Zahra Erfanian Azmoodeh: Redefining Mixology with Precision and Passion
Introduction: A Star on the Rise
Dubai has become one of the world’s most exciting hubs for fine dining, nightlife, and luxury hospitality. At the heart of this booming bar culture are the bartenders and mixologists who bring stories, creativity, and science together in a glass. Among them, Zahra Erfanian Azmoodeh has risen as one of the most technically accomplished bartenders in the region.
Recognized by Caterer Middle East’s Bartenders Power List 2025, celebrated for her performance at World Class UAE, and crowned winner at the Maraska Maraschino Competition 2025, Zahra is proof that passion, resilience, and artistry can transform a career into a legacy.
Early Life and Journey into Hospitality
Zahra’s story begins not in a glamorous bar under neon lights, but in the humbler beginnings of coffee counters and barista stations. Like many successful mixologists, she built her foundation on the basics—learning how to handle customers, manage fast-paced service, and perfect the details of a drink, whether it was a cappuccino or a crafted espresso.
This stage of her career was crucial. It instilled in her a respect for detail, patience, and the rhythm of hospitality work. The hospitality industry is relentless, but Zahra thrived on the energy. She loved the feeling of working behind the counter, interacting with guests, and bringing small moments of joy into their daily lives.
Gradually, her curiosity grew beyond coffee. The vibrant world of cocktails, spirits, and mixology caught her attention. She realized that bartending was not just about serving alcohol—it was about culture, artistry, history, and experience. And so, she stepped fully into the world of mixology, determined to make her mark.
A Decade of Evolution Behind the Bar
Over the past decade, Zahra’s career has been a journey of evolution and reinvention. Starting from barista roles, she transitioned into bartending positions and then into the highly specialized craft of mixology.
Her trajectory shows a professional who never settled. Each role she took built new layers of expertise—technical knowledge of spirits, mastery over flavor balancing, speed and precision under pressure, and above all, the confidence to lead conversations at the bar.
By the time she entered Dubai’s competitive hospitality scene, Zahra had already built a solid foundation. She wasn’t just another bartender looking to pour drinks—she was a professional with a clear vision of turning the bar into a stage for storytelling and innovation.
Current Role: Innovation at Atlantis The Royal
Today, Zahra is a mixologist at Atlantis The Royal, one of the most luxurious and iconic hotels in Dubai. This role has allowed her to showcase her technical mastery on one of the world’s grandest platforms.
At Atlantis, Zahra is not only serving drinks—she is curating experiences. Every cocktail she designs reflects her signature style: technical precision, creative innovation, and attention to detail. Whether it’s experimenting with pandan liqueur, reimagining classic bourbon-based cocktails, or designing visually stunning mocktails, she ensures each guest leaves with a story to tell.
Being part of Atlantis The Royal also means she caters to a global audience—tourists, celebrities, entrepreneurs, and dignitaries. This exposure pushes her to constantly adapt, refine, and elevate her craft, making her a key figure in Dubai’s luxury hospitality scene.
Accolades and Trailblazing Achievements
Zahra’s excellence has been recognized with numerous accolades that underline her growing influence:
Bartenders Power List 2025
Named one of the most technically accomplished bartenders in Dubai, a recognition powered by Lyre’s and PATRÓN, she joined an elite list of professionals shaping the region’s bar culture.
World Class UAE 2025 Finalist
The World Class competition is regarded as one of the most prestigious stages for mixologists globally. Zahra’s selection into the Top 10 finalists for UAE & Oman speaks volumes about her creativity, composure, and technical expertise. Competing at this level requires not just skill but the ability to perform under intense scrutiny—a challenge she embraced with confidence.
Maraska Maraschino Competition Winner (2025)
Zahra’s standout victory came at the Cherry Blossom Bartender Competition, where she won in both cocktail and mocktail categories. This achievement earned her an exclusive trip to Croatia, where she toured the historic Maraska Distillery, explored the world’s largest maraschino cherry plantation, and participated in global bar takeovers. This wasn’t just a competition win—it was a cultural and professional exchange that expanded her horizons.
