We are back with the third edition of Cocktail City. On Sunday, February 24, 2019, World Bartender Day was celebrated and of course Jamaica joined in the festivities. The World Bartender Day is the celebrated anniversary of the International Bartenders Association, which was formed in the saloon of the Grand Hotel of Torquay, United Kingdom, on February 24, 1951.

We continue to showcase some of our talented bartenders in this edition of Cocktail City. As is customary, the bartenders were assigned a spirit, given one hour to prepare and then to wow our eyes and taste buds with four specially created masterpieces.

The Selected Spirits

We assigned Appleton Estate Signature Blend — a blend of 15 select aged rums with an average age of four years, and Absolut Raspberri — a vodka with natural ripened raspberries which are rich and intense with no added sugar. Once the bartenders assessed their assigned spirits, they stepped up to the task at hand and took us on a cocktail journey.

Meet The Bartenders

Randeen Thomas, bartender at The Joy Spence Appleton Estate Rum Experience

Thursday Food (TF): Clearly, we know you love Appleton Estate rums! But tell us of your experience using the Signature Blend.

Randeen Thomas (RT): I like the versatility of this premium rum blend which can be used to elevate cocktails.

TF: How long have you been a bartender?

RT: I have been a bartender for 7½ years, but I believe that I am still very young in the profession because I can learn something new every day about my craft.

TF: What do you love most about being a bartender?

RT: I love that I can be creative and elevate my craftsmanship. I love to see my customers delighted with my creations. I am able to travel the world, not necessarily physically, but by using other spirits of the world I get to know more about the countries these spirits are made in.

TF: If you were not bartending, what would you be doing professionally?

RT: I would be a chef as I love food. My nickname is The Big Belly Bartender.

TF: How would you describe your bartending style?

RT: I would describe my style as classical, done creatively, using local and unusual ingredients.

TF: Tell us about your five-year plan.

RT: I want to advance my knowledge and skill set and showcase cocktails using local ingredients.

TF: Since medalling in the Taste of Jamaica competition, what would you say to your colleagues?

RT: I would tell them to use their creativity, leave their comfort zones, enter as many competitions as possible, so that you keep growing in the profession.

Shellaine Ewart, bartender at Cellar 8, Manor Park

Thursday Food (TF): How long have you been bartending?

Shellaine Ewart (SE): I have been a bartender for the past three years.

TF: What do you like most about your job?

SE: I love seeing my customers happy, providing great service and seeing smiles on my customers’ faces.

TF: What did you like about working with Absolut Raspberri vodka?

SE: I found that Absolut is very refined and smooth. The raspberry imparted fruit flavours to the cocktails.

TF: Now that you have experimented with Absolut Raspberri, on what occasions would you recommend that consumers enjoy it?

SE: Definitely during girls’ night out events, or at a party to build the vibes!

TF: I realise that your cocktails tend to have a shade of pink. Is there a reason why?

SE: I love pink; pink is my favourite colour. I like to put that ‘girly’ spin on the cocktail. I find the colour very relaxing.

TF: Describe your bartending style.

SE: Simple and colourful — that’s my general approach to life.

TF: If you were not a bartender, what profession would you likely be in?

SE: I think I would be a soldier.

TF: Tell us about your five-year plan.

SE: Owning a bar and teaching young bartenders about the bartending profession.

The Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards 2019 committee has announced an inaugural designation of Bartender of the Year at this years’ Jamaica Observer Food Awards. Who will be nominated? Who will win? Bartenders/Mixologists, are you ready? Continue to follow @jamaicaobserver and @bartendingacademyja for more information about this very prestigious and exciting nomination and award.

Readers’ Feedback:

Imagine if we embraced life’s moments big and small, without reservation. Together, we might fill the world with contagious joy. Please share with me your wines, spirits and cocktail experiences or comments on the above article at debbiansm@gmail.com, or follow me on IG @debbiansm #barnoneja.

Debbian Spence-Minott

An Alumna of the US Sommelier Association

CEO of the Academy of Bartending, Spirits & Wines

President – Jamaica Union of Bartenders and Mixologists (JUBAM) Limited