Stanislav Harciník, Top 41 of Bar World 100

Slovakia now has its own representation on Bar World 100 by Drinks International, in association with Perrier, a ranking of the global bar industry’s most influential figures.

A new entry on the seventh edition of the list is our very own Stanislav Harciník, who has been recognised for his contributions to the bar world, listed at Top 41. According to the Bar World, the “author of The Cocktail Balance books that provide guidance to bartenders seeking to connect traditional methods with modern craftsmanship and co-founder of the Mirror Hospitality Expo, Stan Harcinik is striving to elevate hospitality in Slovakia and bring it to the world.”

For Stan, many of the names on the list are people who have inspired him from the beginning. “Seeing my name within the same list as people I deeply admire and respect, the people who have inspired me from the beginning of my career and are still inspiring me, and being recognized by these same people…Just Wow! I cannot express how Grateful, Honored and Humbled I feel right now,” he enthused upon news of his recognition.

The 2025 edition has only 10 new entries, nominated by over 100 voters from all over the world. Stan is the second-highest ranked new entry. He and Slovenian Kevin Kos, right behind Stan at number 43, are the only two based out of Central Europe on the list.

Iain Mcpherson, known both for his innovations and sense of fun, tops the list. Monica Berg (London , Simone Caporale (Barcelona), Jean Trinh (Cartagena, Colombia) and Danil Nevsky follow to fill the top 5. Also of note is Erik Lorincz (London), who originally hails from Slovakia.

Hamish Smith, editor of Bar World 100, says, “Though this is a ranking, it’s not a competition. It’s a celebration of people who are doing good things. Those who are making our industry better for everyone.”

The Cocktail Balance joins in celebrating all those making the bar industry better for everyone, and congratulates everyone who made the list. Thank you for the work you do!

Read the Bar World 100 digital magazine here.
Get a copy of Stan’s The Cocktail Balance books here.