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 YOU FIRST BECOME ESPECIALLY INTERESTED IN COCKTAILS, AND WHERE HAS THAT INTEREST TAKEN YOU?

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 YOU 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.

IS THERE A LOT OF DEMAND FOR MOCKTAILS, AND HOW MUCH DO YOU 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 YOUR MESSAGE TO COUPLES WHO ARE HESITATING ABOUT HAVING THEIR WEDDING THIS YEAR, 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

weddings, and on a smaller scale, gives that intimate touch, were couples and guests still enjoy themselves in a different way. Following feedback from our past clients, they will not hesitate to repeat the same scenario, if they had to make the same decision, as it was still the best day of their lives. Yes, couples are still encouraged to place bookings for their wedding, from 2022 onwards, as it might be difficult to find their preferred suppliers, should they leave this till the very end.

WHEN YOU’RE NOT SHAKING OR STIRRING HOW DO LIKE TO SPEND YOUR TIME?

Having to run a mobile cocktail business on a full time basis takes a lot of my time. There are endless days of preparation for all the events, many meetings with clients, and so on. So free time is very limited. However the little time I have to spare, I prefer to spend it with my family and two children.

YOU ONCE CREATED A SPECIAL IDO COCKTAIL FOR US. IS THERE A WAY COUPLES COULD HAVE A UNIQUE COCKTAIL CREATED FOR THEM?

This is something that many couples request and we are pleased to cater for. Many couples wish for a signature cocktail created for them, maybe with their favourite spirit, which will be served on their big day, together with the rest of the cocktails, and the name of the cocktail will be related to a thing that means something special to them. Let’s say their names, the place where they met, proposed, etc. Sometimes it could even be a name of their child or pet! I have heard endless name ideas but the important thing is that it is something special to the couple.