There is no question that bartenders in Cayman are making waves on the international stage.
With local talent placing in competitions overseas, and visiting cocktail aficionados being dazzled by the wares created in the island’s bars, word is getting out.
Cayman has already been dubbed the ‘Culinary Capital of the Caribbean’, and now the collective cocktail community is working to ensure that its industry is given equal recognition.
Here are just some of the bars that are taking the art of bartending to the next level.
DOOR NO 4
Founder of Door No 4 Simon Crompton needs no introduction – at least not in the cocktail industry. The Englishman with the cheeky grin started bartending more years ago than he cares to admit – experience that no doubt contributed to his award-winning performance in the World Class Bartending Competition Cayman Islands in 2013. This was followed by a brand ambassadorship for Diageo.
His knowledge of spirits, coupled with a savvy sense of what makes a bar successful, led to the launch of Door No 4 in April 2022, located in The Grove.
Word has got around, and not just in Cayman. Crompton was recently contacted by the very prestigious Tales of the Cocktail Foundation to inform him that his bar is a Top 10 finalist in the Best New International Cocktail Bar category for Latin America/Caribbean.
Like many others of his peers, Crompton feels that such a nomination doesn’t just raise the profile of his business – it elevates everyone in the local bartending community.
“I try to be a Cayman Islands cocktail ambassador,” Crompton says. “We are aiming to be the cocktail capital of the Caribbean – recognised with other top bars of the world.”
He lauds the skills of his bar team, who make drinks “in a simplified, elegant way”. “People like to see the theatre of it,” he adds, emphasising that social aspect of a bar is as important as its cocktails. A smile will keep customers coming back.
Favourite cocktail: Palomita (Mezcal, tequila, pear eau-de-vie, agave syrup, hopped passion fruit and grapefruit soda)
NEXT DOOR
Wayne Epple, general manager of Next Door – the bar with the speakeasy vibe next to Agua in Camana Bay – is one of the driving forces behind promotion of the local cocktail culture as a whole, rather than individual glory.
That being said, he’s certainly not upset about the fact that Next Door was a finalist for the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation Spirit Awards in 2022. This recognition from such an important international body is proof that people are sitting up and taking notice of what Cayman has to offer, and that it can go head-to-head with far bigger countries in the region.
The Next Door cocktail menu doesn’t just feature cocktails created by its bartenders – it is a collaboration with experts both locally and abroad submitting recipes.
“It creates more of a community,” Epple says. “Come to us, and try cocktails we have created, as well as other bars.” He added that there isn’t the concern of competition, because people will go on a natural tour of such venues to try the different drinks, but will always come back if the product is top-notch.
The Next Door menu is updated about every six months, with ingredients changing seasonally to ensure freshness. It is one of the many ways in which the cocktail industry is aligning with the culinary world.
“People are starting to realise the importance and art of a well-crafted cocktail,” Epple says. “We aim to show everyone that Cayman deserves to be on that map with the big cities.”
Favourite cocktail: Floradora (tequila, mezcal, Chambord, peach, ginger ale)
ANCHOR AND DEN
Just inside the Marriott Resort’s main doors, after you take a right at the stunning wall of stingrays, you’ll find yourself in Anchor & Den – a space known for its special events, live music, excellent brunch and, of course, its curated list of exceptional cocktails.
The creation of the cocktail menu was a team effort, with beverages lovingly crafted by A&D’s talented in-house mixologists. The latest iteration, however, has been taken to yet another level, as it was developed in collaboration with World Class Bartending Champion David Rios, who teaches master classes around the world and lectures as a consultant and advisor. Every recipe is carefully designed, even down to the final result’s specific look.
“At A&D, we… understand the significance of glassware in achieving the desired look,” says restaurant and bar manager Martin Dohnal. “Our attention to detail ensures that every cocktail is well-presented. In addition, we support local artists by using their unique glassware.”
The cocktail list is updated every 3-6 months, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients mixed with global inspiration.
A&D also has its finger on the pulse of what’s popular. What’s a top tipple in the market at the moment? Gin, naturally. Look out for the Ginius Friday special, which will showcase the finest top-shelf liquors and premium gin and tonic creations.
Favourite cocktail: Palomita (tequila, raspberry-infused Campari, fresh pink grapefruit juice, agave syrup and pink grapefruit soda)
V2O CAYMAN
One of the latest additions to the Cayman hotspot scene is V2O (Vines to Ocean) located in Regency Court on West Bay Road.
People who have heard the buzz might be forgiven for thinking it is a wine-only bar, but in fact it also offers a tempting variety of cocktails for those who would prefer a spirited tipple. These can be paired with charcuterie platters and other delicious nibbles on the menu.
Owners Cheryl Pokoradi and Pawan Negi have created a comfortable, cool indoor getaway from the summer heat that includes sparkling Sunday spritzers on special.
Sommelier and bartender Elizabeth Flamini favours the classics when it comes to cocktails. “Classics never die,” she says. “They are the original, traditional drinks that people know and love.”
V2O carries top-shelf brands, and every recipe is mixed with care. “It’s all about balance – that’s what makes a great cocktail,” Flamini adds.
So, if you prefer a martini to a Malbec, you’ll definitely find what you’re looking for at V2O; and if you’re in the mood for wine, you won’t be disappointed.
Favourite cocktail: ‘Killer’ Negroni (gin, Campari, Carpano Antica Formula)
BACKROOM BAR
Bartending competitions have become fierce over the years, and Cayman is no exception. The talent and skills of those wielding the bottles provides visual entertainment for the audiences that cheer them on.
Yuleidy Sanchez from Backroom Bar is no stranger to applause, as she is a World Class and Speed Rack winner, revered for her attention to detail and extensive mixology knowledge. Sanchez has been in the business for 15 years, and she designed the Backroom cocktail menu from scratch.
“I monitor what people are ordering, what the community is enjoying,” she says, when asked what inspires her to create new recipes. “I like variety, from strengths to flavours,” she adds, confessing that gin is a favourite ingredient.“It goes well with everything – it’s very refreshing.”
She has seen a lot of changes in the local landscape, even in the last few years. “There are now many good bars in Cayman, where you can get a great cocktail,” Sanchez says.
As for Backroom, she states that a combination of using fresh ingredients and making homemade infusions and syrups is what makes its drinks so popular.
Favourite cocktail: Rhubarbes (vodka, fresh strawberries, homemade rhubarb cordial, lemon juice, elderflower liqueur and topped with sparkling wine).
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