Behind the Bar with Cara Fernandes

Cara Fernandes is a Mixologist, formerly living in India and newly relocated to Dublin, Ireland. Her bartending style is equal parts precision and charm, and we’ve long been fans of the intimacy and flair of her work, and the storyteller’s care that Cara brings to every creation.

How did you get started as a mixologist?

Honestly? I’ve had a passion for flavour for as long as I can remember (food and drinks), and I’m lucky enough to have a dad whose enthusiasm for mixology I helpfully inherited. He’s always loved experimenting with different spirits and flavors. 

Once I was old enough, I was subjected (much to my delight!) to his constant grilling. “What did you put in this?” “What can you taste?” That game wasn’t just fun, it genuinely honed my palate and sparked a real love of the craft. 

Over the years, this has been a bonding activity for us because we indulge each other’s experiments, and we have a sounding board and taste tester!

How would you describe your personal style as a bartender?

My personal style as a bartender could best be described as adventurous and intuitive – deeply driven by curiosity and a penchant for the unexpected. As a child, I’d always wanted to be a witch or one of the fae, and now, well, mixology comes pretty close, right? Flavour alchemy!

What keeps you passionate about bartending and the hospitality industry?

What keeps me passionate about bartending and the hospitality industry is its ever-evolving nature, and the fact that while there has been so much done already, there is so much room to do MORE. I’m constantly inspired by the continuous growth – the emergence of unique syrups, novel combinations, and the sheer artistry of signature cocktails appearing in bars globally. 

It’s a thrill to witness what other people are creating, how they’re exploring the vast spectrum of flavors and diverse cultures that can be expressed through a drink. The industry itself feels truly alive and vibrant – a space where there’s always something new to discover, learn, and perfect. For me, mixology is an exciting, endless journey of continuous learning, and that’s incredibly captivating.

What inspires your creativity when crafting new cocktails? 

The odd and unique. For me, when I see a product that is unknown, or smells interesting, or tastes interesting, or it’s just something people haven’t used too much, I feel like experimenting with it because I do feel like so many ingredients have so much potential that it’s just untapped. 

Plus, even if it’s an ingredient that people normally would not use. I love trying to do something with it because just because something isn’t very nice on its own doesn’t mean it’s not going to be nice in combination with things. 

And that’s the kind of potential I really like discovering and uncovering because it is just so satisfying to create something new. It is even more satisfying to create something niche. 

What’s your favorite Fee Brothers product to work with, and why? 

Habanero Bitters, hands down. I love spice, and the Fee Brothers Habanero Bitters just hits right. It’s incredibly versatile – I’ve used it with vodka, tequila, gin – even whiskey!

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to become a better mixologist?

Give in to your passions! This isn’t just for mixology, but for anything that truly calls to you. What genuinely excites you will always define your unique style and set you apart.

Don’t be afraid to get wildly creative, to think out of the box, and to chase anything that catches your fancy – whether it’s in vogue or not, or whether people are exploring it yet or not. Follow your curiosity, trust your palate, and let your passions lead the way.

What is your signature drink, and what makes it special? 

That’s an interesting question, and honestly, I don’t believe I have a single ‘signature drink’ in the traditional sense. My personal style is defined by continuous exploration and a relentless pursuit of new flavor combinations, meaning I very rarely create the exact same drink twice.

Instead, I have certain ‘go-to’ comfort drinks – a rotating cast, if you will – that I find myself returning to for their sheer familiarity and balance. Perhaps my true ‘signature’ then, is the ever-evolving nature of my creations, and the thrill of finding something new to appreciate and explore.

Do you have a favorite recipe in which you use Fee Brothers products?

Nodus tollens

• 1/2 tsp pickled ginger (chopped)
• 10ml lime juice
• 1/2 tsp honey
• 60ml Ketel One vodka
• 4-5 dashes Fee Brothers Celery Bitters
• 60-90ml (top up) Cumin Sparkling Water

To create:

1. Muddle the chopped ginger with lime juice to release the oils.
2. Add the honey and mix. 
3. Add the vodka and the Celery Bitters.
4. Shake (with or without a little ice). 
5. Pour into a tall glass filled with ice. 
6. Top up with the cumin sparkling water.
7. Give it a quick stir.

From the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows (which captures—and words—un-caught emotions), ‘nodus tollens’ is defined as the feeling you get when the arc of your life may not make sense to you anymore, and you find yourself in a space you don’t quite understand. And that, maybe, you’re being called to craft your own adventure.

I love the sense of possibility here. The opportunity (and call) to try different things. To go left field. 

This is a savory cocktail that I am incredibly proud of because it was simply that delightful. It’s a refreshing celery ginger cumin spritz. The warm kick of ginger amidst the super cooling cumin and ice and lime, the added depth of the celery, and the smidgen of honey to balance it out. Very earthy. Very summery. I loved the role the Fee Brothers Celery Bitters played here. (In fact, I started off with the Bitters and the cumin sparkling water, ready to craft my adventure.)

We decided that the best taste description for this drink was ‘chatpata’, which is a Hindi word that, I suppose, could roughly translate to ‘a savory mix of sour and spicy without being too spicy’, if that makes sense. Especially recommended for a sunny afternoon!

Learn more about Cara Fernandes on Instagram at @thefernandine.