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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.

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

Here it is: announcing the 2023 Boothby Top 50 Drinks of the Year

Australian drinking has never been so good.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 30 Oct 2023

How bartender Tim Laferla opened a distillery making spirits from food waste

Here Tim talks about the branding process, concepts, and building a distillery with no outside investment.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 26 Oct 2023

How bartender Tim Laferla opened a distillery making spirits from food waste

One year in with one of Melbourne’s best bars: Andy Chu’s One Or Two

With just 24 seats and two bartenders, One Or Two is achieving big things.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 23 Oct 2023

The laneway where you'll find One Or Two. Photo Kristoffer Paulsen.