Cocktail tips from top bartender Ran Van Ongevalle + free recipe booklet

Ran comes from behind the bar to sit down at the bar with a drink. I thought it was the perfect moment to get to know him better. Here we go!

Favorite Cocktail?: Ran loves the classic Daiquiri: good rum, fresh lime juice, and sugar syrup. Very simple, delicious on a summer day!

Horror Cocktail?: Not every cocktail is a hit. Ran's absolute horror drink is the Mescal Negroni. Really not his thing. But hey, tastes differ, because it must be that this is one of my personal favorites, oops!! Besides a horror cocktail, Ran shares his horror ingredient: pulco lemon syrup. That is really a no go!! Use fresh lemon instead for the best taste. This little detail can make a world of difference in the quality of your drink, as top-quality ingredients are key!

Most iconic bar story?: A Mojito for Leonardo DiCaprio, how cool is that? Ran told that he served him on St. Barth, a Caribbean island. Leo, oh my! He enjoyed a unique twist on a classic: a vodka mojito. Ran now calls this the “Leo” So nice, right? Leo was there for the filming of “The Revenant” and decided to unwind with a drink. It became a memorable evening for Ran, who was a bit starstruck when Leo said it was “very good”! And just when you thought the evening couldn't get any better… Salma Hayek came to order a drink too… yes, hello!!

Ultimate Cocktail Experience?: Ran's most iconic cocktail experience was in Tokyo, at Bar Benfiddich. This bar, on the fifth floor of an old building in the city center, has a unique atmosphere with its wooden interior, medicinal herbs, and medieval music. The famous Japanese bartender Hiroyasu Kayama created magical drinks that completely enchanted Ran. “Here you really taste with all your senses.” Kayama makes the drinks with so much precision and passion, it's amazing to see. A must-do to never forget!

Ran also has some important etiquette tips for us when you're in a cocktail bar. Here are the top five don'ts:

• Being too drunk: No one benefits from this, just enjoy in moderation. Show respect for yourself, the bartender, and the other guests.
• Not being so loud: Keep it cozy and relaxed. A good cocktail bar is all about atmosphere and chilling, not shouting and noise.
• Rude people should stay home: Always be kind and polite to the staff. Bartenders work hard to give you a great evening, so a little kindness works wonders.
• Being disrespectful to the staff or bartenders: This is a big no-go. A little respect and appreciation for their craftsmanship only makes your evening better.
• Publicly correcting a bartender: Are you a know-it-all? Bye-bye atmosphere! Keep your criticism to yourself and enjoy your drink. If you really have a problem, discuss it calmly and privately.

Do you want to make the best cocktails at home? Here are Ran's essentials:

• Ice: Good quality ice is crucial. Ask a local bar for a bag of ice from an ice machine and store it in the freezer. Bad ice can really ruin your drink. Ran explained that the quality of the ice affects how your cocktail tastes because the meltwater mixes with your drink.
• Glassware: Put your glasses in the freezer for a wonderfully cold effect. A chilled glass keeps your cocktail at the perfect temperature for longer.
• Essentials: A good shaker, jigger, and strainer are indispensable. These tools help you make your drinks with precision and flair.
• Spirits: Make sure to have a basic stock of gin, vodka, tequila, rum, and Cointreau. With these basics, you can make a wide range of cocktails.
• Fresh fruit: Fresh lemon and lime are a must. They add a fresh, bright flavor that you can't get from a bottle.
• Sugar syrup: Easily make simple syrup by mixing equal parts water and sugar and blending until the sugar is fully dissolved. This is a basic ingredient for many cocktails, and it's super easy to make yourself.

So grab your shaker, follow Ran's tips and recipes, and get inspired to mix the best cocktails at home. Cheers to a delightful summer full of cocktails!

Best,

Sofie & Ran