GOOD SPIRITS

COCKTAIL MASTERCLASSES PROVE A HIT FOR COCOON BARS

When Oscar Vallance launched Cocoon Bars, his vision was to run a mobile cocktail bar, as well as host mixing masterclasses. Naturally, he didn’t account for a global pandemic that would wipe out social gatherings and the events calendar. However, Oscar adapted and his online masterclasses proved a hit during lockdown. The success has inspired a new direction for the fledgling business, as Oscar explains…

Starting Out...

As well as being Assistant Manager at Piries Bar in Horsham, I have previous experience of working at cocktail bars and distilleries. I have also taken exams with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and become a specialist in cocktails and spirits.

As I spend an awful lot of time thinking about flavour combinations, ingredients and measures, I felt my skills were best suited to starting a cocktail bar business!

I launched Cocoon at the start of the year. The business is named after a song by Catfish and the Bottlemen, although it also ties in with the natural ethos of the business. We promote brands that focus on sustainability, using spirits and fresh ingredients from eco-friendly producers including Ketel One vodka and Chimney Fire Coffee in Surrey.

I finished building my first cocktail bar at the end of January. The idea was to host masterclasses, where people could learn to make cocktails and have fun at the same time. Thanks partly to the gin craze, people are thinking more about what they drink. They’re not just ordering Jack Daniels and Coke anymore. They’re asking for gin and tonic with special garnishes, a rhubarb gin and lemonade, an espresso Martini or a French 75. They’re engaged in what they’re drinking and it’s not just about consuming alcohol.

Oscar Vallance, Cocoon Bars

Toby Phillips Photography/AAH

Gin is still hugely popular in the south of England. I use the analogy of a ripple effect. If a drop of water falls in a pond, the centre is London and as the ripple stretches out, its effects last longer. Trends tend to stick around for a long time outside of the capital. Gin has been in decline in London for the last five years, but people are still crazy about it here. I love gin, but also love to introduce people to great whiskey and rum, which is perhaps the most versatile spirit when it comes to cocktails.

Zoom Masterclasses

When lockdown was announced, we had to do things differently. I hosted online masterclasses using Zoom instead. We charged £5 per person, with the money donated to The Trussell Trust, which runs a network of food banks. The masterclasses proved a success, becoming increasingly popular as the weeks went by. Towards the end, there was demand for eight classes on a Saturday, with upwards of 30 people attending sometimes. One group of friends joined me 11 weeks in a row, forcing me to invent new recipes!

I was constantly changing the cocktails. We had a menu for gin, vodka, rum and whiskey, with gin and vodka being most popular. We went through the process for three cocktails for each menu, giving participants a shopping list beforehand to prepare. Then, we would make each cocktail together, allowing time for tasting, of course! The sessions were fun and we raised lots of money for a good cause. And it gave me valuable experience of presenting to a group and keeping them engaged.

I have since hosted cocktail masterclasses in person, working with small groups, usually in a garden. That became difficult when the rule of six restrictions were implemented. Since then, it’s been a matter of making the best of the situation. I hosted a masterclass for staff at The Capitol, as they are launching a cocktail menu at the theatre bar and staff needed training. I now plan to host similar events for the public at the venue from November.

These events will offer something new, exciting and safe in what is a pretty glum time. Working in pairs or in groups of four, people can enjoy a welcome glass of Prosecco and three lovely cocktails for £30 per person. If you went out for the evening, four drinks would easily cost that amount. At the masterclass, you can have a good time with friends, learn about spirits and enjoy a little bit of theatre too.

I now have two bars, with the second being attached to a specially-adapted bicycle, made for me in Bristol. We’ve also become part of the Horsham Market, offering two hot and two cold cocktails, as well as a nonalcoholic variety. One of the drinks is a hot smoked espresso, made with Ketel One vanilla vodka and freshly smoked coffee from a local supplier to create a beautiful hot cocktail that’s just perfect for this time of year.

The one thing people often ask about is spinning bottles. I'm afraid I don’t do that. I’ve tried, but I’m not talented or cool enough to pull it off yet!

● To contact Cocoon Bars, visit: www.cocoonbars.com Mob: 07957 226947 Email: cocoonbars@gmail.com

Words: Ben Morris Photos: Toby Phillips Photography