Jad Ballout represented Lebanon at the World Class Bartender of the Year final, 2013
Garcia’s Cantina y Cocteleria was opened a year-and-a-half ago by Charlie Frem and Tony Rached, who noted that fresh-fruit cocktails work very well with Latin cuisines and – given the popularity of Mojitos, Margaritas and Daiquiris in Beirut – put two and two together and opened their bar-restaurant.
Garcia’s drinks are full of fresh fruit flavours, its food is Mexican-meets-the Med, the design is cosy and warm and the music combines Latin beats, with jazz, blues and old skool. It is in Hamra where it joins the Black Lily pub in catering for an older professional crowd than the more typical student haunts in this the city’s university hub.
THE BARTENDER
Jad Ballout is 24, but already has seven years experience under his belt, having moved to manage the bar at Garcia’s after a spell at Lei. Jad usually takes his lead in drink development from the best herbs, fruit and vegetables at local markets. He counts bartenders Kazuo Uyeda and Erik Lorincz among those who inspire him, and is keen on equipment such as chefs’ smoking guns and the Perlini shaker (which produces highly carbonated cocktails). Another facet of Jad’s craft are his barrel-aged cocktails: classics such as Manhattan and Negroni, left to mature for three to four months in whisky casks on the bar top.
THE DRINK
THE TECHNIQUE
- Ketel One Citroen • 70ml
- Fresh lemon juice • 20ml
- Sugar syrup (2:1) • 20ml
- Cucumber syrup • 10ml
- Extra virgin olive oil • 15ml
- Sumac • 1 bar spoon
- 3 cherry tomatoes
- 3 mint leaves
Contains 23 grams of alcohol per serve
Dry blend all the ingredients with a hand mixer. Shake the mix with ice. Pour into a traditional pewter cup. Serve with crisp bread on the side.
Jad recommends sitting by the corner near the bar to best enjoy the evening and your Fattoush Cup.
Garcia’s hosts a different DJ each night, with a buzzing vibe at weekends, but in general is refined and relaxed. You’re also always guaranteed something delicious and seasonal on the weekly specials board.
WorldClass 50, 2013
Images by Anthony Rahayel
