Bartender & Mixologist
Fabian Hess is a German bartender and entrepreneur based in Düsseldorf. A rising figure in the German cocktail scene, he has built his reputation through a distinctive vision of hospitality and a strong focus on 1980s and 1990s cocktail culture. As the founder of LiQ Bar, he has played a key role in reviving one of Düsseldorf’s iconic venues, offering an experience that blends contemporary creativity, deliberate nostalgia, and high-level service.
Before becoming an entrepreneur, Fabian Hess honed his craft behind various bars and within the spirits events industry. He notably worked for several years at the renowned Rote Bar in Nuremberg and also gained experience as an event bartender for S.B.S.
His deep expertise in rum and spirits later led him to establish the specialized retail concept Spiritbomb in Düsseldorf. He subsequently launched his independent rum brand, Honey Batcher, before taking over as head of LiQ Bar.
Today, Fabian Hess leads LiQ Bar in Düsseldorf. Together with his team, he develops a contemporary cocktail program inspired by the pop culture aesthetics of the 1980s and 1990s. The menu combines original creations, cultural references, and a playful approach to mixology, positioning the venue as a well-established destination within the city’s bar scene.
Fabian Hess’s philosophy is built around several core principles:
• Creating immersive experiences where cocktails are part of a cohesive visual, musical, and cultural universe.
• Reinterpreting classics through a modern and creative lens.
• Placing hospitality at the center of the bartender’s role.
• Making mixology accessible without compromising technical quality.
• Using nostalgia and pop culture as storytelling tools within cocktail creation.
His work is strongly defined by a retro identity, visible both in the design of LiQ Bar and in its signature cocktails, which consistently draw inspiration from his cultural references.
The LiQ Bar has been featured in the Falstaff Bar Guide 2026 edition, receiving a score of 91 points—one of the most respected benchmarks in the German-speaking European bar industry.
Fabian Hess is currently based at LiQ Bar in Düsseldorf, where he welcomes guests and cocktail enthusiasts.
In parallel, he continues to develop his spirits ventures through Honey Batcher and distribution activities via Spiritbomb.
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