Mix – Asia’s Creative Meetings – July-August 2018

http://www.mixmeetings.com AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018 MIX 35

InsIder

There’s more to cocktails

than sundowners after

meetings. Ron Ramirez

explains how creating

a glass of art and

science may well be

the next big thing in

health and wellness

STIRRING

IT UP ON

THE ROOF

If wIne Is bottled poetry,

what's a cocktaIl?

A cocktail is a glass of art and science that entices imagination

and precision through the rendition of classical, contemporary

and culinary mixology. It is something that I love, as it brings

together analysis of what works together with a level of creativity

and technique used to develop a very special beverage.

To me, a cocktail is like building a hotel. You have to collect

the correct ingredients, find the right people to shake the

ingredients, the perfect glass to fit all your ingredients, and a

proper garnish to design it. With all those combined ... then you

have a perfectly balanced cocktail. Not too sweet, not too sour

and not too overpowering with so much decoration.

where does a good cocktaIl fIt wIth

energIsIng a MIce group?

For MICE groups it is the perfect ice-breaker. It brings people

together, heightens confidence and increases happiness. It

helps delegates enjoy themselves and bond as the night goes

on. They’re fun too – lots of different choices, recipes, mixes

and decorations. It also gives our team the chance to interact

and enhance their experience. It is

important to get the balance right though.

Cocktails need the right balance and

should not be too strong.

what does beIng on a

rooftop add to a bar?

The location is so important. Hua Hin has

a great heritage and history courtesy of

the Thai royal family dating back to 1926

when they made the destination their

getaway. Along with that came some

stunning 1920s architecture which can be

seen in Hua Hin Railway Station and the

Summer Palace. This is what we overlook

from our perch on the 27th floor of the

Vana Nava Sky Bar, which has the most stunning transparent

Observation Deck that arches over the side of the building,

adding some spice to events as well as a wonderful photo

opportunity for groups.

naMe a favourIte drInk, and where

you'd lIke to drInk It

I think it has to be a hot creamy chocolate with toasted

marshmallow on top with melted dark chocolate during the

Ron Ramirez is an award-winning mixologist and general manager of the Vana Nava

Sky Bar in Hua Hin. He was interviewed by Ed Peters

chilly winter months in England with the comfort of a

roaring fire. It not only warms up my body and spirit

during the cold weather but I’d like to share it with

someone dear.

what next for MIxology and

assocIated arts?

I think it will be “spa-mixology” as health and

wellness come together with the science and

art of mixology to make a wonderful contribution to healing,

creativity and art. Mixology is becoming more progressive and

I think it can play an important role in this space – moving away

from the bar and alcohol to offer an alchemy of juices and healthy

herbal concoctions. l

To me, a cocktail

is like building a

hotel. You have to

collect the correct

ingredients, the

perfect glass

to fit all your

ingredients, and

a proper garnish

to design it