Secrets from the Shaker
Submitted by: Tatum Bessick
Bartenders tend to make it look easy behind the bar, slinging drinks with flourishes of seemingly effortless flair.
If, as a home cocktail enthusiast or aspiring mixologist, you’re imagining that a few hacks will miraculously raise your cocktail game to this level of professional panache, let’s kick off with a quick reality check from our industry legends.
Just in time for World Bartenders Day (on 24 February 2025) we chat to four top South African bartenders who have shared their tips on streamlining the workflow, addressing sustainability and reducing waste with flair, and adding a dash of creativity to your ANGOSTURA® bitters service.
Secrets, Shenanigans, and the Truth About Bartending!
Many aspiring mixologists search for shortcuts to elevate their skills. However, according to industry professionals, there are no easy routes to mastery.
"Bartending is all about hard work, dedication, and practice. Yes, there are small tricks to speed things up, but there’s no substitute for understanding the bar, the culture, and the workflow," says AJ Durow of Bascule Bar.
Liam Jukes of fable adds, "It’s a craft that requires more than just making drinks. A great bartender needs marketing skills, relationship-building, upselling techniques, time management, and production efficiency. The drink is just one part of the experience."
According to Evert de Jong of Just Short and Sin+Tax, communication and multi-tasking are essential. "Knowing how to talk and listen to different people while managing yourself will save you over and over again in hospitality," he says.
Bar Hacks & Fast Pours: The Secrets to Bartending Like a Pro!
Experienced bartenders agree that the key to a smooth service is preparation and workflow management.
Mise en place is key
Ensuring all tools and ingredients are set up before service is crucial for efficiency.
Pouring technique matters
When making multiple drinks, pouring halfway into each glass first and topping up ensures consistent levels.
Mastering round building
A skilled bartender can make multiple drinks at once, improving speed and service quality.
Staying organized
Keeping a clean and structured workspace helps maintain focus and efficiency.
Maximizing ANGOSTURA® Bitters Behind the Bar
While ANGOSTURA® bitters has been a staple in bars worldwide for 200 years, these industry professionals have unique ways to incorporate them into service.
"Decant ANGOSTURA® bitters into a clear bottle with a longer pouring spout for better control when garnishing," recommends AJ Durow."Think of ANGOSTURA® aromatic bitters as the ‘pepper’ of cocktails. A few dashes can balance out an overly sweet drink without changing its acidity," says Liam Jukes.
"Adding a dash of ANGOSTURA® bitters to a rum and coke or brandy and coke elevates the drink with minimal effort," suggests Evert de Jong.
"Fat-washing ANGOSTURA® bitters with coconut oil or butter creates a rich, velvety texture in cocktails," shares Stephanie Oosthuizen of Socks Premium Syrups.
How Bartenders Are Shaking Up the Green Revolution!
Sustainability is becoming a key focus in modern bartending, with professionals finding ways to reduce waste while enhancing cocktail creativity. Stephanie Oosthuizen shares a few of her go-to sustainability hacks:
Using citrus peels for oleo saccharum
Instead of discarding peels, they can be transformed into a flavorful syrup.
Infusing water with scraps
Leftover cucumber or celery can create subtly infused water for cocktails.
Replacing egg whites with aquafaba
Chickpea liquid provides a sustainable alternative for foamy cocktails.
Repurposing garnishes
Dehydrated citrus, berries, and herb can be blended into powder for rimming glasses.
With these expert tips, you can refine your craft, enhance your efficiency, and bring professional flair to your cocktails. Master the fundamentals, experiment with ANGOSTURA® bitters, and turn every dash into a step toward becoming your own bartending pro.
For more information on ANGOSTURA® bitters and its versatility, visit www.angosturabitters.com. Follow Angostura South Africa on Facebook (/AngosturaSouthAfrica) and Instagram (@AngosturaZA) for recipes, industry insights, and brand updates.
Submitted on behalf of
- Company: ANGOSTURA®
- Contact #: 0676644566
- Website
Press Release Submitted By
- Agency/PR Company: Paddington Station PR
- Contact person: Tatum Bessick
- Website
Winning multiple awards since our inception in 2012, Paddington Station has gained a reputation in the industry as the agency with a big heart and even bigger brand stories. The only small agency ever to be awarded a Gold Presidential Prism Award for PR and Communication Advancement and the 2023 Gold Prism Award winner for Best Small Agency is testament to our commitment and abilities to creating brand campaigns and strategies that drive real impact. With our foundations firmly built on PR, content, reputation management and experiential content, we have evolved over time to become a full-service agency. Sporting our own in-house film and photographic studios, we are able to meet the demands of complex consumer behaviours through content and strategies that not only lands, but also sticks.
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