Her Creative Voice and Industry Influence
Zahra is more than a bartender; she is a voice for change and inclusion in the industry. In her interviews, she often highlights the role of women in bartending, encouraging more representation and breaking stereotypes.
She once shared:
“I hope to show the world that women behind the bar are passionate, creative, and meticulous in everything they do… if my journey inspires other women to step behind the bar with confidence, that’s something I’ll always be proud of.”
Her creative voice is also seen in her advocacy for exploring new liqueur trends. She often experiments with flavors that blend tradition and modernity, such as:
- Maraska Maraschino — a comeback liqueur rooted in history.
- Arak — a traditional Middle Eastern spirit she reinterprets for modern cocktails.
- Pandan and Banana Liqueurs — flavors that reflect Asia’s growing influence on global mixology.
Through her artistry, Zahra is not only entertaining guests but also contributing to shaping the direction of global bar culture.
Style and Philosophy Behind the Bar
Zahra’s signature lies in her ability to combine precision with creativity. She is meticulous with measurements, presentation, and balance, but equally focused on storytelling and personalization.
- Favorite Spirits: Bourbon and cherry-based liqueurs often inspire her signature cocktails.
- Signature Cocktails: Classics like the Hanky Panky and Paloma are part of her portfolio, but she often reimagines them with bold flavors and modern techniques.
- Approach: For Zahra, bartending is not just about serving drinks—it’s about creating memories. Every cocktail is an interaction, every garnish a detail, and every pour a gesture of hospitality.
Her precision is admired by peers, while her warmth and charisma are cherished by guests. This duality makes her one of Dubai’s most sought-after bartenders.
Personal Flair and Inspiration
Behind the professional excellence is Zahra’s personal charm. She describes herself as someone who balances discipline with creativity.
- Lifestyle Choices: She prefers simplicity when unwinding, often enjoying a draught beer or soft drinks like Coca-Cola after long shifts.
- Memorable Experiences: Attending the World’s 50 Best Bars Night in 2022 remains a highlight, where she connected with the world’s best bartenders and gained inspiration from global trends.
- Travel Goals: Though she thrives in Dubai’s skyline and luxury, she dreams of visiting Norway for its natural beauty and unique drinking culture.
Her personal mantra is both bold and inspiring:
“I walk like a diva, work like a beast.”
This reflects her unapologetic confidence and relentless work ethic—two qualities that define her career.
Impact on Dubai’s Bar Scene
Dubai is home to some of the best bars and restaurants in the world, and Zahra has become an integral part of this thriving ecosystem. By pushing technical boundaries and winning prestigious competitions, she has raised the bar (literally and figuratively) for her peers.
Her influence is particularly important for young professionals and women entering the field. She stands as proof that bartending can be a career of respect, recognition, and artistry, breaking away from outdated perceptions.
Vision for the Future
Zahra is still early in her global journey, but her ambitions are clear. She envisions herself not only as a leading mixologist but also as a mentor, innovator, and cultural ambassador. She aims to open doors for others in the industry while continuing to experiment with flavors, techniques, and traditions.
Her long-term dream may include leading her own concept bar, where her philosophy of precision, storytelling, and inclusivity will guide the entire guest experience.
A Technically Gifted Trailblazer
From her humble beginnings as a barista to her current role as a celebrated mixologist at Atlantis The Royal, Zahra Erfanian Azmoodeh’s journey is one of persistence, evolution, and passion.
Her recognition in competitions like World Class UAE and accolades like the Bartenders Power List 2025 are more than career highlights—they are milestones in her mission to inspire others and redefine what it means to be a bartender.
Zahra isn’t just mixing drinks; she’s mixing cultures, traditions, and innovations into every cocktail she creates. Her story is proof that technical excellence paired with creative passion can turn bartending into a true art form.
As she continues her rise, Zahra is shaping the future of Dubai’s bar culture—one meticulous pour, one bold garnish, and one inspiring story at a time.