Bartender
Mixologist
Bartender / Mixologist
At the helm of the cocktail program for the prestigious Pic Group, Mike Kassabian creates bespoke concoctions for the group’s Michelin-starred restaurants, infusing mixology with the precision and elegance of haute cuisine.
Originally from Lebanon, Mike Kassabian immersed himself in the world of gastronomy and hospitality at an early age through his father’s family restaurant, where he discovered the art of hospitality and the alchemy of flavors. This passion led him to mixology, a discipline he enriches with a keen sense of precision and balance. In 2017, his talent was recognized internationally when he won the title of Lebanon’s best bartender in the Diageo World Class competition, then went on to win first prize in the “Cocktails at Home Challenge” category in the world final. Following this success, he joined the Pic Group in France, where he is now Head of Mixology, responsible for cocktail programs in the group’s Michelin-starred restaurants, including Maison Pic in Valence, one of Europe’s most prestigious gastronomic establishments.
Today, Mike Kassabian creates innovative and technical cocktails designed to complement Anne-Sophie Pic’s cuisine, enriching the culinary experience with subtle and refined food and drink pairings. His creations are served at Bar Pic, the bar area of Maison Pic, where each drink is designed as an extension of the restaurant’s culinary art. He also serves as a judge and trainer at international bartending events, notably at the HORECA Bartenders & Mocktails Competitions in Lebanon, where he shares his expertise and avant-garde approach to mixology.
For Mike, cocktail creation is a fusion of gastronomy and mixology. He highlights the precision of flavors, the harmony of textures, and the art of detail, incorporating culinary techniques from haute cuisine into his liquid compositions. Each cocktail is designed to be a sensory accompaniment to the meal, rather than simply an aperitif or digestif.
Best Bartender in Lebanon, Diageo World Class – 2017
First Prize – “Cocktails at Home Challenge,” Diageo World Class Global Finals – 2017
Maison Pic – Valence
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