I’M NOT much of a drinker (these days) but I’m open to learning the tricks of the bartender’s trade—or a mixologist’s—whichever level is willing to share his/her expertise.
I was in luck. Recently, Marco Polo Davao launched “Raise The Bar” (RTB), bartending and mixology class at Eagle’s Bar.
“Raise The Bar is another signature experience of Marco Polo Hotels. It is indeed a great opportunity for professionals and young professionals that they may able to learn the international standards of bartending and mixology,” said MPD GM Dottie Wurger-Cronin.
I was among the “pupils” in the class lead by Lawrence Ibarra, resident bartender of MPD and silver medalist of the recent Kusdelsur competition in Bartending. Joining the trainer was James Carty, who shared a brief overview on mixology, and Nathan Ducot showed off his award winning flare-tending.
What did I learn? I “shook” my first Kamikaze, “strained” my first Martini, “built” my first Cuba Libre and “layered” my first B52. Most importantly, I learned that when you mix alcohol in a shaker always to keep you thumb pressed on the cap otherwise you’ll be “wearing your own mixed drink”, if you get the picture.
It was a fun class. Give it a shot you might just love it. Remember, bartenders and mixologists are chick and dude magnets.
“RTB is scheduled every first and third Monday of the month which targets students, professionals and young professionals to sign up to classes in basic and advance Bartending and Mixology skills. Interested guests will just pay an assessment fee of P888 inclusive of a snack, class manual and certificate. Aside from the basic class of bartending, students will also learn the concoction of Timeless classics, Rum Bumble, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Havana Nights, Water of Life, Oak and Barrel, La Dolce Vista, Stirred Not Shaken, The Season that Sparkles.”
*****
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