Head mixologist at Zero Gravity, Albert Christian tells us about the latest trends in the beverage business.
Tell us a little about yourself and your passion for mixology.
Hailing from Indonesia, I got in touch with mixology for the first time in 2011 and immediately developed a passion for it. Once I moved to Dubai, I met a lot of people in the hospitality industry who taught me more about the art of mixology which really intrigued my interest and built my passion for it.
How do you bring creativity to your drinks?
I get my inspiration from mixologists on Instagram, magazines that I read and also follow the global mixology trends. Usually I would take a few aspects from the current trends and twist them with my own background to create something that is suitable for a sunny and outdoor destination like Zero Gravity.
What is your signature drink?
My signature drink is the Rosagrass. It is a refreshing rum-based cocktail, mixed with a fruity chardonnay, fresh citrus fruits and apple juice. It is an easy to drink cocktail perfect for a sunny day at the beach.
What is the most important factor in mixing the perfect beverage?
I put a lot of emphasis on fresh ingredients as it really enhances the taste and I balance the flavours in such a way that it is easy to drink and understand.
Your favourite flavour to work with and why?
Crispy flavours like citrus ensures that the cocktail is easy to drink, which is always my priority. Also, citrus enhances the freshness of the cocktail and is the indisputable base of our daytime cocktails.
How often do you experiment on your beverage offerings?
I want to keep up with the latest trends, which is why I experiment daily. Whenever we are working on new cocktails for our brunch or a la carte menu, then I am experimenting for days in a row to get the perfect mix.
Which is the current favourite beverage at Zero Gravity?
Our customers like drinks with only a few ingredients, fruity classics like mojitos and sangrias remain on top of the popularity list. Our large formats with a lot of fruits and herbs are especially popular for groups of friends chilling at our pool or beach.