Drink Masters

Why does Netflix keep saying "the best of the world" and the contestants are only from the US and Canada? I was expecting participants from famous party cities around the world. The format is good: first a general challenge that involves cooking and preparing a cocktail based on a specific criteria, and based on the cocktail presented the people who the judges consider are not good enough go straight to the elimination challenge. It is nice that they explain everything that they are going to do. I love that the show presents key concepts on screen when it seems to be an unknown object/term. In general it's a nice and entertaining show to watch if you like alcohol and learn about it.

Pros: cinematography, when they present the cocktail is top notch. You can learn from the diversity of these drinks and it's amazing how they combine some elements. And that's where the good part ends.

Cons: everything else. The judges, maybe they are good in their line of work but Frankie is talking like a shaolin priest, no emotions, no passion, way too chill for this. Then we have the...agenda with the contestants. You know who's gonna win and who's gonna reach far in the show sooo easy! And no, not by their skill. And this kills all the fun unfortunately. Is it that hard to do a show based exclusively on REAL talent instead of ethnicity???

This show is definitely a great show no doubt, however, i do not think that they are judging correctly. The "Crowned" drink master was NOT the correct choice. Over the competition the other contestents have constantly pushed and fought there way to be there with them but none of the previous challenges were taken into a whole for the final decision. This decision should have have been based on there performance during the entire competition. If you were to consider the whole competition and talents brought out during the season, there was a ABSOLUTE clear winner and it was NOT who they crowned.

Overall I enjoyed watching this show. The atmosphere was good, the drinks were beautiful and the sound design really brought out that component of making cocktails. I was impressed with the range of ingredients and techniques on display.

There was a strong impression that the contestants had time to prepare before each of the challenges to make a plan, and potentially even to organize the availability of their inhredients. How the hell would they have hay just lying around on the shelf?

The one thing that stood out very negatively was the way the judges' comments were utilized. They need to be a core ingredient to the show, as their descriptions are the only way we as the viewer can really experience these cocktails. Often the comments were cut too short and decisions were not explained enough. This is especially true for the final judgement, which came without any explanation whatsoever. Personally, I felt like one of the other finalists should have won (no spoilers). But most importantly, the decision should have been explained much more transparently.

They eliminated the top challenge winner too early on and kept people clinging to the bottom week after week. But these cocktail artisans are incredible, visually stunning and marvelous to watch. And Tone is hilarious!

Suggestions for next season: STOP over editing. -Show us more of the contestants vibing after challenges backstage (we want to see friendships and alliances born behind the scenes!) -like project runway and top chef. Easier to route for people and get inspired as viewers this way!

-Have more clear and consistent judging criteria. Felt muddled and not in a delicious mojito way.