Giannis Apostolopoulos, Head of Bars at Amazónico, is redefining the art of mixology by bringing the spirit of the Amazon rainforest into every cocktail served. With an immersive concept spanning three iconic locations—London, Dubai, and Monte Carlo—Giannis leads a team dedicated to crafting drinks that tell stories, spark curiosity, and complement Amazónico's vibrant culinary offerings. At the core of his philosophy is a deep respect for ingredients, a commitment to sustainability, and an unwavering focus on creating memorable experiences. In this conversation, Giannis takes us behind the bar to explore the inspiration, challenges, and vision that shape Amazónico’s world-class beverage program.

Amazónico is known for its immersive rainforest-inspired ambiance. How do you translate such a distinctive concept into the bar program? What role does storytelling play in your cocktail creation?

The Amazon Rainforest is an endless source of inspiration, bursting with vibrant aromas, flavours, colours and textures. It’s the heart and soul of our cocktail culture at Amazónico. Storytelling is at the core of our creative process—I often tell my bartenders that every element must have a purpose and every creation should tell a story. This philosophy allows us to craft cocktails that not only delight the senses but also invite guests to embark on a journey through the rainforest.

Image: Amazonico Dubai. Source: Amazonico London

You’re recognized for using the finest ingredients. Could you share the story behind sourcing one of your most unique or unexpected ingredients? How does it align with the bar's philosophy?

At Amazónico, we believe the finest ingredients come straight from nature, often rooted in tradition yet reimagined with creativity. Take purple corn, aji mirasol, tamarillo, or even tarragon—ingredients that might seem unexpected in a cocktail. Each one carries a story, a cultural connection, and an opportunity to explore new flavours. Our philosophy is simple yet profound – everything in nature coexists for a reason, and our role is to honour these ingredients by discovering the extraordinary combinations they can create.

Amazónico’s food menu is a tribute to the cultural diversity of the Amazon. How do you ensure that your drinks menu complements the intricate flavors of the dishes while standing out on its own?

I fell in love with Amazónico’s food menu even before joining the team—it was one of the main reasons I became part of this jungle family. Our drinks are thoughtfully crafted to complement, enhance and celebrate the intricate flavours our chefs bring to life. From pairings that perfectly align with each menu category to cocktails that stand boldly on their own, our focus is always on finding the perfect balance. It’s all about creating harmonious pairings that allow every sip and bite to tell a cohesive and unforgettable story.

Image Source: Amazonico.

What’s your approach to understanding Amazónico’s diverse clientele? How do you tailor the bar’s offerings to elevate their experience, whether they’re regulars or first-time visitors?

At Amazónico, we draw inspiration from the endless possibilities of the rainforest, translating that diversity into every aspect of our experience—from the interior to the food and drinks menus. We believe we have something for every taste and preference, offering a unique journey with every visit. Whether it’s a first-time guest or a loyal regular, we thrive on challenges and take pride in our talented bar team’s ability to create a bespoke experience tailored to everyone. Every sip is a new opportunity to surprise, delight, and elevate the moment.

Image: Giannis Apostolopoulos with the bar team at Amazonico London. Source: Linkedin Post.

How do you design a profitable bar program with menu costing and target costing as the Head of Bars at Amazónico?

Designing a profitable bar program in today’s competitive landscape is a delicate balance. It requires staying ahead of trends, maintaining high standards, and keeping up with market demands. As Head of Bars at Amazónico, I’m fortunate to work alongside an incredible team that is instrumental in maintaining these standards. Together, we navigate challenges, ensure effective menu costing, and align with target costing, all while delivering an exceptional experience. Our collective effort ensures that we remain at the forefront, offering both profitability and creativity, without ever compromising on quality.

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Running bar operations across three iconic locations—London, Dubai, and Monte Carlo—must be a logistical feat. What’s your secret to optimizing efficiency and maintaining consistency without compromising quality?

Managing bar operations across three iconic locations — London, Dubai, and Monte Carlo — certainly presents its challenges, but we thrive on them. We’ve built strong, dedicated management teams in each location, and we take a strategic approach to our bar programme that ensures both consistency and efficiency. I also make it a priority to travel frequently between these locations, ensuring the quality remains exceptional. Ultimately, the key to success lies in having like-minded, passionate team members who share the same commitment to excellence and help drive the vision forward across every venue.

If you were to define Amazónico in a single glass, what would that cocktail be, and what inspired its creation?

If I were to define Amazónico in a single glass, it would be the Rainforest Old Fashioned. A twist on the classic, this cocktail features two of my favourite elements—rum, and acai. We use Zacapa 23, acai liqueur, Bacuri beer reduction, and green strawberry bitters to create a drink that captures the essence of the Amazon. Served in our bespoke old-fashioned glass with a banana leaf and two cherries, it’s a celebration of vibrant colours, captivating aromas, and bold flavours — a true reflection of Amazónico in a glass.

Image: Rainforest Old Fashioned. Source: Amazónico Dubai.

How does Amazónico’s bar program embrace sustainable practices, and what initiatives are you most proud of?

At Amazónico, we’re committed to embracing sustainable practices, even in the fast-paced environment of a high-volume restaurant bar. While it’s a challenge, we make every effort to minimise waste, optimise resources, and reduce our reliance on plastic. We also focus on giving back to nature, whether through sourcing responsibly or implementing eco-friendly initiatives. It’s a continuous journey, but we’re proud of the steps we’ve taken so far to ensure our impact is as positive as possible, both for our guests and for the environment.

Having worked in prestigious venues like Nammos and Amazónico, what has been the most rewarding moment in your journey as a bartender, and how has it shaped your vision for the future of Amazónico’s bars?

The most rewarding moment in my journey has been witnessing my bartenders and colleagues rise to management positions, taking charge of venues, opening new Amazónico locations, and training the next generation of leaders. It’s always been about the people within our team. Seeing them grow and succeed is what drives me, and it shapes my vision for the future of Amazónico bars—where fostering talent, collaboration, and leadership is at the heart of everything we do.

Image: Giannis Apostolopoulos at the lounge bar at Amazónico Dubai.

Conclusion:

Through his leadership at Amazónico, Giannis Apostolopoulos has proven that a bar program can be more than just a collection of drinks—it can be a narrative, an experience, and a journey. By seamlessly blending the lush diversity of the Amazon with contemporary mixology, he has created a space where guests can explore the unexpected and savour the extraordinary. As he continues to innovate, mentor, and expand Amazónico’s reach, Giannis remains steadfast in his mission: to elevate the art of hospitality, one cocktail at a time.

In conversation with Malvika Patel, Editor and VP, Beverage Trade Network

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