From a record-breaking number of applicants to just three, meet the finalists of the 50 Best Bars Roku Scholarship 2024
Earlier this year, 50 Best, in partnership with Roku Gin, scoured the globe for aspiring bartenders looking to create a brighter future in the world of cocktails. After three rounds of assessments, including judging stages from international industry legends such as Phillip Bischoff and Claudia Cabrera, hundreds of candidates have been whittled down to just three frontrunners hailing from Australia, Canada and India.
The finalists will now head to Madrid for official events of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024. At the awards ceremony, the winning scholarship candidate will be announced and crowned on stage. Post event, the lucky winner will embark on a trio of all-expenses-paid stages (internships) at Virtù and High Five in Tokyo and Maybe Sammy in Sydney in 2025.
Get to know this year’s top three, their unique concoctions and why they think they have what it takes to win the 50 Best Bars Roku Scholarship 2024.
Calliope Draper
Pronouns: She/her
Age: 26
From: Canada
Working in: Canada
Current bar: Partake, Alberta
Follow them: @non_barnary
How can we make the bar industry more sustainable and inclusive?
“To build a more sustainable, inclusive and positive future, we need to set the standards of inclusivity and accessibility as the baseline. As bartenders, we’re tasked with crafting communities and building spaces where people feel welcome and seen. As a queer and transgender woman, I see this work as inherently political, as many spaces deny me and my community access.
“To create spaces in our bars and, by extension, our communities for free expression of queer identities, we can challenge the preconceived notions held against us. Small changes in our wording, such as the use of gender-neutral terms or asking guests how they like to be referred to, can make huge differences for the experience of queer guests. Similarly, challenging harmful rhetoric when it comes up in our spaces is an essential part of setting the standard for welcoming people in the communities we run. This process starts now through small changes to language or in design that can ripple out as the new standard.”
What five skills does an exceptional modern bartender need?
- Social and political activism
- Culinary discipline
- Inquisitiveness
- Inclusive community building
- Unrelenting passion
Why should you win the 50 Best Bars Roku Scholarship 2024?
“Hospitality is my life. I show up in this industry as my full self; driven by the ideals of inclusive hospitality with an unrelenting thirst for community building. For a transgender woman, to receive this honour would fundamentally change our industry – a change I am ready to lead.”
Draper’s cocktail: The Space Between
- 60ml Roku Gin
- 20ml canola cordial
- 15ml canola oil-infused French peppermint liqueur
- 2 dashes saline solution (10:1)
- Garnish with six drops lemon infused-canola oil
Kartika Kallianpur
Pronouns: She/her
Age: 22
From: India
Working in: India
Current bar: Papa’s, Mumbai
Follow them: @kartika.kallianpur
How can we make the bar industry more sustainable and inclusive?
“In terms of sustainability, reducing our environmental footprint is crucial, whether achieved via minimising waste through recycling and composting or reducing the use of single-use plastics. Additionally, sourcing locally from farmers and suppliers not only supports the community but also reduces carbon emissions associated with transportation. Seasonal menus also play a pivotal role by offering more indigenous and local produce-oriented drink options, further reducing environmental impact.
"Inclusivity and diversity are equally important aspects. Celebrating diverse cultures through cuisine, music and décor fosters a welcoming environment for guests from all backgrounds.
"Promoting diversity in hiring and leadership roles also ensures equitable opportunities. Cultural sensitivity training for staff enhances empathy and understanding among colleagues and guests. Education and awareness initiatives empower individuals to uphold these values in their daily interactions. Finally, prioritising the health and well-being of employees contributes directly to a positive customer experience and overall sector sustainability.”
What five skills does an exceptional modern bartender need?
- Storytelling
- Cultural awareness
- Environmental consciousness
- Collaborative mixology
- Hospitable attitude
Why should you win the 50 Best Bars Roku Scholarship 2024?
“Winning the 50 Best Bars Roku Scholarship would open doors for my career advancement and expand my learning trajectory. It would solidify my dedication, support my goals and foster my personal growth. This opportunity would empower me to make a meaningful impact in my community and beyond.”
Kallianpur’s cocktail: Moringa
- 45ml moringa-infused Roku Gin
- 12ml jaggery koji syrup
- 12ml yuzu juice
- 10ml coconut water (fat wash)
- 10ml coconut milk (fat wash)
- 10ml milk (fat wash)
- Garnish with drumstick pickle and feuilletine wafer
Keeley McAlinden
Pronouns: She/her
Age: 24
From: Australia
Working in: Australia
Current bar: Centro 86, Sydney
Follow them: @keeley_mca
How can we make the bar industry more sustainable and inclusive?
“Hospitality promotes one of the most diverse workforces in the world and it’s our responsibility to support female and LGBTQ+ members of our community. Inclusive staffing and diversity training will promote a positive working environment and ensure more of these voices are heard in the global bar scene.
“We’ve all been asked the dreaded question “What’s your real job?” while serving guests, so we need to change the perspective on hospitality as an ‘interim’ profession. Increase training resources that stretch beyond venues; establish team leadership and nurture global networks to inspire more young creatives to take up careers in hospitality. Regarding sustainability, while a large-scale model like B Corps could be applied to venues in the future, education on zero-waste garnishes, repurposing fruit husks into long-life acids and opting for biodegradable packaging are some of the ways we can implement green policies in the meantime.”
What five skills does an exceptional modern bartender need?
- Communication
- Empathy
- Teamwork
- Adaptability
- Professionalism
Why should you win the 50 Best Bars Roku Scholarship 2024?
“I love what I do. It’s creativity, passion and human connection. I would love to learn from the best and be given an opportunity to work with our future industry leaders.
McAlinden’s cocktail: In the Limelight
- 50ml Roku Gin
- 20ml smoked lime oleo
- 3 drops saline solution (15%)
- Garnish with wattleseed crisp and 1tsp lime pearls
The winner of the 50 Best Bars Roku Scholarship will be announced at the 16th edition of The World’s 50 Best Bars, sponsored by Perrier, on Tuesday 22 October 2024.
