Bartender- Nande Ishuna

A bartender (also known as a barkeep, barman, barmaid, bar chef, tapster, mixologist, alcohol server, cocktologist, flairman or an alcohol chef) is a person who formulates and serves alcoholic or soft drink beverages behind the bar, usually in a licensed establishment.

Nande Ishuna is a young and vibrant mixologist from Oranjamund. He trained and worked at names like The Hilton, Pharoahs and Gondwana Canon Lodge to mention a few. “I have been consulting and working for the past two years to bring my dream of a Cocktail Bartender School, YouTube/TV show and Events management company to fruition,” Ishuna says.

Skills required when thinking about becoming a Mixologst includes a basic culinary background. According to Ishuna, Mixologists create drink menus according to ingredient seasonality and the style of establishment. Excellent communication skills are also a plus. You must have knowledge of what ingredients are used in a recipe. “The path to becoming a Mixologist can vary widely. Some bartenders begin by learning the tools of their trade on the job straight out of high school, working their way up to running the bar.

The next step is to undertake a professional mixology course where you learn about alcohol ingredients and why certain liquors mix well with others. Then you may also learn how to prepare garnishes using the right slicing techniques,” he further mentions. According to Ishuna, character traits of a Mixologist and hospitality consultant include being knowledgeable about drinks, cleanliness and good customer service, lastly, situational awareness.

“Here is a Training Manual for the Bartenders School Legends of Cocktails (Legendsofcocktails@gmail.com). The mission is to enhance the standard of the Namibian Bartenders with the necessary skills to help build a true culture for the art and industry,” he further concludes.