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.

I asked AI to write about the Tom Collins — are writers (and bartenders) out of a job?

Are we at the dawn of a new era of superpowered bartenders pushing creativity and experience to new heights?

By Sam Bygrave

/ 10 Dec 2022

The Tom Collins by a window in the style of Matisse, according to DALL-E.

Simone Caporale owns the world’s number 3 bar, and wants to teach you his creative process

‘Be prepared to have a plan B, or C, or D,’ says Simone Caporale of Sips in Barcelona.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 9 Dec 2022

Simone Caporale owns the world’s number 3 bar, and wants to teach you his creative process

What to expect when new bar Edward & Ida’s opens in 2023

A new gastropub and cocktail bar coming from the Foxtrot Unicorn team.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 6 Dec 2022

What to expect when new bar Edward & Ida’s opens in 2023

The Southside Fizz — there’s a few ways how

There are many takes on the classic Southside recipe.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 5 Dec 2022

The Southside Fizz — there’s a few ways how

All the action from the 2022 Boothby Drink of the Year Awards

Get the photos and all the results from the big night.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 1 Dec 2022

Michael Chiem and his Africola took out the top award on the night. Photo: Christopher Pearce

Alex Boon knows how to win cocktail comps — here's his advice

With cocktail comps back in full swing, one of Australia's best shares his advice.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 25 Nov 2022

Alex Boonat the national final of 2022 Patrón Perfectionists. Photo: Christopher Pearce.

This Tanlines cocktail from James Irvine is a drink we love

It's a smart gin take on the Pina Colada, all tricked up and pretty.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 23 Nov 2022

This Tanlines cocktail from James Irvine is a drink we love

How to open a bar: “Dive bars never die,” says Charlie Lehmann

“It stems from adoration and just absolute anarchy.” Charlie Lehmann on Ramblin’ Rascal Tavern and building a bar that lasts.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 19 Nov 2022

How to open a bar: “Dive bars never die,” says Charlie Lehmann

“I do it for the human aspect.” Maybe Sammy co-owner Stefano Catino on building a world-beating bar, & what's coming next

A lot of people talk a big game when it comes to hospitality — Stefano Catino practises what he preaches.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 17 Nov 2022

“I do it for the human aspect.” Maybe Sammy co-owner Stefano Catino on building a world-beating bar, & what's coming next

The Tiramisu Milk Punch at Capitano is a drink we love

This Milk Punch by Darren Leaney is a bartender favourite.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 15 Nov 2022

The Tiramisu Milk Punch at Capitano. Photo: Supplied

The Boothby Top 50 Drinks of the Year 2022 are here

The state of our cocktailing nation right now.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 13 Nov 2022

The Boothby Top 50 Drinks of the Year 2022 are here

Alex Boon is the winner of the Australian round of Patrón Perfectionists 2022

The bartender and co-owner of Pearl Diver Cocktails & Oysters will go on to compete against the world in March.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 9 Nov 2022

Alex Boon is the 2022 Australian winner of the Patrón Perfectionists cocktail competition. Photo: Christopher Pearce