What brings you to Koh Phangan?
I came for the first time four years ago, I came here to just enjoy the island. Whilst here I made a video at a French bar in Haad Rin for a global drinks competition, this got me into the final of the world championship of ‘bols around the world’.
We know you are helping with one love bar, tell us more….
I am helping the staff at One Love to organise a proper full bar, from little things to big things. How to manage the bar and make the best bar on the island! We are making something special with the cocktails. I am teaching the science of mixology and bar culture, how to prepare fire drinks and technicalities.
How did you get into mixology?
I was 18 when I asked the most famous bar in moscow, Dellicatessen if I could work for them, they are now the best in world. I had read about this bar in a magazine, luckily they gave me a job for one month and I learnt from there.
Why do you love making drinks?
With my experience I can make nice drinks, not for people to become drunk but to drink with an enjoyable experience and with feelings, not for ugly behaviour. I like to give people more than just alcohol. I like to surprise people, if they don’t know what they want, I can make them something special.
What do you use as inspiration for drinks?
It is the guests in front of me, I try to get a feeling from them at that moment, and to give them what they need. The guests are the biggest inspiration. I don’t drink so it makes it easier for me to read people, I can concentrate for the whole night. I am also inspired by the happy people who surround the bar after drinking my cocktails.
So you don’t drink alcohol, how do you learn what works without tasting it?
Through a long practice and knowing the formulas of classical drinks, there are around 70. All the new cocktails always have something from old formulas, it’s like mathematics. You can also smell it after shaking but it takes practice. You get to know whether it is a good balance.
What are your greatest achievements?
All of my hard work has given me the freedom to travel and be free and not be stuck in a job I don’t like.
What is your advice to people at parties who are drinking?
Always have a glass of water in between drinks and also a good tip is to have a piece of lime in any drink you have. This will make you feel noticeably better the next day.
What do you do in free time here on the island?
I enjoy the nature of the island, supporting One Love Bar, swimming and sunbathing, everyday is free time.
What is your life philosophy?
Festival as a lifestyle
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