Get to know the finalists in Hernö Gin Cocktail Awards 2024

What have you achieved in your bartending career that you are proud of?
I would have to say participating in my first ever competition (Hernö Copenhagen Cocktail Awards) and managing to win

Why you chose bartending as a career?
It’s always been an interest of mine ever since I can remember, so the first chance I had to work as a bartender I took it. I’ve been hooked ever since and what amazing journey it’s been, I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for me.

How/with whom you prefer to drink a good cocktail?
I would have to say that would be my boss, friend and bartending mentor Christian. I have learned so much from him and we managed to become good friends as well.

- Helene Møller

What have you achieved in your bartending career that you are proud of?
My greatest achievement so far is the growth and learning I’ve experienced along the way. I am very proud and honored to get the opportunity to travel, meet likeminded bartenders and showcase what i can do!

Why you chose bartending as a career?
I was drawn to bartending because it allows me to explore my creativity and invites curiosity. I enjoy the opportunity to craft something that sparks conversation and connection with guests. 

How/with whom you prefer to drink a good cocktail?
I love enjoying a great cocktail with my Gedulgt friends, who have become like a second family to me. I particularly enjoy late-night conversations, diving deep into topics, and sharing some waitress wisdom. 

What have you achieved in your bartending career that you are proud of?
Promoting a new approach to fine drinking, learning to my customers how to drink well and seeing gratitude in their eyes. And my work experience in Milan: here I worked at Identità Golose restaurant, where I had the opportunity to know some of the best chefs in the world.

Why you chose bartending as a career?
I chose bartending as a career when I was 16, in order to have relational possibilities and a personal growth that I wouldn’t have reached with other jobs.

How/with whom you prefer to drink a good cocktail?
My favorite way to drink a cocktail is in the late night with somebody that has something positive to say: usually that person is my dog.

- Sebastiano Giovanni Fileccia

What have you achieved in your bartending career that you are proud of?
My achievements at The Milk Thistle as a whole, since joining as Assistant General Manager, I have allowed my passion for drinks to influence and guide the team and drive them to be the best they can be. Seeing them flourish and succeed daily is one of the main joys of my job. 

Why you chose bartending as a career?
I was born into hospitality with my parents owning and running an award-winning Italian restaurant. I started very young in the industry and during my upbringing I had worked every role within hospitality before I went to university, from a kitchen porter to restaurant manager and had a good understanding of the industry far earlier than most. 

How/with whom you prefer to drink a good cocktail?
Consuming a cocktail, I view as a celebration of a time and a place. I often get asked by guests ``What is your favourite whisky/cocktail etc" and for me the answer is always the same. I don't possess favorites in life, but I remember specific occasions that I enjoyed whilst drinking something.

What have you achieved in your bartending career that you are proud of?
I’m proud of many things but representing Sweden to the global finals of Hernö Gin Cocktail Awards is one of my biggest achievements! 

Why you chose bartending as a career?
I choose to work as a bartender cause I was always impressed about the one that creates food, drinks or any kind of recipes! I believe that a bartender/bar lady express his/her passion to make drinks and cook the ingredients exactly in the same way like a chef! We only have one more privilege. The touch with the bar guest during the service.

How/with whom you prefer to drink a good cocktail?
My drinks are well made Gin and Tonics, Margaritas and Negronis. I always prefer to drink cocktails together with my girlfriend cause she's not in the restaurant business and she has a different prospective! 

What have you achieved in your bartending career that you are proud of?
Joining Hernö Gin Cocktail Awards as finalist is a big thing!

Why you chose bartending as a career?
I used to be a bricklayer, but since I live in Sweden and the weather can’t be trusted 10 of 12 months I needed to do something else. And it ended up in the bar industry! 

How/with whom you prefer to drink a good cocktail?
My perfect way of having a drink is with my friends at any place. As long as you share a drink with loved ones I believe that any place will do.

What have you achieved in your bartending career that you are proud of?
I'm really proud when cocktails I've invented ended up in other bars menus. 

Why you chose bartending as a career?
The creative side of me gets to play. The lazy side gets a free workout every shift. Last but not least, the narcissistic side gets to be the center of attention.  Simply put: BEST JOB IN THE WORLD.

How/with whom you prefer to drink a good cocktail?
My best cocktails are with my fiancée, on a Sunday night at Lucy's Flower Shop.

What have you achieved in your bartending career that you are proud of?
Create an environment where guests return for the exceptional drinks and warm hospitality, transforming them from visitors into regulars and eventually friends meanwhile craft cocktails that encapsulate the essence of their experience and emotions.The important thing that I can engage with others through diverse cocktail activities, from guest shifts and competitions to magazine features, and even representing Hong Kong at the Hernö Cocktail Awards 2024.

Why you chose bartending as a career?
This role allows you to use cocktails as a bridge to connect with people, sharing stories and experiences from around the globe with their smile. It offers the chance to meet individuals from various industries worldwide.

How/with whom you prefer to drink a good cocktail?
I enjoy savoring cocktails with friends at different bars, discussing life with managers, bosses, and best friends from various stages of life. These connections have shaped me into one of the best versions of myself through their past experiences, visions, and encouragement.

What have you achieved in your bartending career that you are proud of?
I am proud of quite a few things! I am happy to have connected with other bartenders globally whom I can call my friends. Representing The Old Man during my travels to showcase our inventive cocktails is a delightful thing. Additionally, achieving finalist status in local competitions has been rewarding. Moreover, I feel privileged to have participated in the Hernö Gin Cocktail Awards, marking my debut on the global competition stage.

Why you chose bartending as a career?
I became a bartender as I was fueled by wanderlust. The world is a big place! After all, a recipe for a Gin Martini remains relatively constant whether you're in Singapore, Hong Kong or Sweden. I am always excited to see local spins on classic cocktails.

How/with whom you prefer to drink a good cocktail?
I enjoy drinking a good cocktail with my friends in the industry so we can nerd out and discuss possible methods that the bar used to create them.