Stanislav Vadrna is a man on a mission. The world-renowned mixologist travels across the globe to share his unique fusion of Japanese cocktail culture and Western bartending customs with his brethren. We met with Vadrna on his recent trip to our fair city, where we were privy to an exclusive demonstration (and sampling, of course!) at Old Montreal’s luxe Hambar.
With Grey Goose ambassador and mixologist to the stars Dimi Lezinska at his side, the affable Vadrna concocted a slew of exotic cocktails, each more savoury than the last, but not without applying his carefully cultivated brand of Ichigo Ichie to the proceedings. Japanese for “one chance, one meeting”, the Eastern philosophy, as Vardna aptly explains, “is rooted in the pursuit of perfection, not only in the final result of the cocktail, but as an integral part of the process, service and technique involved to create it.” The Slovakian-born and bred mixologist believes in the art of the true host, where the recipient of the cocktail is not only a client but a friend-in-the-making, to which one must be attentive of his or her immediate needs, wants, and desires. And attentive, Vadrna certainly is. The latter, we surmised during his dynamic presentation where the charismatic host melded good humour and keen observation, serving up each confection with heart, and a smile. Yes indeed, the man knows how to make a girl feel special!
Stanislav Vadrna (left) and Dimi Lezinska (right), hard at work; Grey Goose L’originale Cloud Nine (center) is both a visual feast and a savoury delight!
And luckily for us, the master bartenders graciously shared their delectable recipes with us, so that we may recreate these heavenly cocktails using Grey Goose’ s award-winning vodka. This summer, be the perfect host and give your guests an experience they won’t soon forget. Cheers!
Recipes after the break…
GREY GOOSE L’ORIGINALE CLOUD NINE
1½ oz GREY GOOSE Vodka
1 oz Japanese Sake
1 oz Lychee fresh juice
½ oz lime juice
1 strip lemongrass
Method: In a shaker muddled one inch of lemongrass, add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously, and double strain into a chilled martini cocktail glass. Garnish with mint leaves.
GREY GOOSE L’ORANGE ASIAN SUMMER
1½ parts GREY GOOSE® L’Orange Flavoured Vodka
½ part DISARONNO® Originale Liqueur
½ part simple syrup
¾ part fresh lime juice
Freshly grated ginger
1 tsp sesame oil and 1 tsp sugar for rimming glass
Method: Using your finger, rub the outside edge of a martini cocktail glass with sesame oil and then roll in sugar to cool rim. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add GREY GOOSE L’Orange, DISARONNO, simple syrup, lime juice and ginger. Shake vigorously, and strain into prepared martini cocktail glass. Grate a pinch of star anise over the top, and drop in glass for garnish.
GREY GOOSE L’ORIGINALE LONG DRAGON
½ oz GREY GOOSE Vodka
½ oz Sake
1 oz Martini Extra Dry
Up with Ginger ale
Method: Build all ingredients over ice in a high ball glass.
Garnish with mint leaves.
