2 minute read
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.
Q: What made you decide to become a bartender?
A: There are a lot of reasons. But the main reason is that I have always been very interested in working with food and people. That’s why many of my drinks have a culinary twist.
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?
A: The industry in South Africa in general is rapidly changing 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 Africa’s best bartender in the Diageo World Class bartending finals and will now be representing the country in Berlin. He came up with a really great sustainable concept partnering with The Haven Shelter, training people to make cocktail ingredients so bartenders can go to them as suppliers.
AJ Snetler, aka ‘the tattooed bartender’
Q: What are some of the modern cocktail trends you wish would die off?
A: I don’t think there’s anything that really needs to go, but there is a lot that needs to be celebrated more. Gin has been a massive trend for a while, so I think it’s time we focused on some other great spirits. We have some beautiful brandies and whiskies that deserve the spotlight. There are also some amazing tequilas out there. Locally, there’s a Karoo agave spirit called The 4th Rabbit, which is very exciting. There are lots of cool things coming out!
Q: What is your favourite spirit right now?
A: Tequila! I actually used to not be a very avid tequila drinker. It was one of those things where you have a bad experience with a drink and you feel like you can never touch it again. But we’ve made peace now. Buffalo Trace Bourbon is also a favourite but I also really like Sazerac Rye Whiskey.
Q: Apparently rum is the new gin. What’s a great rum cocktail?
A: Rum isn’t necessarily the new gin. I think there’s good competition between rum and tequila. There are a few great classics with rum. I’m a big fan of a Cuba Libre or a good old-fashioned daiquiri. You have to love tiki island-style cocktails with an overboard garnish.
The Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront – www.radissonblu.com/en/hotel-capetown/
