Enrique won The Chivas Masters, London heat. He’s shaking things up at Sticks ‘N’ Sushi in Covent Garden, London, started out as a Tiki bartender and would like to have tried out one of his winning drinks on Trader Vic…
How did you become a bartender?
I became a bartender eight years ago when I first came to London. I started in an Italian restaurant as a barista, then became a bar back at Trader Vic’s where I learnt the basics of bartending in Tiki style clothes.
What is your definition of a classic cocktail?
A classic cocktail for me is a drink that is remembered for a long period of time, whether we like it or not. Some drinks, like ‘Sex On The Beach’, may not be bartenders’ favourites but it’s still a classic.
What is your classic cocktail of choice?
Depending on the mood and time, a Martinez before dinner and an Old-Fashioned or Sazerac after, because I like bitter-sweet, strong cocktails, although it’s always a good time for a Mai Tai…
What appealed to you about The Chivas
Masters competition?
The chance to be able to compete on a national scale and get to meet some good bartenders and try their drinks.
Which of the four periods (The Classic Age, The Post-War Boom, The Disco Years and The Age of Revivalism) did you enjoy most?
I probably enjoyed the Post-War Boom period the most. I was a Tiki bartender originally, so it brought back good memories for me.
Which of your four cocktails are you proudest of?
Difficult to say, maybe the ‘Aberdeen Blossom’, my twist on the Whisky Daisy from the Classic Age – I quite like the simplicity and balance on that drink.
Enrique Gomez, winner: The Chivas Masters, London heatWhich famous person, living or dead, real or
fictional, from the four periods would you like to make one of your four cocktails for?
Victor J. Bergeron, aka Trader Vic, I’ve heard so many good stories about him, it would be amazing to make him my twist on his drink, the ‘Strathisla Fog Cutter’, to see what he thinks of his rum drink transformed into a whisky cocktail.
What’s your favourite way to enjoy Chivas?
On the rocks, at home with some friends. I don’t need much more than that.
What’s your recipe for a simple Chivas cocktail for people to make at home?
Chivas with a bit of honey and lemon juice. Stir, then shake with ice and serve on the rocks. Simple and tasty, with the right balance.
What are you most looking forward to about the final?
I’m looking forward to seeing what the bartenders from all over the UK can do and I really need to prepare something good to match them.
The Chivas Masters is…
A great opportunity to meet talented people with the same interests as me, who love their jobs and have passion for what they do everyday.
’13 King Street Legacy’, Enrique’s drink for The Age of RevivalismThe People’s Choice
Who would you like to see win The Chivas Masters UK Final 2014? Click the Facebook ‘Like’ button below to cast your vote for Enrique. To see all the finalists click here.
Enrique joins the other seven finalists in the The Chivas Masters UK Final in London on 3rd June.
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