Welcome - Tervetuloa
Who am I?
I am an entrepreneur and a professional cocktail bartender based in Helsinki, Finland. My mission is to promote and develop cocktail and drinking culture throughout the Nordics and beyond.
Born and raised in Helsinki, I attended Sibelius High School before moving to London in 1999 to pursue a B.A. degree in Theatre Dance at the London Studio Center. I began my bar career at a member's bar called Mondo’s in the vibrant heart of Soho, where I quickly developed a passion for the dynamic bar scene. A few years later, I served as Head Bartender at Atlantic Bar & Grill and Dick’s Bar (2003-2004), renowned as one of the most legendary modern cocktail bars in the world. In 2004, I returned to Helsinki and founded the acclaimed A21 Cocktail Lounge in September 2007. This journey established me as a Nordic cocktail pioneer, an international competition judge, and a cocktail trainer specializing in mixology training both in Finland and abroad.
For a decade (2007-2017), I collaborated with Pernod Ricard Finland as an industry trainer, conducting mixology training sessions for over 10,000 consumers.
I was honored with the Pro Bartender of the Year award in 2010 and recognized as the Best Bartender & Improver at the Bartender Choice Awards in 2017. Additionally, I co-wrote a bartender's manual published in Finland in 2009 titled 'Mikosta Mestariksi'.
My philosophy in crafting cocktails is that each cocktail represents a harmonious combination of flavors, each wrapped in a unique story. The use of Nordic ingredients is what ignites my passion for creating modern cocktails.
Since January 2025, I have embraced the role of Bar Manager at the NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa hotel, where I invite you to experience Modern Nordic Cocktails at Kupoli Cocktail Bar!
A knowledgeable mixologist, or cocktailian is a master of the liquid kitchen, combining different methodologies of preparation, creativity and know-how to create balanced cocktails.
Timo Siitonen
