DOUG LAMMING

(AHA AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE 'COCKTAIL BAR TENDER OF THE YEAR' FINALIST)

Meet Doug Lamming; the creative flair behind the Bridgeview Hotel Bar + Dining new cocktail list and the 2011 AHA (NSW) Awards for Excellence 'Cocktail Bartender of the Year' Finalist.

Each year, the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) recognises the accomplishments of hotel industry leaders throughout NSW, across a broad range of categories. The 'Cocktail Bartender of the Year' Award is one of the most highly contested categories which requires entrants to showcase their personality, ease and fluency of moves when constructing cocktails and finally the creativity in their cocktail menus.

Doug, one of four finalists for the Award of Cocktail Bar Tender of the Year shares some of his insights and inspirations around the new Bridgeview Hotel Bar + Dining’s cocktail menu; 'My inspiration behind the cocktail list was a combination of a lot of different things; current trends throughout bars such as BarNineteen in the US and kitchens like El Bull for the synergy of food and beverage flavours. Individuals like Eben Freeman (New York’s most acclaimed mixologist) and Richard Lambert (Global Brand Ambassador for Cointreau); both of whom I recently met and are an inspiration to the world of Mixology. I also draw from the mythological; Willy Wonka and his chocolate factory represent an adult’s playground, akin to a deconstructed Martini." 

The Bridgeview Hotel’s new Cocktail Menu encourages those who dare, to step into a tantalising world where your taste buds rule! Doug has combined both new and old mixology techniques to create exciting flavour combinations across the extensive cocktail range.

And of his favourite cocktail on the list; Doug recounts ...

"My favourite cocktail from the list is hard to pick; if I have to pick one, it would probably be the Lime + Lemongrass Caprioska with Coconut Foam."

For those yet to experience; the Lime + Lemongrass Caprioska with Coconut Foam combines fresh, juicy limes, smashed together with simple and lemongrass. A double of Smirnoff Black adds kick and it’s topped off with Doug’s House made alcoholic Coconut Foam; served short.

"There is a little preparation involved in the final product of this cocktail. The coconut foam, a recipe I won’t giveaway, is prepared on site. It involves changing the chemical structure of a set coconut jelly into light foam and it is made to be 4.5% alcohol volume. Pour a double shot of premium vodka and add lots of ice. Shake and pour into a small tumbler ensuring there is room in the top for the foam. Using a whipping gun, squirt the foam on the top and garnish with a mint crystal. The mint crystals are 16hours in the making!"

Okay okay, we know....too tough? Not to worry, Doug will whip one up for you at a moments notice!

What Doug enjoys most about the new Bridgeview Hotel Bar + Dining; "the friendly social atmosphere where any person can come and experience something special..." Like one of Doug's cocktails!

So pop in, pull up a stool and try one of Doug's, Industry acclaimed cocktails.