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The craft of the cocktail

Three world-renowned bartenders tell Ruth Alexander about the precision and perfectionism it takes to succeed in the world of high-end cocktails.

Making cocktails isn't just about flair - bottles spinning through the air as the bartender puts on a show. It's about precision, perfectionism and people skills.

Ruth Alexander meets three world-class bartenders to hear stories about their most glamorous customers, the dangerous ones, and what it takes to make the perfect drink.

Hear about the highs and lows; from the glamour of working on a movie set to the what happens when customers turn nasty. What's it like to make this challenging job your career?

Plus of course: how to make the perfect martini! (The answer might surprise you!)

Producers: Lexy O'Connor and Izzy Greenfield
Sound Engineer: Andrew Mills

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26 minutes

Last on

Sun 24 May 2026 17:32GMT
BBC World Service News Internet

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Broadcasts

  • Thu 21 May 2026 03:32GMT
    BBC World Service
  • Thu 21 May 2026 12:32GMT
    BBC World Service except Australasia, East and Southern Africa, News Internet & West and Central Africa
  • Thu 21 May 2026 17:32GMT
    BBC World Service East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa only
  • Thu 21 May 2026 21:32GMT
    BBC World Service except East and Southern Africa, Europe and the Middle East & West and Central Africa
  • Thu 21 May 2026 22:32GMT
    BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East
  • Sun 24 May 2026 08:32GMT
    BBC World Service except Europe and the Middle East & West and Central Africa
  • Sun 24 May 2026 17:32GMT
    BBC World Service News Internet

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