Tao Zrafi
Mixologist and creative consultant for bars, artistic director and globetrotter
This and That
Q: Three words that best describe you…
A: Funky, curious and forward
Q: Best piece of advice you’ve received
A: It’s okay to fail
Q: What was your perception of Sri Lanka before you visited the country?
A: I didn’t know much about Sri Lanka – only that it was an island and popular for its tea
Q: And what’s changed since then?
A: On my first day in Sri Lanka, I took a walk around and spotted a beautiful, old, vacant building and told myself I’m going to open a cocktail bar there – I absolutely love the country
Q: Your pet peeve…
A: Poorly mixed drinks
Q: Your quirkiest talent
A: I can ride a bicycle without holding the handlebars
Favourite Things
Q: What are you most passionate about?
A: Travel
Q: Preferred cocktail or beverage
A: The hanky panky – a very old cocktail from the early 1900s; and White Negroni, which I make with mezcal
Q: And what do you drink the most?
A: Apart from wine, I drink mezcal the most
Q: Most watched movie genre
A: Romcom
Stuff of Dreams
Q: Three individuals you want to collaborate with…
A: Bad Bunny – because people call me the ‘bad bunny of cocktails’; a jewellery brand called Vitaly, which I always wear; and Brazilian chef Alex Atala who reminds me of myself
Q: A childhood fantasy…
A: To play in the National Basketball Association (NBA)
Q: An ambition yet to be achieved…
A: I have been working towards owning between three and five minibars in different cities around the world – hopefully, I will achieve it
Q: What’s next on your bucket list?
A: Try to visit more countries each year – and my ultimate goal is to travel to every single country
Deep and Meaningful
Q: Little-known facts about you…
A: I moved to Canada by myself; studied interior design; and when I was a kid, I wanted to be either a farmer or an archaeologist – but I find what I do now ties these together
Q: What do you want to be remembered for?
A: For challenging stereotypes
Q: Three things you would be lost without
A: My passport, the outfits that represent me and the physical capacity to keep going
Q: Your motto
A: To be yourself truly and only your true authentic self