Beverages AJ Snetler, aka ‘the tattooed bartender’ has a decade of experience in South Africa’s bartending industry. He tells us what the biggest cocktail trends are right now and lets us know what we should be drinking.
Talking trends with the tattooed barman SNETLER STARTED OUT in Port Elizabeth, bartending at Georgiou’s Steakhouse, The Coachman on the Bay and SoHo Fusion Lounge. Off the back of his success, he decided to move to Cape Town ‒ working at Dropkick Murphy’s, The Orphanage Cocktail Emporium and Twankey Bar. Throughout this time he was nominated for and won numerous local and global awards, becoming an ambassador for global brands. He’s now bringing his signature brand of bartending to one of Cape Town’s top hotspots, Tobago’s Restaurant, Bar and Terrace at the Radisson Blu Hotel. Full Service sat down with him recently and here’s our Q&A.
people. That’s why many of my drinks have a culinary twist.
Q: What made you decide to become a bartender?
A: The industry in South Africa in general is rapidly changing
A: There are a lot of reasons. But the main reason is that I
and growing. Lots of people are focused on flaring, which is a cool way of showcasing your skills. Sustainability is also a major trend locally. Travis Kuhn was recently named South
have always been very interested in working with food and
Q: What is your favourite cocktail to make and why? A: There are too many, but one of my absolute favourites would have to be a classic Negroni. I love very straightforward cocktails where you can really focus on the right balance and getting the perfect flavours out of the drink.
Q: What mixology trend are you most excited about right now?
“
‘Gin has been a massive trend for a while, so I think it’s time we focused on some other great spirits”
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November 2018 | Full Serv ce
