In search of SXM’s hottest drink
Fellow drink-lovers, unite! Time to quench your thirst in another segment of an island-wide hunt for St. Maarten’s best drink!
The Friendly Island is sometimes also referred to as the “Little Miami of the Caribbean”, so it is high time to put those names to the test to discover where we can get both a friendly chat and a good drink. We took the crucial task upon ourselves to go out and about and sample the island’s specialty sips and then to report our findings back to all you thirsty people. The best part? While we’re at it, we might as well ask the island’s talented bartenders, baristas, and smoothie specialists for their secret recipes so that you can try your hand at these special sips at home!
This week, our search for the island’s hottest drinks took us to Bovin Steak House in the Simpson Bay Marina Plaza at Simpson Bay Resort Marina & Spa in Pelican Key. It is 3:30 on a Friday afternoon. Bovin’s staff is getting ready for dinner service at the sophisticated steak house with a chic and modern interior and a mesmerizing view of Simpson Bay and the Caribbean Sea.
Here, we meet with Patricio de Regil, the talented mixologist behind the high-end restaurant’s bar, to talk about his bartending journey, creativity and, of course, to sample one of his creations!
Patricio has been a bartender for over seven years. Originally from Mexico, he started bartending while at college and “just got sucked in” ever since. Two years ago, the by-now talented mixologist moved to St. Maarten to work behind the bar at La Patrona – and when Simpson Bay Resort, Marina & Spa decided to open their new steak house, Patricio was the man for the job – or, in this case, the man for the bar!
When thinking of steak, most people think of wine – which is why Bovin also has an extensive wine list curated to perfectly pair with their dishes. But, as Patricio explains, the combination of wine and steak is a bit old school.
Ultimately, it’s all about finding the right balance of acidity to compliment the meal. That means that pairing the right cocktail with the dish can work just as well. Thankfully, Patricio is both a wine connoisseur and a mixologist, so he is able to advise guests based on their drink preference.
His favourite part of being a bartender? The creative process. “I love coming up with new drinks. I was never creative in school, but bartending pushed me to be creative in other ways,” Patricio explains.
In that sense, it is no wonder that Patricio’s secret is all about trying new things. “When I first started bartending, I was afraid of making a bad drink; but it’s important to try anyway. Don’t be afraid of trying new things,” he says.
Bovin’s cocktail menu showcases that creativity and courage. Besides 12 classic cocktails, the menu features six craft cocktails – all created by Patricio himself. According to the bartender, the “Sorrel Williams” is their most popular drink for its homemade hibiscus liqueur and fruity taste.
But Patricio wants us to try one of his more unique craft cocktails. The best part? This one is relatively simple to recreate at home! In a successful attempt to recreate one of his own favourite drinks, Patricio decided to use vodka and Earl Grey syrup for a creative twist on the frothy classic Ramos Gin Fizz known.
Patricio’s White Fox cocktail embodies the same unique combination of frothiness, fruitiness and creaminess. The lime and Earl Grey add surprisingly fresh and herbal notes, while the cream and the tonic water provide that typical creamy fizziness.
White Fox
- 1 oz. Earl Grey syrup – DIY: boil 5 bags of Earl Grey tea in equal parts sugar and hot water.
- 1.5 oz. vodka
- 1 oz. heavy cream
- 1 oz. fresh lime juice
- Ice
- Tonic water
- Garnish: dehydrated pineapple – or a lemon peel twist for a simpler, but equally pretty option.
Combine syrup, vodka, cream, ice and lime juice in a shaker – and shake it, baby. Pour mixture over ice in a glass and top with tonic water. Garnish with pineapple or lemon and ENJOY!
