60 Second Interview With Zest Mixology

60 second interview with Zest Mixology - 19/06/2011

This interview features on www.essentialibiza.com

60 Seconds with Zest Mixology - Ibiza Bespoke Services

Having served his time as a spirit trainer for high-end brands such as Grey Goose, Bacardi and Bombay Sapphire, Murdo Macleod thought the time had come to set out on his own and, given that he had a love for dance music and was a regular visitor to the white isle, Zest Mixology was born.

What inspired you to launch Zest Mixology?

My background is being a spirits trainer for brands like Grey Goose, Bombay Sapphire and Bacardi. I've trained over 5000 bartenders in the art of cocktail Mixology and this enabled me to build up a network of quality bartenders around the world that can delight guests at parties by creating fabulous cocktails whilst being real entertainers. The inspiration for Zest Mixology came from the idea of removing the hassle of the drinks service from the host when they are throwing a party. When a client books Zest Mixology for their event they can be confident that their guests are receiving a first class drinks service, leaving them completely free to socialise and enjoy the party. They can also be confident that the cocktails and drinks being served are of the same quality as some of the world's best cocktail bars.

Zest Mixology is much more than a mobile bar service, tell us about the full range of services you can deliver?

Zest Mixology can supply a complete drinks solution for any event from only 2 to 250 guests. Our drinks solutions can comprise of; flair mixologists who juggle with bottles, cocktail mixologists, cocktail hostesses, fire entertainers, angle grinders, themed performers, stunning mobile bar units, cocktail menus that are unique to each event, cocktail glassware, themed lighting, ice freezers and all the required equipment. In the UK our services also include canapés, event catering, beauty therapists, chocolate fountains, magicians, make up artists, nail technicians, photobooths, adult entertainers, DJs, jukesboxes, musicians, sound system hire, flowers, photographers, casino hire, marquee hire and party furniture hire.

Is it fair to say you're more like an events company, even though drinks may be your first love?

Yes, Zest Mixology has started out with a mission to supply top quality cocktails in client's personal environment and has now developed into an events company spanning UK and Ibiza that provides complete solutions for a spectrum of events. We believe that no two events are ever the same, so each event for us needs a great deal of care and attention to ensure a perfect delivery for the client.

Are there any restrictions on where you can set your bar up?

The smallest bar we have is only 1 metre long and can be set up almost anywhere such as a yacht or event in a small bay window. The bar units range right up to 10 metres in length so we can provide a flexible solution for any brief. We can set up virtually anywhere, in summer season 2010 we set up a bar on the cliff edge overlooking Es Vedre.

What is the most memorable party from summer season 2010 in Ibiza?

Judge Jules booked our services for his annual Radio One villa party last summer at his villa overlooking San Antonio. All afternoon we shook up hundreds of cocktails for the guests, and an Argentinian BBQ was served. We had created a special cocktail menu for the party, as we do with every event, so the balance on offer at the bar was perfect to delight all Jules's friends and colleagues that attended.

What qualities do you look for in a mixologist?

To work for Zest Mixology there are three essential requirements; -Passion about cocktail mixology and extensive cocktail knowledge -A real entertainer, charming and with a strong personality -A unique attribute in their style that ensures they stand out

Ibiza is a popular destination for those looking to work the season, what advice would you give someone heading out for the first time?

If you are looking to work in Ibiza summer 2011, start looking now for work, do not leave it till late May when you arrive. Make yourself distinctive; you need to stand out from thousands of others. Email all prospective employers that will be on the island with a unique twist, such as a free voucher for something or post them a chocolate bar to their UK address just to start a conversation. When you set off for the summer, fly to Alicante first and get your NIE number there via an English speaking agent, rather than the hassle of trying to obtain this important document in Ibiza.

What's your favourite cocktail?

My favourite cocktail is a Passionfruit Mojito as it is delightfully fruity, long, icy cold, fresh and packs a powerful punch. The fusion of the passionfruit, mint, lime and the toffee, walnut, chocolate notes within the golden rum make this cocktail simply heavenly. A moment best shared with friends.

What's the strangest thing you've been asked to mix a drink with?

We once had a request in the UK to create a Marmite Cosmo for a 21st birthday party!

Ibiza has a reputation for excess, what are your most popular bookings on the island

Villa parties for a mid range of people 6-20 are our most popular bookings on the island. Typically the party will start with dinner and we serve low pace long fruity cocktails throughout the meal. Then as darkness falls we switch on our themed lighting poles, which light up the mirror cocktail bar and our cocktail hostesses are switched for fire entertainers that do a show. The pace is picked up with martini cocktails served and we can take the show further with angle grinding and burlesque dancers to entertain our clients.

What is it about Ibiza that gets under your skin and keeps you coming back year on year

Summer 2011 is personally my 10th year on the island and it is a special place for me as it marks the time of year to meet international friends old and new, time for new experiences to unfold and overall the time for some sun (we are based in UK).