Angostura Global Cocktail Challenge 

Champion for 2016

Neal Ramdhan

Photo credit: Neal Ramdhan 

A native of Trinidad and Tobago who works in a fast-paced bartending environment for the past seven (7) years, has earned a reputation amongst his peers and customers as a highly creative mixologists. At the age of 18 he got into the hospitality industry simply as a waiter and later a bartender, for the sole purpose of supporting his family, after having lost his dad at an early age. It compelled him to become self sufficient. It is this background that drives him to combine the craft of mixology and the science of accounting. 

Ambitious and forward thinking, Neal successfully obtained his BSc. Accounting from the University of the West Indies. After several years of practice behind the bar, improving and mastering the skills and techniques needed to the best bartender he can be, Neal was able to capture two titles: the Marie Brizard Cocktail Challenge in 2014 and the world famous Angostura Global Cocktail Challenge in 2016. This latter award enabled him a two year contract with Angostura to be one of their many extinguished brand ambassadors by travelling the world to various countries sharing the love and passion for Angostura and the art of mixology.  

Photo credit: Neal Ramdhan

Neal has now partnered with his brother Clinton Randhan and incorporated a company, "Verve Creations Ltd" where they supply bar services offering various styles and techniques of craft cocktails and bar consultancy while inspiring and empowering upcoming bartenders.  

Neal himself says, "Three things motivate me: Impressing my customers, understanding the flavor profiles of cocktails, and discovering new and innovative bartending methods. In my short but fruitful years within the industry I have grown to believe that the key to creating the perfect cocktail lies not in your hands, but in the hands of your consumer." 

Photo credit: Neal Ramdhan 

Photo credit: Neal Ramdhan 

 These beautiful cocktails made by the man himself, Neal. He really meant it when he said his aim is to impress his customers. How beautiful and tempting are these craft cocktails, garnished adorably with love for the passion and craft.

Do you want to try any of these beauties?