David Ríos Presents His First Cocktail Menu for Bulgaria

What do the Hollywood elite, football legends, and the third-best restaurant in the world have in common? The answer lies in one name – David Ríos. Having built his impeccable taste as a sommelier in a cult Michelin-starred restaurant, today he is the absolute holder of the title “Best Bartender in the World” from the prestigious international cocktail competition in 2013 – World Class.

Ríos is the man celebrities trust. He has created special drinks in honor of Antonio Banderas for the Spanish Film Awards, translating the actor’s character into flavor through sweet Spanish wine, cinnamon, vanilla, chocolate bitters, and a whiskey base. He has hosted official events side by side with David Beckham, serving fresh whiskey cocktails to sports legends like Luís Figo.

After more than 30 years of experience in the industry, David Ríos is visiting Bulgaria to personally present his first signature cocktail menu for Mancó, Bedroom, Play Bar, Pink Balloon, and THE 1 Exclusive.

Secrets Behind the Bar: Cocktails Have No Gender

For the world champion, bartending has long been an art that goes beyond simply mixing ingredients. In his interviews, he categorically shatters outdated clichés – according to him, the concept of a “female” or “male” cocktail is completely wrong. Ríos shares that in his career, he has served the classic dry martini much more often to ladies than to gentlemen.

For David, a cocktail becomes an unforgettable experience not only because of the flawless technique, the ice, and the garnish, but mostly because of the story and the way the concept is presented to the guest. His observant eye can unravel a person’s character just by their order, although he acknowledges the importance of context – the same client might order a light tropical cocktail when alone, but would bet on a heavier classic when in business company.

When asked what flavor Bulgaria would have if it were to become a cocktail, the Spanish virtuoso instinctively bets on a combination of forest berries, alongside herbal and spicy notes. As for his personal recipe for perfection, it is encoded in his life motto: “Dream, enjoy, smile”… with the addition of a glass of good champagne.

The New Menu: A Journey for the Senses

Drawing inspiration from the sea, the mountains, and his native Basque Country, David Ríos creates a selection in which quality is elevated to a cult. The new menu offers exceptional signature interpretations, interwoven into a complete symphony of flavors. Among them stands out the Mediterranean Moon Negroni – a seductive and complex mix of premium gin, red vermouth, classic Italian bitters, cold brew coffee, and sherry. The Rica Mamacita cocktail offers a true explosion of freshness, combining aged tequila, orange liqueur, exotic yuzu juice, agave syrup, and ginger beer. For those seeking bolder combinations, You Are My Penicillin was created – a memorable cocktail with a blend of aged whiskies, bergamot liqueur, maple and ginger syrup, balanced with freshly squeezed lime. Bellisima is true elegance in a glass, intertwining cognac, peach syrup infused with roasted coconut, and premium champagne. No less intriguing is Blue Tears – a mystical combination of vodka, artisanal mezcal, spicy liqueur, blueberry syrup, and ginger ale.

The exclusive cocktail experience, bearing the signature of one of the best bartenders in the world, is already available in our country. You can immerse yourself in the world of David Ríos at Mancó, Bedroom, Play Bar, Pink Balloon, and THE 1 Exclusive.