André Heller is a mixologist and content creator who manages a store called YourBar in Nürnberg, Germany. There, he advises home bartenders and hospitality professionals and hosts tastings as a core part of his work.
I started as a mixologist a few years after entering the hospitality industry. After working many events, such as concerts, weddings, and fairs, I began working as a full-time bartender in a restaurant.
That was the first time I not only enjoyed drinking good cocktails, but also making them. My bar manager at the time taught me a lot about cocktails, and during this time I also became friends with workers from the best cocktail bar in my hometown.
After a while, I decided I wanted to dive deeper into cocktail culture and mixology. Luckily, I had two very good bartenders as managers and colleagues who taught me even more about spirits and cocktails. With my growing knowledge, I wanted to create my own drinks. My guests liking what I made for them motivated me to keep going, and I have kept doing it since then.
I would describe my style as creative, spontaneous, and experimental. I love using uncommon products, or those considered not so “good,” to craft delicious cocktails. I also really enjoy creating drinks on the spot when a guest wants something special in the moment, and you create it for them right there. But I also know that selling cocktails means putting your ego a little bit aside. A drink on the menu should represent you and your style, but in the end it’s the guest who must love it.
The chance to create special moments for my guests.
I take a lot of inspiration from cooking and flavor combinations I enjoy but also the chance to create something unexpected.
If I need to cut it down to only one, it would be Fee Brothers Grapefruit Bitters. In my opinion, they have the perfect citrusy note for nearly any drink. They taste natural and fresh.
Start by learning the basics behind a bar.
Be a good host; maybe even do some time in service to learn more about your guests.
Talk to other bartenders to understand why they combine flavors as they do. Don´t be shy to try combinations that sound weird. They might be great, but also accept that not every cocktail you try to create will be good. No one will tell you about their failed attempts. But everyone has them!
But most importantly: never ever think that you are the best and know everything. We are working in a world where there can always be something new or better just around the corner. Be open to new influences and new learnings. Always try to improve yourself.
The one drink that most of the people would say is my signature is my “Mango Overproof Daiquiri”. It’s a combination of Jamaican overproof rum, mango puree, lime and sugar.
That is definitely one of my latest creations. It’s a twist on the famous Paloma.
“Rosé Paloma”
Combine and serve in a long drink glass over ice. Squeeze a slice of lime on top at the end.
Learn more about André on Instagram at @theRastatender.
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