This year, Angostura’s That Extra Dash series is taking an in-depth look at the rise of some of SA’s top bartenders. Here we speak to Martin Strobos, the Angostura Global Cocktail Challenge 2020 SA National third place winner… definitely one to watch!
Martin has also participated in events such as the Skyy National Flair Finals, Finlandia World Finals, KWV National Final and the Diageo World Class Regional Final.
Martin, how did you get started in the industry?
I actually started my career in the UK. I went over on a working holiday and slowly worked my way up to Junior Beverage Manager.
Who has been a major mentor throughout your career?
I’ve been in the industry for many years, and throughout that time there have been a lot of managers and bartenders that have inspired me. Too many to name.
And what are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learnt along the way?
The biggest lesson I’ve learnt is to always be yourself.
Do you have any advice for rookie bartenders?
Soak up as much information as you can whenever you get a chance to work with one of the greats or someone that is truly passionate about this beautiful industry.
Martin, what are you up to now?
I work for Slo-Jo Innovations, heading up our brand-new Innovation Hub in Cape Town.
You recently competed in the Angostura Global Cocktail Challenge 2020…
“Angostura remains a key ingredient behind the world’s top bars by investing in and supporting the new generation of drinks professionals, endlessly excited about what the future has in store for this spirited industry.”
Tell us, what was your first encounter with bitters?
When I was back in the UK I made a lot of Manhattans and Old Fashions, both of which require bitters.
And Angostura aromatic bitters specifically?
Also during my time in the UK. My first bartender job to be honest.
Which is your absolute favourite bittered cocktail?
A Rum Old Fashioned.
Can you finish the sentence: My extra dash would be… lots more Angostura bitters in a great Rum Old Fashioned.
For the competition, you had to create two original cocktails using the House of Angostura’s exclusive range of Rums and Amaro ingredients not yet available in South Africa. Can you share more with us on your two winning AGCC 2020 recipes?
Angostura Rum cocktail: ‘Enigma’
Ingredients
- 37,5ml Angostura 7 year old Rum
- 12,5ml rosso vermouth
- 12,5ml vanilla syrup
- 2 orange peels
- Lemon juice
- 5 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters
- 2 pinches salt
- Dehydrated orange wheel
Instructions
Chill Coupe glass. Build all ingredients in a mixing glass. Fill with ice, shake hard and fine strain into the Coupe glass. Garnish with a dehydrated orange wheel.
Amaro di Angostura cocktail: ‘Harmony’
Ingredients
- 37,5ml Amaro di Angostura
- 12,5ml extra dry vermouth
- 20ml pineapple rosemary syrup
- 12,5ml lemon juice
- 37,5ml white grape juice
- 3 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters
- Roasted rosemary sprig
Instructions
Chill a small wine glass with ice. Build all ingredients in a shaker. Shake well and hard. Discard ice in wine glass. Strain into glass and garnish with a roasted rosemary sprig.
Skol!
“Angostura remains a key ingredient behind the world’s top bars by investing in and supporting the new generation of drinks professionals, endlessly excited about what the future has in store for this spirited industry.”
