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Nicola Rapko

Nicola Rapko | Bartender Atlas

Who | Nicola Rapko
Where | Toronto, Canada
Current Bar | The Jim
Past Bar(s) | Duke’s Refresher and Bar
Favourite Spirit | Bourbon/Whiskey
Favourite Juice | Pomegranate or Cherry. I love the flavour combinations that you can create with these flavours
Favourite Classic Cocktail | Manhattan all the way! It is perfectly balanced and always a good choice.
Favourite Part of the Job | The creativity and freedom we have. There is nothing better than creating a signature cocktail or developing amazing connections with guests. Everyone is different and being able to create something that they love is incredible.
Favourite After Work Drink | Jameson, anyway I can have it. Neat, on the rocks or as a shot. Yes Please!!
Favourite at Home Drink | Wine, red or white. I used to import wine from Napa Valley so I have a very soft spot for Napa or Sonoma Valley wines. I also went to school in the Niagara Wine bench which built my love of wine.
Favourite bar in the world | The Standard (New York City). The views are amazing and their cocktail program is what sparked my love of cocktails
Best known for | Beer Knowledge, wine knowledge and being an all around goofball. Adaina Smyth can attest to this fact!
Favourite “at work” memory | Meeting my investors. If I hadn’t had the pleasure of meeting them then I wouldn’t of been able to open my own bar. My business partner and investors are absolutely amazing people and I couldn’t be where I am without them.

What do you collect? Watches, I have a real hard on for a beautiful watch.
Favourite thing about your city? There is something for everyone. Every single person can find either a bar, restaurant or even just something fun to do.
What was the last photo that you took? A friend being Iced
Where was last place you traveled? Windsor, I was born there and went to visit my family.
Any claims to fame? Opened a wine importing business when I was 24. I also travelled several places throughout the world learning about their wines.

Lager or IPA? Lager. My palate is not a fan of the hoppyness of an IPA
Sparkling or Flat? Sparkling, I love little bubbles.
Miami or Mexico City? Mexico City, there is so much culture there. The people are amazing and the food…DROOL
Olive or Twist? Twist

Are you available for freelance gigs? Yes, with advanced notice.
Find her: Instagram