Mixology. Good word. Kinda scientific while still funkadelic.
But although it sounds like it, it ain’t nuttin to do with DJs. At least, not directly.
In fact, it’s the art of cocktail skills; the ability to create, reproduce and deliver delicious mixed drinks in an often spectacular visual way.
Cayman’s blessed with talent in our bartending community and our brothers and sisters with the moves are making waves both locally and on a wider stage.
Steven Fanning, manager of Aqua Beach, is one such success story after winning the Caribbean Appleton Ambassador Bartender of the Year Award at a special contest in Kingston, Jamaica.
“I competed against 12 countries and came on top. It was presence behind the bar, cocktail, creating three drinks in front of a crowd of 2,000 Kingstonians. I threw in a bit of flair and a smile and came out on top,” says the energetic chap, who has a parallel career as a chef (and manager).
“Being the eager beaver I am, I always helped behind the bar, so I started bussing, washing glassware, getting ice. The next thing I know I picked up a plastic flair bottle and started practicing for at least two hours a day for six years. There were a couple of broken coffee tables later and a few knocks on the head.”
Steve has since been back to Jamaica to do a stint behind the bar in the company of another 2,000 people, including the prime minister.
Cayman masters
Lachlan Morris of Royal Palms and Margaritaville was named the winner of Flor De Caña Cayman’s Masters Rum Cocktail competition held at the Marriott Beach Resort. The Aussie beat 13 of Cayman’s top bartenders, producing one classic and one signature cocktail, plus showing off his flair skills.
“There were a lot of good drinks there and I am very happy. I made a grilled pineapple and pepper martini with a homemade spicy syrup. I grilled pineapple, pepper and cloves, balanced it and it tasted really good,” he tells us.
Lachlan’s prize is a two-day trip to New York City, where he will stay at the Marriott and get the opportunity to see some of the city’s top mixologists in action.
Prior to moving to Cayman, Lachlan was working in Amsterdam, but that had its down sides as well as the obvious attractions.
“I was sick of freezing my butt off in bus shelters waiting to go into work – I sent out some emails and got a ping from a guy here about a year and a half ago. The sun is a big part of it. I like it here.
“We need more competitions out here; one a year is not enough. Maybe four or five – it would be good to have something else,” he muses.
The Brasserie’s Jomel Padilla was hot on his heels, taking the best classic cocktail title, while Jono Firstbrook from O bar won best flair barman.
Organisers Tortuga say the event was so successful they’re going to do it again. Barnaby Richardson says that the creativity would benefit everyone.
“Following the competition, the recipe from each bartender’s best rated cocktail will be published in a special Flor de Caña cocktail menu, in celebration of a quite amazing event.”
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