Originally from Mérida, Mexico, Geovanny Lugo is a mixologist with over 15 years of experience in the food and beverage industry. Specializing in sustainable cocktails, he combines traditional techniques with fresh, sustainable ingredients to create unique experiences. Geovanny has had a distinguished career as a Brand Ambassador for local rum in Mexico, representing brands such as Ron Milenario, Pizá Ron, and Kukulkán Xtabentún, and collaborating with renowned hotels like Chable Yucatan,Marriott, The Ritz Carlton, Le Royal Meridien, and currently, the Radisson Damac Hills Hotel in Dubai. Known for his ability to develop unique and innovative flavors, his distinctive creations have led him to participate in various cocktail competitions in Mexico and the United Arab Emirates. His attention to detail and skill in transforming local ingredients into liquid masterpieces have positioned him as a reference in the hotel cocktail industry.

Name three cocktails which are a must have while at your bar.

La Paloma Invertida is a blend of classic and contemporary elements, featuring silver tequila, clarified lime juice, homemade salty soda, and a grapefruit oleo foam. This cocktail preserves the vibrant flavors of Mexico while adding a touch of mixology creativity. Fresh ingredients are used throughout, with a focus on utilizing 100% of the products to support environmental
sustainability.

Mezcal Tierra-As its name suggests, Mezcal Tierra is a tribute to all the hardworking people of the countryside who provide us with these marvelous crops every day. The oregano adds a fresh, spicy touch with a distinctive flavor that harmonizes the senses, transporting you to the fields and connecting you with our ancestors in Mexico.

Avocado Rompope is a delight that brings together many elements. Traditionally enjoyed during holidays or Christmas, it is a family cocktail that connects with people and their essence. This is what I love to do—connect with people, their roots, and the bar community. As a dessert cocktail, there’s nothing better than providing a memorable experience by innovating and adding a delicious touch with avocado leaves, something typical of my country.

Which is your signature cocktail?

This is a challenging question, as I always enjoy playing with flavors, textures, and aromas to ensure my guests have a unique experience. However, I believe my signature cocktail would be spicy margaritas. I love creating something with the various types of chilies we have around the world.

What is your advice to aspiring bartenders and bar managers?
For Bartenders: Focus on perfecting your technical skills and have a deep knowledge of the ingredients you work with. Practice constantly and always seek to learn about new techniques and trends in mixology. Additionally, develop excellent customer interaction skills; the ability to read and understand their preferences is key to providing a memorable experience. Don’t underestimate the importance of cleanliness and organization at your workstation.

For Bar Managers: Besides managing the bar efficiently, it is crucial to cultivate a positive and motivating work environment for your team. Develop leadership and communication skills to resolve conflicts and foster a culture of collaboration. Maintain rigorous financial management and pay attention to customer service details to ensure an exceptional experience for guests. Constantly innovating the menu and offerings can help keep the bar relevant and appealing.

What is the USP of your bar/bars?

• Signature Cocktails: Offering unique and innovative cocktails that cannot be found elsewhere, crafted with high-quality ingredients and a touch of creativity.
• Atmosphere: Creating a distinctive and inviting ambiance that resonates with your target audience, whether it’s a chic, modern setting or a cozy, nostalgic vibe.
• Exceptional Service: Providing top-notch customer service with well-trained staff who are attentive, knowledgeable, and capable of delivering a memorable experience.

•  Local and Sustainable Ingredients: Highlighting the use of locally-sourced and sustainable ingredients in your drinks, which appeals to environmentally-conscious customers.
• Unique Events and Experiences: Hosting exclusive events, themed nights, or interactive experiences that engage and entertain guests, making each visit special.
• Expertise and Knowledge: Showcasing the expertise of your bartenders and their ability to offer insightful recommendations, educate customers about mixology, and craft personalized drinks.

At work, which is your most challenging activity and why?
One of the most challenging aspects for me is finding Latin American ingredients in Dubai, as they are often difficult to source or unavailable. For example, a fruit here, like an apple, doesn’t have the same properties as it does in America due to differences in climate and care. This is where we, as bartenders, have to work our magic. We must always pay attention to these elements and strive to create unparalleled experiences. That’s the beauty of this profession—embracing and overcoming these challenges.

When are you happiest?

My happiness comes from creating a menu with my team, as they are a fundamental part of the bar. Each idea, each opinion, and preparing for a cocktail competition together is incredibly rewarding. Whether you're in front of a guest or a judge, enjoying each experience, discovering new places, meeting people, and exploring new ideas and mixes brings great joy.

