The Drink
Mr. Shakedelik
stoking the flames
Robert Sabitzer shoots his way to unconcsiousness
Vesper Bar is on the ground floor of the Landmark Building, 5B Ton Duc Thang, Q1
16 | Word May 2013
I
t was after a round of five cappuccino shooters that the idea of doing a photo was first breached. Robert was only in Saigon for the month of April, but the Bavarian-born, Austrian-raised self-styled Mr. Shakedelik is such a fun and gifted mixologist, that we decided to try and do some ‘tails with fire. But first was that cappuccino shooter. “Don’t swallow it at once. Keep it in your mouth and mix it up like you’re brushing your teeth. When it’s warm, then swallow.” I was the only one who followed the instructions, and hell did I enjoy this devil. It went down warm, just like the iconic cappuccino, but with a dastardly kick. Certain other of his concoctions knocked
me for more than just a six — we’re talking out of the ground here, not just the boundary. In particular there was his SOS Blue, a four-layered potion made out of lemon juice, liquid sugar, blue curacao and tequila. There is a real pleasure having an experienced mixologist in town, especially if you like your alcoholic drinks to come with more than just some beer bottle bubble. And to all those bar owners out there and fivestar watering holes, we need more of them. Fortunately, at least one we know will be returning. Robert Sabitzer will be back at Vesper Bar in November. Time to get those juices rolling and those shakers shaking. — Nick Ross