Kennedy and Donna Pire

Co-founders, TheCraftyBartender.com

“Ten years ago, we were living in Toronto and couldn’t get the bar tools or ingredients we saw in cocktail books. Our local bar was The Harbord Room, and once we started importing items, it caught on by word of mouth. We’d get invited to events where we’d set up a little table and sell stuff to bartenders. Stores started reaching out to carry the products.

“In the past few years, we’re focusing on Canadian brands—there are so many making great bitters, syrups and other ingredients. Our clientele includes industry, home cocktail enthusiasts, and now virtual event coordinators and cocktail companies. People who have never owned a shaker are creating elaborate cocktails at home!

“For us, ecommerce has always been the way to go. But we love when people phone, because we can ask them, ‘What do you drink?’ or say, ‘You should really try this!’”—