Which is your favourite city for food, travel and fashion?
Throughout my career, I have traveled and experienced wonderful landscapes, people, cultures, and beautiful countries. I have visited various cities around Mexico, each with its own unique culture and ingredients. I have been to parts of Asia and France, but I fell in love with Colombia. There are many fascinating things there and numerous ingredients to explore, and I plan to return to discover each one of them. So, I am truly enamored with Colombia.

 How many people are part of your team and how do you plan to make a guest’s experience special while they are a guest in your bar?
To make each guest's experience special, our team ensures a warm and personalized welcome, greeting every guest by name and making them feel at home. We focus on crafting signature cocktails with an emphasis on customization based on guest preferences, asking about their flavor likes and dislikes to provide tailored recommendations. Beautiful garnishes enhance the visual appeal of each drink. We engage guests with interactive mixology by sharing stories behind the cocktails and demonstrating unique techniques.

Maintaining high standards of quality and consistency is crucial, with every drink meeting guest expectations. We keep the bar environment clean, organized, and inviting, adjusting the ambiance with suitable lighting and music. Small, thoughtful touches, such as complimentary drinks or personalized notes for special occasions, add to the experience. We regularly check in with guests to ensure their satisfaction, solicit feedback for improvement, and celebrate milestones like birthdays or anniversaries with complimentary treats, making these moments feel extra special.

What is the secret for making a perfect cocktail? 
The secret to making the perfect cocktail, I believe, comes from several factors. One of the key lessons I instill in my bartenders is to make everything with love. Crafting a cocktail can be complex, but if you approach it with love and care, you can achieve excellent results. It is also essential to use fresh, high-quality ingredients and to be precise with measurements to standardize your recipe. Achieving balance and consistency in the cocktail is crucial. Mastering mixing techniques such as shaking, stirring, and muddling is important for achieving the desired textures, temperatures, and flavors.

Each technique affects how the flavors combine. Always strive for a perfect balance between sweet, salty, acidic, and bitter elements to ensure harmony in your cocktail. Be creative and original—experiment with innovative combinations and recipes that can surprise your guests. Presentation is also important; ensure that the appearance of the cocktail is attractive, with garnishes that complement the flavors. Pay attention to every detail, from the temperature of the glass to the quality of the ice, as these small details can make a big difference in the cocktail experience. Know your ingredients well and how they combine, and be flexible to adapt your recipes based on customer preferences or ingredient availability. And don’t forget do everything with love, passion, and dedication.

One of my favorite signature cocktails is one I used for the World Class Competition 2024, and it is:

• Gin Tanqueray Ten 45 ml
• Salty Coffee Cold Brew 30 ml
• Clarified Grapefruit 30 ml
•  Homemade Balsamic Soda 45 ml

This cocktail was a signature entry for the competition, as previously mentioned. It’s made with recycled coffee, which is a great way to re-purpose coffee. What I love about this cocktail is that it can be replicated at home, which is another great point—creating high-quality cocktails that can be made at home. The coffee and grapefruit notes create a harmonious match, delivering an amazing flavor profile. The balsamic soda provides a balance to the acidity, resulting in a refreshing taste.

recipe of la paloma invertida

ingredients

• tequila silver 50 ml
• Clarified lemon juice 10 ml
• Homemade salty soda 60 ml
• Oleo grapefruit foam on the top

Method- build

La Paloma Invertida

La Paloma Invertida is a blend of classic and contemporary elements, featuring silver tequila, clarified lime juice, homemade salty soda, and a grapefruit oleo foam. This cocktail preserves the vibrant flavors of Mexico while adding a touch of mixology creativity. Fresh ingredients are used throughout, with a focus on utilizing 100% of the products to support environmental
sustainability.

Recipe of Mezcal Tierra

Ingredients

• Mezcal espadin 45 ml
• Lemon juice 30 ml
• Fresh oregano cordial 20 ml
• tortilla powder salt

method- shake

Mezcal Tierra
As its name suggests, Mezcal Tierra is a tribute to all the hardworking people of the countryside who provide us with these marvelous crops every day. The oregano adds a fresh, spicy touch with a distinctive flavor that harmonizes the senses, transporting you to the fields and connecting you with our ancestors in Mexico.

 

Recipe of Avocado Rompope

Ingredients

• Rum spiced 45 ml
• Homemade rompope punch 90 ml
• Avocado leaf

Method- shake

Avocado Rompope
Avocado Rompope is a delight that brings together many elements. Traditionally enjoyed during holidays or Christmas, it is a family cocktail that connects with people and their essence. This is what I love to do—connect with people, their roots, and the bar community. As a dessert cocktail, there’s nothing better than providing a memorable experience by innovating
and adding a delicious touch with avocado leaves, something typical of my country.