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 here in the Nordics and beyond.
I was born and raised in Helsinki, Finland. After attending Sibelius high school, I moved to London, UK, in 1999 to study for a B.A. degree in Theatre Dance at the London Studio Center. I started my bar career working at a members bar called Mondo’s in the heart of Soho, where I quickly fell in love with the vibrant bar scene. A few years later, I worked as a Head Bartender at Atlantic Bar & Grill and Dick’s Bar (2003-2004), which is known as one of the most legendary and influential modern cocktail bars in the world. I returned to Helsinki, Finland, in 2004 and founded the acclaimed A21 Cocktail Lounge in September 2007. This journey led me to become a Nordic cocktail pioneer, an international competition judge, and a cocktail trainer in Finland and abroad, specializing in mixology training.
I have collaborated with Pernod Ricard Finland as an industry trainer for a decade (2007-2017), conducting mixology training sessions for over 10,000 consumers throughout the years.
I was awarded 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 called 'Mikosta Mestariksi'.
My philosophy of crafting cocktails is that a cocktail is a harmonious combination of flavors wrapped in a story. Nordic ingredients inspire my passion when creating modern cocktails.
Since January 2025, I have also taken on the role of Bar Manager at NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa hotel. Welcome 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
