Maxime Belfand
Maxime Belfand's journey in the world of libations began in the picturesque outskirts of Paris. Fueled by an innate curiosity to explore new horizons, he embarked on a transformative chapter at age 20.
Relocating to London, Maxime learned English and entered the culinary world by working in the kitchen of a revered French restaurant. Still, the solitary and shadowy space didn't quite fit his spirit. A pivot propelled him behind the bar, where he sensed potential for professional and personal growth.
Maxime's first foray into hospitality began at Ronnie Scott's, a venerated establishment known for its illustrious connection to London's jazz scene. Commencing as a barback, Maxime embarked on an education beyond the bar itself. In this role, he acquired invaluable insights into the intricacies of mixology while learning from some of the most esteemed bartenders in the city. Maxime's meteoric rise within the industry saw him ascend the ranks to the position of bartender and, subsequently, bar manager, steering the cocktail program to success over a span of three years.
A sojourn in Mexico led him to the vibrant heart of New York City. Armed with a burgeoning knowledge of beverages, Maxime ventured into the world of retail by joining a prestigious wine shop. This endeavor laid the groundwork for his subsequent role at Saxon + Parole, an award-winning cocktail bar and restaurant in New York City by world-renowned hospitality and design firm AvroKO. Here, Maxime had the privilege of imbibing the essence of NYC's cocktail culture, honing his craft under the tutelage of industry luminaries Naren Young and Masa Urushido.
Maxime assumed the mantle of corporate bar director at AvroKO, where he orchestrated bar programs and conceptualized innovative ventures on a global scale. The landscape of 2020 brought about significant changes driven by the pandemic's profound impact. In response, Maxime adapted his trajectory, culminating in his current role at Bacardi as a trade advocate tailored for New York.
Maxime's expertise extends beyond mixology; he believes that the art of a well-crafted cocktail goes beyond flavor, capturing visual allure and immersive experience. As a self-proclaimed "cocktail nerd," he maintains an unquenchable thirst for novel ingredients and innovative techniques, drawing inspiration from his global explorations. Unwavering in his commitment to his craft, Maxime is on a relentless pursuit of excellence and an insatiable curiosity that continually propels him to uncover new dimensions within the world of beverages.
