Luxebook December 2021

BY SCHENELLE DSOUZA India’s first female bartender shares her insights about the latest trends in the cocktail industry The art of mixology with Shatbhi Basu T he queen of mixology, Shatbhi Basu is by far one of the most spirited women one might ever come across. And while she made her name after being awarded by the President of India as India’s first female bartender, she is much more than that. Beginning her career at the young age of 21, Basu has been rocking the world of bartending with her exceptional knowledge and skills. Her desire to share her knowledge and experience with aspiring bartenders led to her setting up the STIR Academy of Bartending in 1997. She is also a renowned beverage consultant, having worked with over a few hundred brands and restaurants all over the world. Apart from cocktails, Basu also takes her mocktails seriously. In 2020, she published a book called “The Can’t Go Wrong Book of Mocktails”, in which she talks about the skill of making unique combinations that are just as delicious as they are uncomplicated. In a candid conversation with LuxeBook, Basu talks about the evolution of the bartending industry, her favourite pairings and more. What are some of the major changes in the cocktail industry today? The most important change is that there are a lot more people wanting to drink cocktails. That in itself, is a mark of recognition and respect for good bartenders. The range of products available to play with has increased, and the bars we work on are far more efficient. We can now choose from a wide array of glassware too, which wasn’t the case when I began. We were very limited back then, but still managed to put up a decent show. You’ve often spoken about keeping recipes simple and uncomplicated. How does one do that? Some of the most popular drinks are those with very simple inputs like the Old Fashioned, Martini, Margarita, Gin & tonic or Cosmopolitan. Simplicity when treated right can give you amazing results. Elucidating the flavour of the drink is key, as is using good technique. Not complicating it with multiple ingredients. How does one avoid mistakes when learning mixology? Depends on the kind of mixologist you are. I believe to be a great mixologist; you need to be a great bartender first. You must be soaked in the history, heritage and processes of the liquids in the bar. You must understand the nuances of the flavour of the elements that make your cocktail and find the balance. Know the right technique to apply, and the perfect receptacle for that final work of art. And that last masterstroke that will light up the eye. Those that have built from there are likely to not make mistakes. What are some of the biggest trends in the cocktail industry today? The return of the classics, the renaissance of bitters and tinctures, the attention to technique and great ice are a few trending aspects of the industry today. 4| L U X E B O O K | D E C E MB E R 2 0 2 1 D E C E MB E R 2 0 2 1 | L U X E B O O K | 5 MI X OLOGY