Bartender of the Year 2017: Sabrine Dhaliwal

Our Bartender of the Year brings an elegant sense of balance to her libations.

Complexity without being complicated. It’s Sabrine Dhaliwal’s mantra when crafting a drink, and her refined, intellectual approach to cocktails has vaulted her well beyond bartending’s traditional gender imbalance into the local and global spotlight.

Dhaliwal has developed an ineffable grace and ease over the course of her career. From early stints behind the wood at Reflections at Rosewood Hotel Georgia and West to her current bar manager duties at Uva, creating individually memorable experiences for her guests has always been a top priority. As a Certified Spirits Specialist with a Level 3 Wine and Spirits Education Certificate under her belt, she brings an elegant sense of balance to her libations that charmed this year’s judges.

The bartending world sat up and took notice of Dhaliwal in 2015—as the only female finalist, she won top honours at Belvedere Vodka’s international martini competition. Now the Canadian brand ambassador for Belvedere, she’s also a “Bitter Babe” ambassador for Vancouver-born producer Bittered Sling. Yet Dhaliwal’s future is looking sweet as she continues to enlighten people about the intricate wonders of spirits, one beautifully nuanced cocktail at a time.

Restaurant Awards 2017 ▸▸▸