James Bailey

Who | James Bailey
Where | Toronto, Canada
Current Bar | The Drake Hotel
Past Bar(s) | Figures, Bar Mar(Closed), Bar Mini (Washington, DC), Furlough (Closed), Barchef
Favourite Spirit | Pisco
Favourite Juice | Cucumber
Favourite Classic Cocktail | Bijou
Favourite Part of the Job | The creativity and freedom of expression.
Favourite After Work Drink | Pint of Estrella and a Shot
Favourite at Home Drink | Spanish Vermouth or a Toronto
Favourite bar in the world | Canon (Seattle)
Best known for | Sours and Egg White based cocktails (for the bitter garnishes)
Best story from behind the wood | I was working at a Peruvian Bistro, Ardor Bistro, on a New Years Eve when we had our plumbing trap seize, half of the FOH staff no-show and received chits for 78 Pisco Sours. That’s when I debated on buying a paint can shaker for future Slammings of sours. So, working on bar by myself was absolutely hilarious and so much fun at the same time. Had a bunch of guests hang after service to buy me drinks and offer to shake a few pisco sours for myself.

What do you collect? I collect a lot of wine and champagne, Absinthe and pisco.
Favourite thing about your city? How tight knit the bar community is in Toronto. Everyone is always willing to share ideas, help you grow and support you at which ever bar you end up working at.
What was the last photo that you took? Of a shopping cart full of Havana Club 7, and J.P. Wiser’s Double Still Rye
Where was your last vacation? San Sebastian, Spain to visit family and tour restaurants.
Any claims to fame? I am able to run backwards, really fast!

Red or White? Red
Cointreau or Grand Marnier? Cointreau
London or Paris? Paris
Glass or Tin? Tin

Are you available for freelance gigs? Yes
Find him: Instagram
Media:View the Vibe – First Looks: Figures