Nikitas Stoilis is a Bartender at Gorilla Bar in Thessaloniki. He makes us two cocktails, one with Bourbon and Orinoco Barrel-Aged and the second with Metaxa and a Mango Cordial.
Nikitas introduce yourself
My name is Nikitas Stoilis, and I’ve been working in bars at the early age of 16 years old, working as an assistant waiter. My very first experience as a bartender happened when I was 21 years old. Having cooperated with multiple extraordinary bars in Thessaloniki, in 2019 I join the team of Gorilla Bar a bar in which every shift is like a brand-new experience for me.
The classic you want to show us
Old Fashioned
60ml of Bulleit Bourbon
10ml of Burned Caramel Syrup
3 dashes of Angostura & Orinoco Barrel-Aged
5 dashes of Saline Solution
The bar you dream of
The bar of my dreams would be in a picturesque location that combines both the mountain and the sea in a cosy place, yet, minimalistic. A bar where someone can have a once-in-a-lifetime experience… Where the leaving will be accompanied by a wide smile of satisfaction. I would call it ‘’Memory’’ since even the petty moments in life become memories. This way, it would definitely be a place to remember for a lifetime!
What do you do in your time off
I continuously try to have some quality time with myself, learning about tips and tricks that will make the experience of bartending more productive and unique ( either someone is behind or in front of the bar). However, in my leisure time, I prefer playing basketball, going to the cinema and spending time with my partner.
The spirit you like the most
Tequila is my first and eternal love! It seems to be a quite controversial spirit in our country (Greece) and that’s exactly the triggering part that makes me want to persuade people to appreciate it and enjoy it in various ways including cocktails.
What makes a good cocktail
I believe that the terms ‘’good’’ and ‘’bad’’ cocktail are inaccurate. The key to success is to adapt yourself to the situation depending on what you are provided with. However, the method you use is the central part! If I have to refer to practical or technical matters, I’d say that a ‘’good’’ cocktail consists in finding balance while you can still taste all its ingredients. Last but not least, a memorable presentation would have the same importance.
What ingredient do you enjoy using in cocktails
Tomato! There is an abundance of them in Greece. The truth is that people tend to connect tomato to Bloody Mary, which is completely wrong! Tomato’s unique taste and metallicity can compose a mouth-watering cocktail.
The signature cocktail you want to show us
Do not Ask for Extra Bar Food
60ml of Bourbon and Metaxa distilled with Tsoureki
45ml of Cordial of Mango and Banana fermented
Where do you think we need to go to interview another bartender
Each one of my colleagues is talented and has something different to offer. More specifically, I strongly believe that Vaggelis Pakios who works in Blue Gin Bar in Ioannina is an amazing bartender and a wonderful person. I don’t want to talk further, I’m certain he will present himself adequately!.