Halifax bartender stirs his way to the top after winning global award

Halifax’s Keegan McGregor won the World Class Global Bartender of the Year Award.

It’s a skill not everyone can do, but Keegan McGregor has learned to master the technique of bartending.

McGregor has been behind the bar creating cocktails for about 15 years.

His hard work and dedication has now paid off, after winning the World Class Global Bartender of the Year award.

“That kind of involved multiple steps of a cocktail competition,” said McGregor. “There’s a national face so I had to win for Canada. So, I did that last year, and nationals were held in Halifax, so it was pretty cool to win surrounded by friends and colleagues.”

The global competition was held a little further from home for McGregor, in Shanghai, China.

“So, I travelled to the other side of the world and competed against 44 other countries to claim the title,” he said. “I’m pretty proud. My family’s proud. Highwayman (Restaurant and Bar) where I work, they’re extremely proud so it’s been a lifechanging win for myself.”

McGregor says he describes the global competition as the “Olympics of bartending.”

“Because you have to showcase multiple sides of hospitality. There were challenges all about storytelling and you had to weave an intricate story about yourself and your inspirations through drinks. I ended up doing a classic Newfoundland Screech-in and I got judges in the crowd to kiss the fish,” said McGregor.

“It really encompasses multiple parts of bartending and hospitality and not just one thing or one drink.”

For McGregor, there are multiple aspects to being a good bartender. However, he says sticking to his East Coast roots has been what’s worked best for him.

“Kind of always be that stereotypical East Coaster and always kind of treat everyone the exact same. I like the idea of sort of a kitchen party hospitality where everyone’s your friend or family that you’re inviting and welcoming in,” he said.

Since winning the award, the Halifax bartender says many things has changed in his life for the better.

“I’m going to be a judge for World Class Canada, and as well just the opportunities for travel. I’m going to Orlando, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Scotland, and then it’s looking like I’m going to Macao, China as well,” said McGregor.

“A year ago, I would have mainly been in Halifax but now I’m a global bartender.”

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