: what to expect at Centro 86, the new bar from the team behind Cantina OK!, Bar Planet

This Banana Boat cocktail at Penelope’s in Sydney is a drink we love

Forget saline solution, this drink employs miso to get the job done.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 2 Feb 2024

The Banana Boat at Penelope's. Photo: Boothby

Samuel Thornhill created the Drink of the Year in 2023 (here’s how he did it)

The Byrdi head bartender talks about the year-long process of creating the drink, and removing the distinction between bar and kitchen.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 31 Jan 2024

Samuel Thornhill winning the Drink of the Year presented by Patrón

Is the cocktail bar really dead? Why are people staying home instead of going out?

Here's what I'll be looking out for in the year ahead.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 29 Jan 2024

Is the cocktail bar really dead? Why are people staying home instead of going out?

‘The drink is important; people will remember the experience more.’ Eduardo Conde & Kate McGraw share World Class advice

Tip: you don't have to win the comp for it to help your career.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 25 Jan 2024

‘The drink is important; people will remember the experience more.’ Eduardo Conde & Kate McGraw share World Class advice

Ross Blainey on the power of true collaboration for creativity, and 2024 predictions

Is the era of guest shifts and takeovers done? Have we reached peak vinyl bar?

By Sam Bygrave

/ 19 Jan 2024

Ross Blainey on the power of true collaboration for creativity, and 2024 predictions

How to shoot great photos of drinks (it helps to start with great drinks)

Drinks photographer Christopher Pearce and World Class Bartender of the Year Eduardo Conde swap notes.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 15 Dec 2023

Photographer Chris Pearce shares his smartphone photography tips. Photo: Boothby

Garth Foster’s new role? Resurrecting a long closed Sydney rum brand and distillery

“Do people get it? Do they not get it? Do we care?”

By Sam Bygrave

/ 14 Dec 2023

Garth Foster from Red Mill Rum Co. Photo: Supplied

Pile on the ice: how to make the Georgia Julep, a cocktail ripe for summer

Bourbon, peach, cooling mint, and a mountain of crushed ice.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 12 Dec 2023

The Georgia Julep at Jolene's in Sydney. Photo: Boothby