Meet the team of The Cocktail Balance
Stan Harciník - Founder & Author of the books
Stan is driven by a passion to share what he has learned with others, resulting in his book and this project. From barback, Stan quickly grew to head bartender at a number of establishments. Eventually, his journey took him to Mirror Cocktail Bar in the Carlton Hotel as head bartender, and simultaneously Content Director of Slovakia's best-printed media bartender magazine Bar Magazine-Thinking and Drinking. From head bartender at Mirror, Stan became Global Ambassador, and is one of the team responsible for Mirror Bar being listed as the 62nd best bar in the world by The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024. Recently he was also voted as 41st most influential figure in the industry by THE WORLD’s 100.
Adrián Chrzan - Marketing Manager & Content Creator
If you are at all acquainted with The Cocktail Balance, you’ll know Adrian’s work as he is behind the lens of the stunning photos both in the book and on the blog. His photos and videos are characterized by their rich texture and striking use of light. As a digital creator, he has recently worked with top companies in Slovakia such as Mirror Bar, TAJNA Vineyards & Winery, NOCHINO, Pilsner Urquell, and more. He is a co-owner of the brand The Cocktail Balance and member of the team from the beginning and is responsible for the pictures used in the books and the whole communication.
Dominik Tapušík - Content Director for JOURNAL
Dominik has been part of The Cocktail Balance since day one, shaping both editions of the book through partner communication and blog writing. His article “How to Create a Cocktail Story?” remains one of the most-read to this day. Known on the scene as “Ťapko,” he’s the long-time Bar Manager at Sky Bar & Restaurant and a Whisky Advocate for Italmarket Slovakia. During the covid years, he embraced copywriting—blending language and hospitality with over 15 years of experience. Dominik steps into a new role as Content Director of The Cocktail Balance Journal, where he’ll lead storytelling with a focus on voices from across the hospitality industry. His mission? To spotlight bartenders, bars, and projects across Slovakia and beyond—especially those doing meaningful work outside the spotlight of Bratislava.
Naomi Huzovicova - Editor & Reporter
Being an important addition to our team, Naomi has experience both in the hospitality industry and in writing, especially about food. Those in Slovakia may have seen her words in The Slovak Spectator, Slovakia’s English language newspaper, or even seen her in person cooking at Wild Kitchen restaurant. Though she lives in Slovakia, Naomi originally hails from Canada and once kept a blog about her adopted country of residence. Together with extensive editing experience, Naomi helped us with proofreading & edits of the 2.0 book and has the background to take The Cocktail Balance blog and its ecology topics to the next level.
Dávid Tlčimuka - Graphic Designer
Dávid Tlčimuka first got into design as a young teen, developing his skills during high school. After high school he became a bartender, and was part of the opening team for Mirror Bar in 2019.
He is now passionate about combining his two favourite worlds into one, such as designing drink menus, presentations, and branding. One of his most significant projects was creating The Essence of Design menu for Mirror Bar. At The Cocktail Balance, he has been involved with the branding, design of both books, drink labels, and more, and continues to present the company in the best way through design.
Michal Dojčák - TÖUFOOD Expert
Michal Dojčák has been Head Bartender at Sky Bar for six years. He specializes in experimenting with ingredients to create unique cocktails, utilizing technologies such as homogenizer, cryo, rotavaps and distillation. Currently, Michal is working especially with enzymes. He is also an artist, and incorporates his art in the creation and presentation of his drinks.
Michal has won several competitions, most notable being the national finals of the World Class competition in 2024. He went on to represent Slovakia on the global stage in Shanghai, finishing 13th.
At The Cocktail Balance he will be our Töufood expert, developing new recipes and various applications of their products to the bar industry.
Katarína Nékiová - Head of preps & Carbonation Expert
Katarína Nékiová started off in gastronomy during high school in fine-dining restaurants, first on the floor as a server, then in the kitchen, and finally became interested in the bar. After three years of working in a restaurant bar, she joined Mirror Bar, where she is now a Head Bartender. She is also Head of Prep, responsible for all the preparations of the bar.
At The Cocktail Balance, she has been involved with both books, testing recipes and creating garnishes. She is now in charge of the operation of the e-shop, and is becoming a carbonation expert.