As a self-proclaimed cocktail connoisseur, I’ve always been fascinated by the art of mixology. But lately, I’ve noticed a refreshing shift in the industry – one that goes beyond just creating delectable drinks. Bartenders around the globe are shaking up the norms, embracing sustainability and eco-friendly practices to craft cocktails that not only tantalise the taste buds, but also promote a greener future.
Raising the Bar with Mindful Mixology
It was during a recent visit to 1 Hotel Mayfair in London that I truly witnessed the magic of sustainable mixology. There, I had the pleasure of chatting with Matteo Carretta, the Bar Director at the hotel’s enchanting watering hole, Dover Yard.
Matteo’s passion for mindful mixology was palpable, and he shared how he’s been shaking up the cocktail scene by infusing his creations with a touch of eco-consciousness. “Sustainability is a significant consideration not just for Dover Yard, but also for 1 Hotel,” he explained. “That’s why we’ve established a closed-cycle preparation program, where we repurpose the unavoidable daily waste of the hotel to create high-quality ingredients for our cocktails.”
Intrigued, I leaned in closer as Matteo described his ingenious approach. “We use coffee grounds from our café and leftover pastries from breakfast to form the foundation of our cocktails. It’s all about finding ways to minimize waste and make the most of every resource.”
Celebrating Local Bounty
But Matteo’s sustainable journey doesn’t stop there. He’s also an ardent champion of showcasing the best of what the UK has to offer, sourcing local spirits and liqueurs to feature on the Dover Yard menu.
“Another form of sustainability is supporting the local community,” he shared. “There are numerous outstanding spirits and liqueurs produced right here, and we aim to do them justice by featuring them prominently on our menu.”
As I sipped on the Rookie Bramble, a signature cocktail that exemplifies Matteo’s dedication to local and sustainable ingredients, I couldn’t help but be impressed. The refreshing blend of Boatyard Gin, dry vermouth, and a homemade lemon cordial crafted from leftover citrus peels was a true revelation.
“The lemon cordial is what really sets this cocktail apart,” Matteo explained. “We take the leftover lemon husks from our daily juicing process, put them under pressure with sugar and other ingredients, and then deliberately oxidize them over the course of a week. The result is a deep, caramel-like essence that adds incredible depth and richness to the drink.”
Shaping a Greener Future
Matteo’s approach to mixology is not just about creating delectable drinks; it’s about championing a more sustainable future for the industry. And he’s not alone in this mission. Across the globe, bartenders are embracing eco-friendly practices, from minimizing water usage to reducing waste and embracing local sourcing.
Take, for instance, the recent Flor de Caña Sustainable Cocktail Challenge in Vietnam, where bartenders showcased their commitment to sustainability through innovative cocktail creations. The winner, Nguyen Thanh Quang, crafted a standout cocktail called “Sea Turtle” that wowed the judges with its perfect blend of creativity, eco-friendly practices, and, of course, deliciousness.
As I ponder the future of the industry, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement and optimism. The latest mixology trends are not only captivating discerning drinkers but also transforming the beverage scene in the hospitality sector. And at the heart of this revolution are bartenders who are shaking up the status quo, embracing sustainability, and paving the way for a greener, more conscious future.
Mixing Up Eco-Conscious Creations
But what does it really take to create an eco-friendly cocktail? As I delve deeper into the world of sustainable mixology, I’ve uncovered a few key strategies that bartenders are employing to make a difference.
Embracing Local Sourcing: By deliberately selecting ingredients that are cultivated or produced within their immediate community or nearby regions, bartenders can significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods over long distances. This not only supports local producers but also offers patrons fresh and distinctive flavors.
Crafting Seasonal Menus: Designing drink offerings around the natural rhythm of the year, utilizing ingredients that are currently in abundance and at their prime, allows bartenders to work with local produce, reducing the need for sourcing from distant locations. This aligns cocktail creations with the environment and mitigates the ecological footprint of the ingredients.
Embracing Waste Reduction: From opting for reusable straws and biodegradable drinkware to implementing proper recycling practices, bartenders are making conscious choices to minimize the environmental impact of their operations. These strategies collectively contribute to a more sustainable approach, inspiring both patrons and peers to adopt similar measures.
Conserving Water: By being attentive to water usage, particularly during glassware cleaning and ice-making, bartenders can significantly reduce water waste. These water-conscious practices not only contribute to resource preservation but also showcase a commitment to eco-friendly practices.
Educating Customers: Engaging patrons in conversations about sustainable practices, the origins of ingredients, and the positive impact of their choices empowers them to make informed decisions that align with responsible consumption. This education extends beyond the immediate experience, influencing drinking habits and guiding the industry towards a more environmentally conscious future.
As I reflect on my visit to Dover Yard and the broader sustainable mixology movement, I can’t help but feel a sense of optimism and inspiration. Bartenders like Matteo Carretta are leading the charge, shaking up the cocktail scene and proving that eco-friendly mixology is not only possible, but also incredibly delicious.
So, the next time you step into your local watering hole, keep an eye out for those sustainable sippers. Who knows, you might just find your new favorite cocktail – one that not only tantalizes your taste buds, but also helps to shape a greener future for us all.
