A good cocktail seems rare in this city, but it doesn't have to be. Laurent Greco is a leader in the field of mixology and the founder of the Paris School of Bartenders.  Greco is in Beirut to offer a special course in mixology in hopes of raising awareness in Lebanon for this art.  Time Out caught up with him to hear more about this unique opportunity and his thoughts on the widespread scarcity of good cocktails in Beirut.

What are you feelings on the bar scene in Beirut?
I think there a few leaders in the field. There are a lot of missing parts to the Lebanese bar scene. A lot of missed culture. This is what we’re trying to correct by having some workshops and some private courses. That’s my position. I want to replicate this quality that we have in Europe and this culture of cocktails and mixology [which is] lacking in Lebanon. A few places know what they’re doing but a lot don’t.

What are you trying to accomplish with your course?
I’m trying to get people who want to improve and change, know the real stuff. They will come and attend the courses and get a lot out of it. Some people are really interested in knowing but they don’t have the possibility to do it in Lebanon so we’re trying to make it easy for them. Instead of going to the UK or Paris and paying a lot. Believe me, the attendance is only for those who know about mixology already and want to improve.

So is it a question of ingredients or a question of education?
It’s a question of education. A culture of finesse and making something out of products [that has a] good outcome. Here, they don’t feel the product. Plus, for example, if the bar manager is not very picky, the bartender won’t be picky. The clients aren’t very picky as well. This is the majority. If the client is not demanding why would the bar or the establishment invest?

I look at the bars here. I see a small percentage of cocktails and the others are just vodka redbull and vodka coke. I want to see only cocktails. If you want to drink straight, drink it at home. There are a few places like Lei bar, Momos, White bar and Kayan that make proper cocktails.

Interested in the course? Get the facts here.