Ben Beckett is a Master Bartender from the United Kingdom. He works with Be At One Cocktail Bar and the Stonegate Pub Company.
I was working at a wedding venue nine years ago, just getting started in hospitality, and a man walked in very well dressed. He said he was a mixologist down from London to help out, and I asked, “What’s a mixologist?” His reply, “I do cocktails.” Then I asked, “What’s a cocktail?” So later he called me down to the bar and handed me a cocktail with a passionfruit floating on top. At the time I had no idea the cocktail was a Pornstar Martini, but I took one sip and I was hooked. I wanted to be like this guy.
I consider myself a craft bartender, focusing on fresh ingredients. I believe you can’t cut corners when making a perfect cocktail.
Opportunities in the world of cocktails and mixology are endless. There’s always new things to learn and it’s always so interesting, drinks and people-wise. You never know who you’re going to meet. I met the founder of Malibu Coconut Rum, James Espey, at a launch party once, and it was one of the best days of my life. And every time I make a cocktail for a guest, 9 times out of 10, it puts a smile on their face and hopefully makes their day a little bit better.
It can be any kind of inspiration, from seeing a show on TV to crafting a new cocktail just based off a recipe on the back of a jar of something. Anything can be an inspiration if you are open to it.
I have 10 different Fee Brothers Bitters on my bar right now, and my favourite of all has to be the Plum Bitters. It’s so light and bursting with freshness in flavour.
I love cocktail bitters; they bring out so much flavour, which is why they are called cocktail seasoning. They are so versatile.
Always keep true to yourself. Study the classics first, they started it all. Keep in touch with good people. And always take risks, chances, and opportunities.
I have many signature drinks, but one of my favourites is called The Silk Road with Fee Brothers Plum Bitters. It’s special because it uses Italian and Japanese ingredients, and the Silk Road is the world’s longest trading route from Asia to Europe.
The cocktail is garnished with a smoked rosemary sprig, representing the rosemary fields on the way to Asia.
Italy is special to me since it’s where I proposed to my wife, and Japan is the place in the world I most want to visit.
The Silk Road Combine all ingredients in a shaker. Shake well and double strain over ice. Use a flame to lightly burn the rosemary sprig and garnish the cocktail while still smoking.
Learn more about Ben on Instagram at @the.cocktails.I.make.
Marco Feltgen is a freelance bartender, consultant and brand ambassador from Luxembourg. How did you get started as a mixologist? ...
Maria-Angela Sjögren, or as her friends know her, Mary, is a bartender who offers mobile mixology services and classes. She’s ...
Suze Morrison is a chef, mixologist, photographer, and content creator based in the UK. How did you get started as ...
Antoine Daniel is independent mixologist and founder of Les Élixirs du Brocanteur, a creative concept blending antique spirit, storytelling, and ...
Nikki Grant is a restaurant owner and bartender in Woodstock, Virginia, where she runs the Woodstock Cafe. How did you ...
