The mixologist who mastered Minimalism

Remy Savage, Martell’s Master Mixologist since 2021, knows what it takes to make a name as well as a drink.

No fewer than six times has the French-Irish bartender helped bars reach the ranks of the global top-50. He himself was named the ‘World’s Most Imaginative Bartender’ in 2014, ‘Best European Mixologist’ in 2018, and ‘Best International Bartender of the Year’ in 2022.

His success should not be a surprise. An audacious artist and visionary, Savage is world-renowned for his craftsmanship, creativity, and for transforming the bar experience into a canvas of philosophical and artistic exploration.

From Philosophy to the Pour

Remy’s journey began over 15 years ago in France, when he worked in pubs to fund his studies in philosophy. It was during this time that he fell in love with spirits, flavor, and most importantly, the act of serving others.

Early in his career, he propelled Parisian cocktail bar Little Red Door to global acclaim as head bartender. Later, he took on his “dream job” at London’s prestigious Artesian at the Langham Hotel, launching two acclaimed menus—Determinism and Classic Drinks and one inspired by Minimalism, solidifying his reputation for conceptual mixology.

The Martell Connection

Since becoming Martell’s Master Mixologist in 2021, Remy has introduced a bold new era for the maison. His approach—minimalist yet deeply expressive—perfectly mirrors Martell’s spirit of reimagining tradition with audacity. In May 2019, he introduced a cocktail menu composed of only two ingredients per drink. His aim: to strip away the unnecessary and let the essence of each product speak for itself. The menu won ‘Best Drinks List’ at the Class Awards in 2020.

He has since created signature Martell cocktails like the Blue Swift Sour—Martell Blue Swift with yuzu liqueur, honey, lemon, and egg white—and the Fine à l’Eau, a refined mix of Martell VS, verjus, simple syrup, and sparkling water.

Drink More Art: The Bars That Redefine Hospitality

Remy’s artistry doesn’t stop with the glass. With his collective Drink More Art, Savage has founded a family of bars based on distinct art movements, where cocktail menus are immersive, thematic experiences:

• A Bar with Shapes for a Name (London, 2021): Inspired by Bauhaus, this non-verbal venue uses geometric shapes to convey its identity and flavor philosophy. It was awarded ‘Best New International Cocktail Bar’ in 2022.
• Bar Nouveau (Paris, 2023): A tribute to the Art Nouveau movement, the menu is split into two parts—one emphasizing industrialized ingredients, the other a return to nature. This duality echoes the tension between craftsmanship and mass production during the Industrial Revolution.
• Abstract (Lyon, 2023): Inspired by abstract art, this bar focuses on monochrome distillation—single-ingredient complexity at its finest—blurring the line between distillery and bistro.
• Baguette 3000: A playful yet thoughtful homage to French street food culture, this concept celebrates diversity and the everyday beauty of local produce. “Last time we checked, there was no Emily in our Paris,” quips the team—a nod to authenticity over stereotypes.

Redefining Mixology

Whether behind the bar or behind a concept, Remy Savage continues to challenge conventions and elevate cocktail culture, always asking: how can flavor help us think, feel, and connect?

As Martell’s Master Mixologist, he’s mixing heritage with originality in ways only he could imagine—inviting the world to not just taste, but to drink more art.