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Bad Boy Bartenders


Nights spent shaking booze for bleary-eyed yet busty lushes may not have been the future their mums had in mind, but there is no denying that these firewater fanciers have made a splash on the Australian cocktail circuit.

Various professional successes aside, we all know that an explicit requirement of the modern mixologist is sustaining the hard-earned reputation as party princes. So for those ladies looking to take advantage of the barman's code, we suggest you aim high by targeting these cocktail champions.

1
 
Cookie
Melbourne
Having a penchant for pickiness has just paid off. In-house mixologist Andy Griffith has just created and launched a new 100-strong cocktail list. Time to start sampling.

2
 
Bayswater Brasserie
Kings Cross
Charlie 'Chino' Ainsbury may have only been in the industry for a few years, but this young gun has already made a name for himself at one of Sydney's most respected cocktail institutions. The menu lists a number of his own creations, but the real value comes from getting Chino to suggest one himself.

3
 
Hugo's Bar Pizza
Kings Cross
Knowing how to brew a beverage is one thing, but doing it with all the passion and style of George Clooney is something Jared Plummer does best. Besides, teaming your drink with pizza? Bellissimo!

4
 
Zeta Bar
Sydney
You know the joke: many people have stayed at the Paris Hilton. But with such multi-award-winning cocktail designers as Mike Enright and Grant Collins on board, the classy bargoer will want to make the Zeta Bar at Sydney's Hilton Hotel much more than a one-night stand.

5
 
The Julep Lounge
Manuka
Watching David Nguyen-Luu work is like watching Picasso paint. This masterful artist will sculpt and blend such a creation it seems a shame to drink it at all. Well, nothing for it but to order another I suppose.

6
 
Hippo Lounge Bar
City
Adding a spiritual dimension to booze appreciation, the team of expert intoxicologists mixologists at this Buddhist-inspired cocktail sanctum will have you praying for more and more.