Support bars, celebrate craft – a conversation with the visionary behind Baba Au Rum, one of the world’s best

By Anthony Gabriel

But first—who is Thanos Prunarus?

Thanos Prunarus is more than just a name behind a bar. He’s the visionary founder of Baba Au Rum in Athens, a cocktail bar that has carved its place among the greats of the global drinking scene. With a modernist-inspired design, upbeat music, and a philosophy rooted in hospitality and innovation, Baba Au Rum is not just a bar—it’s a mood, a mindset, a movement. In 2024, it climbed to No.17 on The World’s 50 Best Bars list, a significant leap from No.25 in 2023, and a testament to the creative force at its helm.

I recently had the chance to ask Thanos 13 questions—quickfire style—and he responded with honesty, insight, and just the right dash of poetic flair.

Where would you like to open a bar?
A seaside bar on an island, in front of the water.

What ingredient do you like best?
Aged rum.

Who are your favourite personalities in mixology?
Alex Kratena.

And your favourite female mixologist?
Monica Berg.

Which quality do you most admire in a bar?
Hospitality and vibe.

Your most cherished mixing moment?
Creating a drink that matches the moment.

What do you most value in your team?
Hospitality in its truest sense—and education.

Which do you consider the greatest mistake in your career?
I don’t know—it’s a river that flows.

What is your favourite spice?
Cinnamon.

If you could create a drink for anyone, past or present, who would it be—and share it with them?
Billie Holiday.

Is there any fictional or real mixologist you despise—and why?
The bar culture of the 1970s and ’80s. They gave cocktails and mixology a bad name.

Do you have a motto?
Save the night. Support bars.

Is there anything you’d like to add?
A million things. No—yes. I would like bars and bartenders to reflect a healthy way of life. A healthy working environment. To be social, and open to dialogue.

Fun fact:
The term mixologist was first recorded in Knickerbocker Magazine in 1856, and later appeared in Webster’s Dictionary in 1872. Back then, cocktails were strictly a gentleman’s drink. Today, thanks to people like Thanos, the craft has evolved into an inclusive, boundary-pushing art form.

From Athens to the world, from aged rum to jazz legends, Thanos Prounarous reminds us that a great cocktail is not just about ingredients—it’s about timing, intention, and the people who pour heart into every glass.

Photo Credit 

Instagram – @baba_au_rum