Blended, shaken and stirred
Raising the bar on creativity
Maura Curley
No two are the same- bartenders or drinks. Cocktails in the Caribbean are more creative than ever. And the new 'bar chefs' have more passion for their profession.
Some of us may recall the 1980’s movie Cocktail starring Tom Cruise and Elizabeth Shue, filmed in Jamaica. It showcased the quintessential Caribbean beach bar, with its colorful cast of characters, and bartenders who catered to them.
Two decades later, the profession has evolved, and a new younger crop of ‘bar chefs’ is infusing cocktails with a new brand of sophistication.
More than a dozen contenders for the “ bartender of the Year award “ compete in The Taste of the Caribbean each year.
The criteria for judging, in addition to taste, were eye appeal, and a certain theatrical element, and of course personality, which no bartender can do without.
virginvoices.com photo by D.B. Bostdorf
Photo: Joshua King, from the U.S. Virgin Islands, utilized the islands native guavaberry liqueur, Absolute vodka, blackberry lemon and lime and rum. during the 2009 Taste of the Caribbean competition.
Another King drink “ Flaming Julie Mango” showcased St. Croix's famous Cruzan rum, fresh mangos with guava and fresh roasted chipolata peppers, with lime juice and Contreau, giving it a smoky sweet taste.King served the drink just after he actually lit the hot pepper on fire.
Maura Curley is publisher of virginvoices.com
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