You’re running a successful cocktail service, Flying Cocktails, how did that come about?

I started my career in hospitality when I was 14 years old. Washing dishes, cleaning the kitchen, – that kind of stuff. My first job as a bartender was in Blanes, Spain when I was 16 years old. I went there with my buddy Ivo and that’s where the trouble began. I started practicing flairing (throwing bottles) on the beach during the daytime. I continued flair bartending in the Netherlands, worked for some big cocktail companies, did some competitions in Holland and Poland, and 9 years ago I founded Flying Cocktails. We provide mobile bars with high-end cocktails to every location.

Bartending 101: what are the tips & tricks for mind-blowing drinks? Any hilarious stories while dealing with drunk customers for instance?

Always make sure that you are bartending for your guest and not for yourself! You have to figure out your guest’s drinking preferences real quick. Then balance your drink, smile and don’t take yourself too seriously! I can easily write ten pages about all the hilarious stories! Okay, here’s one: once we brought our mobile bars to a wedding where the family of the bride and groom ended up in a big fight after a few drinks, can you imagine?

How do you stay extremely fit despite working long night shifts and consuming alcoholic beverages from time to time?

I set myself a rule when I started my own business: no alcohol from Monday till Friday. It’s a big thing in hospitality, people who drink every day. When there’s something like a birthday or a wedding, I’ll make an exception. In case I work over the weekend, I won’t drink more than a couple of drinks in order to keep focus while shaking and while driving home afterwards. Of course, if I am free at the weekend I go all the way but I’m trying to drink responsibly over these past few years. Besides all of the above, I work out around 4 times a week and try to meditate daily for about 20 minutes. A strong body and mind will keep you on track!