Explore our Journal, featuring engaging blog posts, recipes, interviews, and more.

Stan Harciník 10/24/25 Stan Harciník 10/24/25

Corney

Harness the sweetness of corn - and even use the corn cobs.

The Cocktail Balance 10/16/25 The Cocktail Balance 10/16/25

Mirror Bar named the 25th Best Bar in the World!

A historic moment for Slovakia’s bar scene. Mirror Bar from Bratislava joins the world’s 50 best, ranking among icons from London, New York and Singapore.

Stan Harciník 9/18/25 Stan Harciník 9/18/25

Ruby Shakerato (non-alcoholic)

From plum pits to sous-pressed gel, plums create the base of this non-alcoholic cocktail.

The Cocktail Balance 9/17/25 The Cocktail Balance 9/17/25

Bar Education Symposium

A new educational and community platform in Eastern Europe

Majky 9/8/25 Majky 9/8/25

New Dominican

A classic with a modern twist that takes your breath away. PuntaCana Club Black Rum combined with mint, sparkling wine, and enzymes.

The Cocktail Balance 9/6/25 The Cocktail Balance 9/6/25

Mirror’s Bartenders Summit

The world’s best bars arrive in Slovakia – with inspiring talks, guest shifts, and a true taste of hospitality.

Majky 9/4/25 Majky 9/4/25

Enzymes – The Silent Trend

What are enzymes and why are they shaping bar trends around the world?

The Cocktail Balance 8/3/25 The Cocktail Balance 8/3/25

New Zealand’s First Bar Conference

When the bar community comes together, unforgettable stories are made. NZ Bar Con and The Cocktail Balance – together in Auckland.

Stan Harciník 8/1/25 Stan Harciník 8/1/25

Emperor’s Mizuwari

Whisky mixed with black rice water and Japanese flavors— a cocktail fit for an emperor

The Cocktail Balance 7/30/25 The Cocktail Balance 7/30/25

From Behind the Bar to Behind the Keyboard: Meet Our New Content Director

The Cocktail Balance Journal has a new Content Director!

Naomi Hužovičová 7/23/25 Naomi Hužovičová 7/23/25

Reduce, refill, rethink: cutting plastic use in the bar

Ideas, tips, and encouragement from plastic-conscious bartenders to help get you started.

Naomi Hužovičová 7/20/25 Naomi Hužovičová 7/20/25

New Masterclass: orchestrating flavour in prep

Way to Your Prep: Inspiration to Elevate Your Syrups, Cordials, and Ingredients explores how to take control of flavour using key tools and techniques.

Stan Harciník 7/10/25 Stan Harciník 7/10/25

“Do You Possess Charisma?”: Presenting yourself

An excerpt from The Cocktail Balance 2.0 on charisma, with practical advice on presenting yourself to guests.

Stan Harciník 7/9/25 Stan Harciník 7/9/25

Green Sgroppino

Creamy pistachios and coconut form the base of this vegan ice cream, bathed in a fizzy cocktail for a summer treat.

Naomi Hužovičová 6/27/25 Naomi Hužovičová 6/27/25

Stanislav Harciník, Top 41 of Bar World 100

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

Stan Harciník 6/26/25 Stan Harciník 6/26/25

Gooseberry Fizz

Carbonated and non-alcoholic, Gooseberry Fizz is the perfect refreshment on a hot summer day.

Naomi Hužovičová 6/23/25 Naomi Hužovičová 6/23/25

Raising the Bar: Upcycling Innovations from Central Europe

The Cocktail Balance is joining in celebrating June as Upcycled Food Month, first with a focus on innovations from within Central Europe - and all of them are related to the bar industry in some way.

Naomi Hužovičová 6/18/25 Naomi Hužovičová 6/18/25

How to make Sustainability Sustainable: three bartenders share their strategies

For Sustainable Gastronomy Day (June 18), we talked with 3 bartenders on 3 continents who are walking the walk — making great cocktails supported by sustainable practices.

Naomi Hužovičová 6/3/25 Naomi Hužovičová 6/3/25

The Cocktail Balance 2.0 Top 10 nominee by Tales of the Cocktail

Stan Harciník 5/22/25 Stan Harciník 5/22/25

Skinny Paloma

For cooler countries where grapefruit don’t grow, this local twist on a paloma uses normally wasted peach skins mixed with acids.