Blending Perfection: Haute 5 Mixologists in San Francisco

Reza Esmaili

Reza Esmaili doesn’t consider himself a mixologist.  That would be far too limiting. Instead he prefers to refer to himself as a “Bar Man” because a bar man is undoubtedly the coolest guy in the room. With 20 years experience in hospitality, this food and drink dynamo identifies the experience of his patrons as his number one concern, “A well executed bar program is an integral part of the guest experience”. When he is isn’t cultivating the cuisine scene is SF or taking excellent care of his guests at San Francisco hautest new Tiki Bar, Smuggler’s Cove (650 Gough St.), he is serving as President of the US Bartender’s Guild alongside his good friend David Nepove. In fact, when told who else had made this Haute 5 List he responded with, “I consider each one of them a mega-talent and a friend”. How’s that for class-act hospitality?  Try a little something sexy Reza has been working on below and never look at Snoop Dog the same way again.

Recipe for Gin and Juice Chanteuse

½ oz. Beefeater 24 Gin

¾ oz. Chartreuse VEP Yellow

½ oz. Honey Syrup (3:1)

½ oz. Lemon Juice

1 ½ oz. Prosecco

Long Orange Twist

Method: Shake all ingredients except Prosecco.  Stir in Prosecco and strain into champagne flute.  Garnish with long orange twist.