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.

'There's definitely a Brisbane mentality.' Jacob Cohen on Savile Row & what makes Brisbane bartenders great

The Savile Row venue manager on what he looks for in a great bartender, who he loves to sit in front of, and what sets Brisbane bartenders apart.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 26 Jul 2021

Jacob Cohen at Savile Row in Brisbane. Photo: Boothby

The Toreador cocktail is a tequila drink we love

Tired of Margaritas? Turn to the Toreador cocktail, a tequila recipe that deserves to be drunk far more often than it is.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 24 Jul 2021

The Toreador cocktail is a tequila drink we love

Weekend read: our full-length interview with Jamie Fleming

Jamie Fleming talks Brisbane's restrictions, his favourite bartenders, and more.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 24 Jul 2021

Jamie Fleming at Alba Bar & Deli in Brisbane. Photo: Boothby

Bartender, ambassador, Masterchef, bar owner: what Jamie Fleming learned

Yes, he was on Masterchef, but he's also been a bartender, brand ambassador, and the owner of an award-winning bar.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 22 Jul 2021

How (and why) two Sydney bars are helping to feed hospo during the lockdown

Two Sydney bars — and one in Perth — are doing their part to help out hospitality workers.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 21 Jul 2021

Natalie Ng at Door Knock in Sydney. Photo: Boothby

Bottles of Note: our Never Never Distilling Co. Juniper Freak Gin 2020 review

How the Juniper Freak Gin 2020 is made, why it's a bottle of note, and what we think.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 20 Jul 2021

The Never Never Distilling Co. Juniper Freak Gin 2020. Photo: Boothby

Why being in bars is special (it's science)

We love jostling with others to get a drink because it tastes better that way.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 19 Jul 2021

PS40’s Michael Chiem on making the best Piña Colada possible

“We took the effort to look at every single facet of it.”

By Sam Bygrave

/ 17 Jul 2021

Which is the best gin for Martinis? How many gins are too many?

Are there too many gins out there? Owner of Melbourne gin bar Union Electric, Huw Griffiths, answers those questions and more.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 16 Jul 2021

Which is the best gin for Martinis? How many gins are too many?

Everything we know about Banco, the next bar from an award-winning bartender

When Banco will open, what they’re doing, and why it might be something special.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 15 Jul 2021

Kurtis Bosley at the site of Banco, in Manly. Photo: Boothby

Updated: Everything We Know… about Hickson House Distilling Co

Hickson House Distilling Co is set to open in 2021 — here's everything we know.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 14 Jul 2021

Mike Enright, Tim Stones, and Julian Train at Hickson House Distilling Co in The Rocks. Photo: Supplied

The power of suggestion (and a pear served cold)

How we're easily fooled into tasting things that aren't there.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 13 Jul 2021

The Pear Served Cold at Apollonia in Sydney. Photo: Boothby