WEDDING MAKERS
IN THIS SERIES WE INTRODUCE SOME OF THE PEOPLE WHOSE PRODUCTS AND SKILLS MAKE A COUPLE’S WEDDING DAY SPECIAL. FOR OUR SUMMER ISSUE WE WERE THINKING OF COOL COCKTAILS SO WE SPOKE TO DAMIAN MUSCAT, THE EXPERT BEHIND THE BAR FOR ANY WEDDING RECEPTION.
The cocktail shaker HOW DID Y OU FIRST BECOME ESPECIALLY INTERESTED IN COCKTAILS, AND WHERE HAS THAT INTEREST TAKEN Y OU? Since I was 16, I started working in the hospitality industry. I became attached to this sector and mostly to cocktail making. Cocktail making has long been my passion, and creating exciting and new cocktails is an extension of it. After many years of perfecting my craft, I have now run my own mobile cocktail bar for the past 16 years, and Damian’s Cocktails is now one of the leading mobile cocktail bars in Malta and Gozo. HOW HAS PEOPLE’S TASTE FOR CERTAIN INGREDIENTS CHANGED SINCE Y OU BEGAN, AND WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR COCKTAILS TODAY ? The world of cocktails is so vast, and many professional barmen have their own ideas and creations. Having extensive experience in cocktail making makes is easier to understand people’s special requests, and to adapt new techniques which develop through the years. I could say that cocktails which were popular many years ago are still popular today, however we sometimes give a twist to the original recipe, making it more interesting and fun for one to try. However one could argue that Gin cocktails are becoming ever more popular than a few years ago.
24 I DO
IS THERE A LOT OF DEMAND FOR MOCKTAILS, AND HOW MUCH DO Y OU THINK PEOPLE APPRECIATE WHAT LOOKS LIKE A ‘REAL’ DRINK WHEN THEY ARE AVOIDING ALCOHOL FOR ANY REASON? Many responsible people will not hesitate to order a mocktail instead of an alcoholic cocktail, especially if they have to drive or if they think they are going over the limit. There is nothing wrong to sipping on a mocktail, and these are equally appreciated. It also takes creativity to prepare and present a mocktail, just the same as a cocktail. WHEN WEDDINGS ARE BEING RESTRICTED, HOW CAN COUPLES AND THEIR GUESTS STILL ENJOY COCKTAILS DURING THEIR CELEBRATIONS? Yes, even if open bars at weddings are restricted, and weddings are seated, we have adapted our services to table service, where our staff will take the cocktail orders from the tables, and deliver the cocktails directly to the guests. This will allow the couples and guests to enjoy their favourite cocktail at the comfort of their table. WHAT WOULD BE Y OUR MESSAGE TO COUPLES WHO ARE HESITATING ABOUT HAVING THEIR WEDDING THIS Y EAR, OR BOOKING FOR SOME TIME AHEAD, WHEN THERE IS SURE TO BE A HUGE RUSH AS THINGS ARE EASING UP? Obviously a traditional Maltese wedding will be a stand up wedding with hundreds of guests, however this is currently restricted. Having had some seated
