The Bar Journal

Continuing from trendy thoughts…

Japanese Style

Many European bartenders have undertaken learning trips to Japan.

There is almost a Zen element to Japanese bartending. They employ a very considered approach to the craft and are very specific technique-wise (e.g. Hard Shake).

Service ritual and presentation

Bartenders are going the extra mile to create memorable moments for their customers. It’s always been about more than the drink; good bartenders often think about the best way to define the experience for their customers

Food and cocktail pairing

I’ve seeing more interest and experimentation around the world

Food science is revealing some fascinating and often counter-intuitive matches, The tippling Club in Singapore is one of the most unique experience and specialise bar in this art of service.

Think of the progression from aperitif to digestif In a meal and how the weight and fullness of flavours progresses to match the dishes.

History and background

The history of mixed drinks goes back thousands of years. We certainly have written references of mixed wine drinks in classical Rome and Greece.

There are theories that the ‘punch’ originated in India as a combined drink and that goes back three hundred years. The name ‘cocktail’ is two hundred years old or so: just spirit, sugar, water, bitters.

The first cocktail in Japan was the “Bamboo’, according to the knowledgeable Ueno San.

The importance of classics today

The family of Sours, Vermouth Cocktail and Tiki.

The test of a decent bartender and the first classic cocktail ever made for us was without no doubt Mr. Dick Bradsell, one of the Grand Masters of the UK bar scene.

Bradsell also created a new category of drink : the contemporary cocktails such as the Bramble, Espresso Martini, Russian Spring Punch and Tricole.

Classic have stood the test of time and can be used to branch out into more interesting areas based on the same formulae.

Interesting cultural cocktails customs

Tiki has been gaining in popularity for a while, and throughout Europe and Americas you can find several Tiki style of bars.

Speakeasy has been very popular in the last 8 years but probably overloaded and now in decline stage.

However, to have a good bar you should always have a good mixologist to tend the bar !!!

SALUTE !