Toulouse: what are the favorite cocktails of Toulouse residents?
Co-founder of the platform, Shake it, shake it, shake it, Toulousain Thibault Daniel is launching a preview of cocktail classes in Toulouse. The first will take place on January 15 at the L’Heure du Singe bar. Other cities are to follow.
You have just created a platform to learn about the art of cocktails. Why ?
Among other things, I have been evolving for several years in this universe. I also know a lot of people who do not know how to reproduce the cocktails savored in a bar. At one point, therefore, with Eric Largeault, I wanted to launch courses by creating the Shake it, shake it, shake it platform, to learn how to concoct these drinks even if you are only an amateur.
On January 15, Toulouse will host the first lessons at the L’Heure du Singe bar in Saint-Aubin. Why is the Pink City a pioneer?
After Paris where for ten years, cocktail bars have flourished everywhere, Toulouse is a city where a number of cocktail bars have developed and have begun to tame this drink. The opening of the city, the reception of people from places from other horizons have appreciated the emergence of this type of drink. Travel is a source of discovery.
It is also a more important source of income …
For sure. But beware, there is also more and more knowledge required. The profession of bartender has become a real specialization which includes an entire profession: from the bistro bartender, head barman specializing in cocktails, etc.
Is it a bit the same phenomenon as in the kitchen?
Absolutely. Some shows like Top Chef have given birth to talents in the kitchen. Now more and more people are cooking very successful dishes at home.
How is this session going?
After registering on the platform, you arrive two hours before the start of classes in the bar privatized for the occasion. At the Monkey Hour, this group lesson led by barman Nicolas Blanchard, includes between ten to twelve people. The participants then have two hours of learning to discover the preparation of the great classics, discover the bartender’s tools: shaker (mixing spoon), jigger (measuring glass) and how to use them. Then each person goes behind the bar to put the lesson into practice by composing various cocktails, from the most classic to the more exotic. One way to discover a wide range. At the end of the course, the person leaves with a small guide to recreate the recipes learned at home.
In a cocktail, the dosage, the precision, the mixture are essential. All of this is an art that cannot be invented.
An apprenticeship open to all with experienced bartenders of course.
Obviously. Each participating bar has selected the best bartender. The course is open to everyone (you just need to be an adult). Whatever his level: amateur or connoisseur. Including women, I say this because I am often asked the question. Let us not forget that the latter are more and more numerous to work in the cocktail sector where many have been voted best barmaids in the world.
What is the most popular cocktail in Toulouse?
I would like to say the spritz but there is also the Moscow Mule, a refreshing cocktail made with vodka and lime and ginger beer (ginger beer).
What are trendy cocktails?
The Espresso Martini is an elaborate cocktail, composed of vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur and sugar syrup. Although it does not contain either gin or vermouth, it owes its Martini name to the glass in which it is served. There is also the Old Cuban, an old cocktail that is making a comeback. It is composed of rum, lime, mint and champagne. It is considered a refined short drink variation of the classic and popular long drink mojito, as it is infused with champagne instead of sparkling water.
The cocktail is a drink synonymous with sun, adventure, cozy bars, etc.
It is true, the cocktail is a drink which makes you dream and which can be very glamorous like the Cointreau teese. It is synonymous with sun, beach, cozy bars, a certain refinement. Moreover, the cocktail is often associated with the cinema. For everyone, the Dry Martini is the cocktail sipped by James Bond in Casino Royale. Cosmopolitan, Carrie Bradshaw’s favorite drink in the American series Sex and the City. Or the Mojito dear to Sonny Crockett in the series, Two cops in Miami.
To book a class in a bar near you: www.shakeit-shakeit-shakeit.fr
course: 69 € for two hours