Shaking up success

Words by: Carla Louise Gailey

In the realm of mixology, where artistry and innovation mix seamlessly, the Bartending World Class South African Final stands as a pinnacle of excellence. Among the extraordinary talents that shone in this prestigious competition was a remarkable local mixologist, Richie Nahkala, whose dedication and creativity earned him the honourable second place. In this exclusive interview, we delve into the preparation, challenges, and triumphs of this rising star of the cocktail world.

For Richie, the path to the Bartending World Class South African Final was paved with diligent preparation and unwavering determination. Richie recounts, “Preparation was intense, but fortunately, I wasn’t alone. My friend, mentor, and fellow competitor, Jason Andrews, was also in the Top 10. We put our heads together to keep each other focused and on track, aiming to represent KZN to the best of our abilities.”

The journey involved hours of detailed training, research, and practice to meet the demands of the competition’s five challenges. From conceptualizing recipes to understanding the sponsoring brands, judges, and competitors, Richie left no stone unturned in his quest for perfection.

Competitions of this magnitude are as much a test of mental fortitude as they are a showcase of mixology skills. Richie shares, “Competitions are often a mind game against yourself. You don’t know what anyone else is doing, and you just want to make sure that when you show up on the day, you are representing yourself and your region as best you possibly can.”

While passion fueled Richie’s preparation, the intensity of the competition sometimes led to overstimulation. From dawn to dusk, ideas and concepts swirled in his mind. However, Richie found comfort in his love for mixology and the creative freedom it offered, finding balance and focus amid the chaos.

Richie’s Signature Cocktail: An Exquisite Fusion of Cultures

The Bartending World Class South African Final provided Richie with a platform to showcase his signature cocktails, some of which he had previously created for the menu at Alchemy in Ballito. One standout creation was a spin on a Michelada, where Richie replaced the traditional beer with an in-house Umqombothi (Zulu beer) infused with Don Julio reposado tequila and a blend of spices. This ingenious twist on a classic Mexican cocktail mesmerized the judges and audience alike.

Throughout the competition, Richie learned valuable lessons from his fellow competitors, each with their distinct styles and techniques. The camaraderie among participants was heartwarming, with competitors generously sharing knowledge and supporting each other’s growth.

An Advocate For Embracing Sustainability

The mixology scene is ever-evolving, and Richie observed a prevailing trend toward sustainability and environmental consciousness. Fresh ingredients, once hailed as the best, are now being challenged by sustainable alternatives. At Alchemy, Richie and his team are pioneering in-house acid solutions to ensure consistent quality while reducing their environmental impact.

Distinguishing His Craft

As a mixologist, Richie sets himself apart by embracing locality and using locally sourced ingredients to create unique and extraordinary cocktails. Stripping each ingredient to its core and redefining its purpose, he weaves flavours that are personally meaningful and representative of his region.

Advice for Aspiring Mixologists: For aspiring mixologists, Richie emphasizes the importance of maintaining a student mindset. “Perfection is the enemy of progress,” he reflects, urging fellow bartenders to remain receptive to learning from everyone they encounter. Loving what one does and seeking knowledge in every interaction are key ingredients for success.

Richie’s journey to second place in the Bartending World Class South African Final is a testament to his unwavering passion, dedication to craft, and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. As he continues to push the boundaries of mixology, the future shines bright for this talented mixologist, and we eagerly await his next innovative creations.