Vassilis Chryssos: PK Cocktail Bar (Santorini)

Vassilis is the owner of PK Cocktail Bar in Santorini. He makes two cocktails for us, one with Raki and Honey and the second with Gin and Frago Stafilo.

Vassilis introduce yourself
My name is Vassilis Chryssos and I’m the owner and head bartender of PK Cocktail Bar in Santorini, Greece. I got into this industry as it was a family business (my Dad ran PK before I took over) and our family has always loved socialising involving food and drinks. My Dad is Greek and my Mother is British, so I actually started working in pubs and bars in the UK. I think this helped me with the job, because even if Greeks are the most hospitable people I know, I don’t think they are the best in terms of hospitality. I truly believe beginning my career in the UK really helped hone my hospitality skills. All I want with my bar is for my customers to walk away happy.

The classic you want to show us
Raki Sour
50ml of Raki
1 Egg White
20ml of Lemon
1.5 barspoon of Organic Honey Water

The bar you dream of
This is my dream bar, but I would love to be able to own a space to produce all my own fruits and vegetables, so I didn’t have to rely on suppliers. I have a huge kitchen here, so I’d also like to start pairing Greek fusion food with the cocktails. I’d also make the bar bigger, as during peak season people have to wait for a table, especially at dusk when everybody comes to see the incredible sunset.

What do you do in your time off
To be honest I love food and drink, so I tend to go to restaurants and other bars in my spare time. I get influenced more by food for most of my new cocktails and am passionate about everything being fresh. I also love the ocean and sail whenever I can.

The spirit you like the most
Rum. I like the spicy quality it has and adds to a cocktail. As I’m not a huge fan of sugar in drinks it also allows me to use less, as it’s naturally on the sweeter side.

What makes a good cocktail
The freshest and best ingredients you can find and great service. That’s what I think makes a good cocktail.

What ingredient do you enjoy using in cocktails
Fresh fruit. We juice everything on the spot for each drink (except pomegranate, which we juice prior to service, as it takes too long to juice on demand). Our recipes and drinks also change according to what fresh fruit is available that day.

The signature cocktail you want to show us
600 Stairs
40ml of Fresh Squizz Pomegranate
50ml of Gin Mare
20ml of Frago Stafilo (Liqueur of Wild Berries)
10ml of Lemon
Splash of Honey Water

Where do you think we need to go to interview another bartender
Gin Joint in Athens as I like all the people there, the look of the place and the service.

2 Comments

  1. Thank a million guys !! I enjoyed spending some time with you… come back soon to film a new video in the bar now it’s been rebuilt. I also have a whole new menu for you to try this time … see you soon
    love from santorini

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