‘Senior mixologist’ from Mayfair is crowned world’s best barman

At a glittering ceremony in Athens, with the lit-up Parthenon as a backdrop, Erik Lorincz beat 23 international finalists picked from 9,000 hopefuls.

The barman, who is normally mixing drinks behind the bar at The Connaught in Mayfair, said he was honoured to bring the title, Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year, back to London, where it was launched last year.

Slovakian-born Lorincz, 30, said: "I was told not to bring it back because the contestants wanted to travel somewhere new, but London is the best place to work and it is the best for cocktails and service. I am proud to represent the UK and also Slovakia – this trophy is a dedication to both."

And despite the former winner, Greek Aristotelis Papadopoulos, working all over the world after being named Bartender of the Year in 2009, Lorincz took a more humble approach.

"I am going back to work on Saturday without fail, and I'll put the trophy behind the bar," he said.

He paid tribute to his fellow contestants, adding: "I would like to break the trophy into 24 pieces and give a piece to each contestant."

The contestants began the competition a year ago, with the global finals taking place over four days in Athens. There they were set six challenges and were judged by the world's leaders in bartending, including Salvatore Calabrese of 50 St James's and Peter Dorelli, formerly of The American Bar at The Savoy.

Last month Lorincz, whose job title is "senior mixologist" created a "masterpiece" cocktail, Rising to the Sky, complete with dry ice, to be named Britain's representative.

While in Athens, Lorincz, from Archway – who has lived in London for six years – dreamed up several new creations, but said he had no favourite as he gives his all to every one he mixes.

The challenges he and the other contestants faced over the four-day final included a speed test,food matching, a market dash for ingredients and creating classic cocktails on demand – each accompanied with bar banter and an anecdote on the drink's origins. The bartenders used spirits from drinks giant Diageo's luxury Reserve brands, including Tanqueray No 10 gin and Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky.

In the speed test, judged by Hidetsugu Ueno, of Star Ginza in Tokyo, Lorincz delivered six perfect cocktails in six minutes – but raised eyebrows at the end by using the same lime he had squeezed into the drink as a garnish.

"The judge was really surprised, but I said to him, welcome to Europe.' In London we do that all the time. And here, in a country where the economy is broken, why would I waste another lime as a garnish? I just saved 50p," he said.

Lorincz was almost unable to make the finals as he was last week rushed to hospital after a fall. But luck was on his side and he made a quick recovery.

Rudy Paoli, MD of Diageo Reserve, said: "World Class is a truly international celebration of the flair, creativity and skill of the bartender and the appreciation of great spirit brands. Erik represents all of this and we would like to congratulate him on this fantastic achievement."