Just before Christmas, the annual Bartender’s Choice Awards took place, with awards handed out in several categories. Stockholm institution Tjoget ran away with both the best bar award and the people’s choice awards, to the surprise of no-one. And among a string of fantastic barmen and women nominated as the best bartender, Alex Skärlén, of Bar Hommage on Södermalm, got to take the prize home.

To celebrate the ever-improving bar scene in Stockholm, we rounded up some of the best bartenders we know and asked them a few well-worded questions. To get to know them, their workplaces and their preferences a bit better, read on.

Charlotte Halsius, Mr. French, Stockholm

Tell me about your bar.

Since F12 and Strandbryggan are closed for the season, a lot of focus is on Mister French. Here, there’s everything from business lunches and family dinners to confetti parties and all night dancing. The bar therefore varies depending on what time you visit. On the weekdays there are after works with a good atmosphere where you can have a cocktail or share a bottle of wine. On late nights and weekends we transform into a high-volume cocktail bar, where we mix great drinks at a high pace. The cocktails are seasonally inspired and uncomplicated but with finesse. The bar team is fantastic and full of energy.

What do you usually order when visiting another bar?

I like to try new things so I usually order something from the cocktail menu. It’s a good way of getting to know the bar. It’s fun with variation, who knows you might find a new favourite.

Any upcoming bar trends on the horizon?

It’s not a trend, but I look forward to the day when the average guy learns to appreciate drinking modestly. By that I mean that it’s not wrong to have a glass of wine with your dinner, and a cocktail or two even during weeknights. Instead of packing all of your alcohol intake into one and the same night.

Mr French, Tullhus 2, Skeppsbrokajen

Photo: Courtesy of Charlotte Halsius