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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.

This Paloma riff is inspired by the pinkish terracotta bricks of Toulouse

The Paloma gets Frenchified by Finn Sugrue.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 13 Nov 2023

This Paloma riff is inspired by the pinkish terracotta bricks of Toulouse

This Paloma riff from Re's Sam Cocks is inspired by the home of shio koji

Re bartender Sam Cocks dials up the umami.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 13 Nov 2023

This Paloma riff from Re's Sam Cocks is inspired by the home of shio koji

“It’s like Sunday arvo river swims.” Get Storm Evans’ riff on the classic Paloma here

How is this Paloma like a 1996 Corolla?

By Sam Bygrave

/ 11 Nov 2023

“It’s like Sunday arvo river swims.” Get Storm Evans’ riff on the classic Paloma here

Get the recipe for Leah Dunnigan’s Paloma riff, inspired by Scotland

The Bar Planet bartender brings beetroot and carrots to the party.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 11 Nov 2023

Get the recipe for Leah Dunnigan’s Paloma riff, inspired by Scotland

How Caretaker’s Cottage was named number one in Victoria, and among the world’s best

It pays to be patient — you might just find yourself with one of the world’s best bars.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 10 Nov 2023

How Caretaker’s Cottage was named number one in Victoria, and among the world’s best

“I’m obsessed with getting things right,” says Tom Opie

The talented bartender is one of the 10 finalists in the 2023 Patrón Perfectionists cocktail competition.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 9 Nov 2023

“I’m obsessed with getting things right,” says Tom Opie

‘It really needs to have a little pop of colour.’ Get Kayla Saito’s Paloma riff

Kayla’s take is inspired by her hometown of Honolulu.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 8 Nov 2023

‘It really needs to have a little pop of colour.’ Get Kayla Saito’s Paloma riff

Martin McConnell wants to stun you with an exploding (and delicious) drink

The Frog’s Hollow Saloon bartender is serving up theatrics, refreshment and more.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 7 Nov 2023

Martin McConnell wants to stun you with an exploding (and delicious) drink

Get Josh Varna’s advice for entering The Vero Bartender 2023

Flights to the national final — and Italy for the winner — are on offer.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 6 Nov 2023

Last year's winner, Tom Opie. Photo: Supplied

The weekend list: inside 3 new bars, expensive tequila, sucky Brandy Old Fashioneds

Get a look inside three new bars, one pricey tequila, and more links for the weekend.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 5 Nov 2023

The weekend list: inside 3 new bars, expensive tequila, sucky Brandy Old Fashioneds

Everything we know: what to expect when new bar Now & Then opens

The next bar from Natalie Ng gives nostalgia and the present equal billing.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 3 Nov 2023

Joey Moussa, Natalie Ng, and Lock Paech. Photo: Supplied

How it was won: Andrea Marseglia went all in on local to win the Flor de Caña Sustainable Cocktail Challenge

At his Napier bar, Teresa, sustainability is standard operating procedure.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 1 Nov 2023

Flor de Caña ambassador Mitch Townsend with Andrea Marseglia. Photo: Supplied