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Raising the bar in the UAE’s beverage scene
At the 2025 edition of Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Dubai, a panel titled “Liquid Innovation and the Latest Trends in Mixology” brought together beverage professionals shaping the future of drinks in the UAE. Their insights revealed a dynamic scene where storytelling, precision and cultural influence converge behind the bar.
Personal journeys behind the bar
Each panelist brought a unique perspective shaped by an unconventional path into the world of mixology.
For Victor Delpierre — barista and mixologist world champion — creativity has always led the way. Originally trained in pastry, he merged his love for flavor with a passion for performance, bringing coffee and cocktails together in multisensory guest experiences.
Omar Al Sharif, now head of beverage at Fresh Express L.L.C., started working in hospitality at just 13. “Curiosity and connection have always been my drivers,” he said.
For Vitor Hugo, beverage director at Culinary Arts Group, the discovery of mixology came by chance. “One night I stepped behind the bar to help out — and I never left,” he recalled.
Angelo Immorlano, bar manager at Nobu Dubai and Nobu by the Beach, traced his beginnings to a friend’s pub and a gifted cocktail book. A misstep on a drink order sparked what would become a lifelong passion.
Shaping consumer preferences
Today’s guests are not only more informed but also more selective. The panel explored how consumer expectations are reshaping beverage menus across the UAE.
Al Sharif highlighted the growing demand for functional beverages — from gut-friendly drinks to matcha and protein waters. “People care about what’s in their glass,” he said. “Health, ingredients, benefits — it all matters.”
Hugo and Immorlano noted the sharp rise in low- and non-alcoholic options. “It’s about flavor, not just alcohol,” Hugo said. “Guests want the full experience, even without the buzz.”
Delpierre added that coffee has become a central player in mixology, from cold brews and espresso infusions to terroir-driven beans that rival the complexity of spirits.
Overcoming regional challenges
Operating in the UAE comes with its own set of pressures, from logistics to regulation.
Al Sharif cited ongoing supply chain disruptions and rising coffee prices, while also noting the impact of sugar taxes on product development. “It pushes us to think differently,” he said.
Hugo pointed to inconsistent stock availability from suppliers, which can make it difficult to maintain high standards across beverage programs.
Immorlano shared how cultural diversity in bar teams brings both challenges and rewards. “Different backgrounds can lead to clashes — but also to creativity,” he said. “You just need the right mindset.”
Creating lasting experiences
All panelists agreed: mixology is about more than ingredients. It’s about connection, emotion and service.
“Hospitality is a full circle,” said Hugo. “From how you welcome someone to how you say goodbye — every moment matters.”
Immorlano echoed the importance of service. “You can serve the best cocktail in the world, but if you ignore the guest, it’s meaningless.”
Delpierre summed it up simply: “If people only wanted a drink, they’d stay home. They come to feel something. They come for memories.”
Looking ahead — and back
As the UAE beverage scene matures, there’s a renewed appreciation for the classics that are reimagined with flawless execution.
Immorlano and Hugo see timeless cocktails making a comeback, elevated by better technique, premium ingredients and local touches. “Simple doesn’t mean basic,” said Immorlano.
Innovation continues to drive the future. Non-alcoholic creations, sustainable practices and local sourcing are all gaining traction. Al Sharif pointed to carbon footprint reduction and ethical sourcing as growing priorities for beverage leaders.
When asked about their personal favorites, the answers revealed as much about the mixologists as the drinks themselves: Negroni, Paloma, Tommy’s Margarita and Espresso Martini. Each choice, they said, speaks to both craft and character.
The UAE’s beverage scene is no longer just about what’s in the glass — it’s about storytelling, responsibility and impact. As these mixologists lead the way, they’re setting new standards for what great hospitality tastes like.
Panel insights from “Liquid Innovation and the Latest Trends in Mixology” at Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Dubai 2025. Moderated by Lisa Jerejian, communications manager at Hospitality Services.