When it comes to finding ways to enchant guests, Seabourn is always thinking of new, innovative, interesting and high quality ideas. This March, Brian Van Flandern joined the team to create a unique onboard experience for the cocktail to wine lover. Because Seabourn is an all-inclusive luxury cruise, every passenger will be able to enjoy his creations at no extra cost.
Who is Van Flandern?
Certified as a Spirits Professional with the U.S. Bartenders Guild, Van Flandern is a well-known author of three cocktail books and the founder of Creative Cocktail Consultants, an extensive bartender-training program. Additionally, in 2011 he was named “America’s Top Mixologist” by The Food Network.
Serving as head mixologist for chef Thomas Keller’s Per Se Restaurant in New York from 2004 to 2007, his work was known to Seabourn from their partnership with Keller. These are but a few of his many accolades and why we’re so excited to see his work.
Van Flandern has been elevating the bar ingredients available onboard, handcrafting classic cocktails, educating and training the bar staff across the Seabourn fleet on both new and classic mixology techniques. He will also create a menu of cocktails exclusive to the line.
“We are honored to bring Brian’s creative talents onboard our ships,” said John Delaney, senior vice president, global marketing and sales for Seabourn. “Upgrading our complimentary bar and cocktail offerings is another enhancement to our product, and we are confident that these unique touches will continue to elevate our award-winning culinary experience. Guests will enjoy an expanded spirits list, which will include more premium and ultra-premium whiskeys, tequilas, and other spirits,” Delaney added.
What makes him different?
Van Flandern will use fresh produce, botanicals and flavor profiling to create a unique list of hand crafted cocktails that takes advantage of the local markets that Seabourn ships visit. Guests will enjoy a number of fresh balanced, remarkably tasty food-friendly cocktails with flavors from around the world.
A few examples of his drinks:
- Smokin Margarita, made with Herradura Blanco tequila
- Del Maguey Tobola mezcal, fresh lime juice, agave nectar and egg white
- Pina Colada, with Zacapa 23 rum, Bacardi light rum, fresh shredded coconut, fresh pineapple juice, cane sugar simple syrup and vanilla syrup
“There is a global revolution taking place right now in the beverage industry as an entire generation is witness to the new golden age of the cocktail,” said Van Flandern. “I am delighted to join the Seabourn family, who share my philosophy that the guest experience is paramount and that fresh, quality ingredients are the key to a successful program.”
Don’t think the creativity stops with Van Flandern. He is focused on teaching each of the 10 bartenders aboard every Seabourn ship how to truly create the perfect drink. After an intensive 10-day training and follow up week long session, these bartenders will take tests to become certified mixologists.
Ready to experience this new wine and dine experience?
Find out more about upcoming Seabourn sailings >>
