BIO
Born in San Francisco, but raised in the pubs of London, it’s no wonder that I find myself most at home behind a bar.
From dive bars to speakeasies, my drinks are all inspired by my collective experiences, memories & influences from the long list of bars that I’ve worked behind and the even longer list of bars that I’ve frequented.
I have both won and judged a number of cocktail competitions and am a contributing writer & mixology expert
for Chefsfeed.com and UK-based Barchick.com
While my work has gained me a reputation in the craft cocktail world, I’ve always maintained that I am, and always will be, a bartender over a mixologist. Far more than knowing the art & science of crafting the perfect cocktail, I credit the years of growing up in the pubs of London for teaching me the ever more important lesson of service & hospitality.
"mixologists serve drinks. bartenders serve people"
- roberto chicas
PROJECTS, PROMOS & PARTNERSHIPS
VIDEOS
honors & awards
2021 Bartender Spirits Awards Judge
2020 Fernet Branca SF Coin Design Winner
2020 Published Cocktails - “Velvet Rope” & “Papillon”
“Retrolicious - Retro Inspired Cocktails & Mocktails”
2019 Wheatley Vodka PROOF Competition Judge
2019 Fernet Branca Competition Judge
2018 The Cocktail Portal’s Top 10 Bartenders in the World
2018 Woodford Reserve Charity Competition Winner
2018 El Tesoro Tequilamania Winner
2018 Sandeman Port Cocktail Competition Finalist
2017 Jack Daniel's Rye Backstage Cocktail Competition Winner
2016 Four Roses Cocktail Challenge Finalist
2016 BarSmarts Advanced Graduate
TESTIMONIALS
- LAUREN ALLEN
“Rarely do you come across a bartender who immediately makes you feel at home the moment you walk in the door. Cue Adam "Boots" Brogan. His charm, hospitality, authenticity, business acumen, and mastery of craft are truly unmatched. The first time we met "Boots," he warmly welcomed my husband and I as if we were old friends. Over a year and countless visits later, that familiarity only deepened, over many a uniquely delicious cocktail, lots of laughter, and some incredible times. Adam's style is deeply experiential, which is what keeps customers coming back for more.”
- DOUGLAS HEINS
“Going out at night is all about the experience and creating new memories. Sometimes it is great to recreate an old memory, repurposing the emotions and feelings into a different form and function - like an artist. One night, I shared with Adam a memory that was triggered by a smell. He took my story and set out to recreate it in liquid form. What a treat - a memory in a glass. Adam has been sharing that gift with me ever since. For me, that is what mixology is all about, creating experiences, and Adam is a master in the art.”
- candace weekly
“Adam Brogan. A perfectly shaken mix of proper British manners and All-American swag. Never pretentious, instead a deep knowledge and intense passion weave through his craft. His 'barside' manner; warm and engaging. He's professional but never stiff, direct without the surliness, confident but not cocky, humble, but never a pushover. Adam can make any guy feel like he's his best friend and makes a woman feel like the most gorgeous lady in the room.”
- steve smith
"As a professional drinker, I've learned a lot about bartenders. The great ones know more than cocktails. They are great students of the human condition. They know when to listen. They know when you need to hear a joke. They know when you need to meet somebody they know. And they know when to leave you alone. I've known a handful of great bartenders in my time. Adam's at the top of the list."
- maya placido
"While there are no shortage of beautiful bars and delicious drinks in San Francisco, all of that goes out the window if you have a bartender that makes you feel intimidated, unwelcome, or like you are bothering them with your mere presence. You will never feel that way when Boots is behind the bar. Whether you come in wanting a technically sound classic, or can barely think of the spirit you want, you will end up with a delicious drink in your hand. Skill and technique aside, he is the best kind of bartender because he not only understands hospitality, but truly enjoys catering to the needs of others, getting to know them, and sharing his love of the craft with anyone lucky enough to be sitting at one of his bar stools."