Simone Caporale, a renowned bartender, and mixologist, has put his heart and soul into supporting the creation of a unique and exquisite gin produced in Venezuela by DUG (Distillers United group). In his recent visit to Miami, he introduced Canaima gin, made with Amazon forest botanicals. Every sip of Canaima gin takes you on a journey through the heart of the Amazon rainforest, with its refreshing notes of fruits like Merey, Copoazu, Acai, and aromatic herbs, which blend together to create a truly amazing drink.
The uniqueness of Canaïma Gin is directly linked to its origin, the Amazon is a mystical place that still remains intact today and its special climate and soil conditions produce fruits that only grow there. These fruits, which are harvested by hand, thanks to the help of indigenous communities, are part of the botanicals used for Canaïma Gin. The collection of these botanicals is done according to their natural life cycle in the Amazon rainforest.
In his Master Class at Doya Restaurant, Simone shared with us the process of selecting botanicals for Canaima Gin. “We selected the most unique fruits available in the Amazon forest, based on the cycle of nature and seasonal availability. Sometimes we end up with more than we need and other times we have less, but that’s the beauty of working with nature’s rhythm to make Canaima Gin. The taste of Canaima is truly distinctive and unknown to most palates. When you taste it, the magic happens as your palate can’t pinpoint where the flavors are coming from”, says Simone.
Canaima Gin is a project that respects the environment and local communities. This is why 10% of sales are dedicated to NGOs and volunteer networks that improve the quality of life of indigenous communities, either through the reforestation of the Amazon or through the production of handmade crafts to be used as pos material and many other projects.
Simone has garnered a significant number of bartender followers who are eager to learn about the secrets to a successful career as a professional bartender. Here are his thoughts: “Bartending is an art that requires a combination of skills and traits. A great bartender is not just someone who can mix a perfect cocktail, but also someone who can engage the customers and provide them with an exceptional experience. Purpose, creativity, and curiosity are three essential ingredients that can help create a great bartender.
The purpose is an essential quality that a great bartender must possess. A bartender must have a clear idea of what they aim to achieve in their work. They should be passionate about their job and strive to provide the best possible service to their customers. When a bartender has a clear sense of purpose, they can create a welcoming atmosphere that encourages customers to return.
Creativity is another vital ingredient that can make a bartender stand out from the crowd. A great bartender should have the ability to create unique and delicious cocktails that cater to the customers’ taste buds. They should experiment with different ingredients and techniques to create exciting new drinks that keep customers coming back for more.
Curiosity is the third
ingredient that makes a great bartender. A curious bartender is always eager to learn and improve their skills. They are open to new ideas and techniques, which allows them to stay away from the latest trends in the industry. Following trends will num your creativity, go out and explore, visit museums, see the shapes, and the colors, go to nature, see patterns, and perceive essences and aromas. This quality will help bartenders keep their customers engaged by introducing them to new experiences and flavors”.
Caporale’s advice is particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced and competitive world, where it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. By having a purpose, you can stay focused, make better decisions and ultimately lead a more meaningful life, adding up creativity, and curiosity are the three essential ingredients that can help create a great bartender. A combination of these traits can help a bartender provide exceptional service and create a memorable experience for their customers.
As part of his visit, he had the opportunity to take over two prestigious establishments in the city. He completed two shifts, one at the renowned Champagne Bar at the Four Seasons Surfside, and the other at the Michelin-starred Doya Restaurant. The Champagne Bar is known for its luxurious ambiance and exclusive clientele, where only the finest selection of spirits and cocktails are served. On the other hand, the Doya Restaurant is famous for its exquisite cuisine and impeccable service. Guests were able to taste the drinks he crafted with Canaima Gin while greeting and meeting Simone.
You can follow Simone’s journey through his accounts:
