Kaitlyn Stewart made history in 2017 as the first Canadian to win World Class Bartender of the Year. As the owner of Like•a•ble Cocktails, she shares her insights on challenging industry norms, disrupting the male-dominated culture and driving innovation in bartending.
How were you able to disrupt the male-dominated cocktail and bar culture?
I believe the key to disrupting a male-dominated culture lies in being unapologetically myself while embracing my unique identity.
By confidently expressing my identity and offering a strong female perspective, I challenge industry norms and introduce fresh, dynamic energy. For me, it is about providing a new lens on the industry and proving that creativity and talent transcend gender boundaries.
Additionally, my approach involves leading with confidence, occupying space boldly, and demonstrating that diversity strengthens and enriches the entire industry. Ultimately, I aim to show that embracing different perspectives is essential for fostering innovation and ensuring the industry’s continued growth.
Do you think that the bartending scene, specifically in terms of gender equality, is changing?
Representation in the industry is expanding daily, and the conversation is shifting beyond a rigid male-versus-female dynamic entirely. Instead, the emphasis is now on amplifying diverse voices and experiences, fostering a more inclusive and representative professional environment overall.
People are increasingly finding role models who reflect their identities, making the industry more welcoming, accessible and relatable for everyone involved. Moreover, the rise of multiculturalism within bartending fuels this transformation by introducing fresh ideas and a broader range of influences.
Over time, inclusivity is becoming deeply embedded in cocktail culture, encouraging the industry to celebrate diverse backgrounds, perspectives and talents.
How would you describe the bartending scene in Dubai?
Dubai’s bartending scene is one of the most exciting and diverse in the world. It’s a true melting pot, where bartenders from across the globe bring their unique styles and cultural influences. You can walk into a bar and meet professionals from Malaysia, India, Scotland or Poland, all contributing their experiences and traditions. Furthermore, this creates a rich and dynamic atmosphere, where innovation thrives and people continuously learn from each other. Moreover, this scene is constantly evolving, fueled by global influences and an openness to experimentation. Consequently, Dubai is a fascinating place for both bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
What is the latest trend you are eager to explore as a bartender?
I don’t view it as a passing trend; instead, it represents a significant shift toward the rise of non-alcoholic drinks. More individuals are choosing alcohol-free options. Consequently, the industry is responding with increased creativity and innovative beverage solutions. Although this movement is not entirely new, rising accessibility and demand are encouraging bartenders to craft more sophisticated beverages. Furthermore, I find this challenge thrilling because it fosters artistic expression while simultaneously appealing to a broader, more diverse audience.
Moreover, in Dubai, where drinking culture is unique, developing exceptional alcohol-free cocktails presents an exciting and promising new frontier. In addition, the increasing popularity of non-alcoholic beverages indicates a more inclusive and diverse future within the global beverage industry landscape.
