FEATURED BARTENDER

Featured Featured BARtender

AIDAN DEMAREST

SOFITEL LOS ANGELES AT BEVERLY HILLS

The most talented people in Los Angeles aren’t only in the entertainment industry, they can also be found behind the bar. Aidan Demarest, the Director of Nightlife at the iconic Sofitel Hotel in Beverly Hills, has been a fixture in LA’s hospitality industry for over 20 years.

Demarest fell in love with the cocktail culture that emerged just as the urban redevelopment of downtown Los Angeles exploded, opening four of LA’s most beloved bars – Seven Grand, The Doheny, First & Hope Supper Club and The Edison – as a General Manager and served as Beverage Director for the 213 Group and the acclaimed Spare Room in the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Before joining the Sofitel in 2019, he also oversaw the huge success of Beaches in West Hollywood.

Demarest’s private cocktail consulting firm Liquid Assets has nailed drink lists at 1886 in Pasadena, Frauds & Swindlers in San Diego, and Pedalers Fork in Calabasas, just to name a few. His enthusiasm for fine spirits has enabled him to travel the world consulting on blending, branding and marketing for both wineries and distilleries. Demarest also launched four spirit brands as a Brand Ambassador, including Elit by Stolichnaya and El Silencio Mezcal.

His “Aqua-Man” signature cocktail, ideal for summertime by the pool, is made with 100 proof Smirnoff Vodka, blue curacao, lemon juice, and a splash of Fever Tree ginger beer. His rare depth of knowledge and insight into the bar business has landed Demarest various hosting and judging opportunities, from The Oscars and The Grammys to the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

SIGNATURE COCKTAIL

Aqua-Man

Blue, fresh and bright like a gorgeous sunny day by the pool, The Aqua-Man is your ideal summer cocktail. Made with 100 proof Smirnoff vodka, this cocktail has a robust flavor with a dry finish for ultimate smoothness and clarity. Blending the orange-like light bitterness of the blue curacao and the delicate sourness of the lemon juice, with a splash of Fever Tree ginger beer for a sweet touch. This beautiful creation tastes like a summer afternoon in lovely Southern California. An ode to the SoCal living to come and try all summer at Sofitel Los Angeles lounge bar, Riviera 31.