Together with nine professional bartenders from the Nordic countries and one amateur I publish articles called I BAREN (editor´s note IN THE BAR). The bartenders get to write about anything from their line of work and the business. They work in different cities around Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland and have a varying background. This because you are gonna get exciting ideas and articles on different levels. Today I present Niko Koskimies from Helsinki, Finland!

Name: Niko Koskimies

Years in the business: 4 1/2

Official Job Title: Bar Consultant

Born: 19.01.1988

Currently resides: Helsinki, Finland

Current work locations: Pastor Dine & Drink

How and why did you become a bartender and what other things are you passionate about besides bartending?

I met a couple of guys while I served in the Finnish Navy and these gentlemen told me that I should try to work as a bartender. After I finished my military service I tried to do other jobs, but couldn’t really find passion in doing them. Somehow I ended up working as a promoter in nightclubs and with catering companies in weddings and there I started to serve drinks. From that moment on I’ve been working as a bartender.

I’ve played ice hockey for my whole life so that would be something I’m really keen on. These days I don’t have much time to play, but whenever I have a chance I go to see a game and a couple times a year I try to manage to go on the ice as well.

We also have a small importing company that I’ve been working with for the last two years and that’s also something that I do like a lot. Let’s see what the future brings with that one.

You competed in the worldwide competition Havana Club Grand Prix in Havana, Cuba. How does a competition like this help you career-wise and on a personal level?

For me the competition was a wonderful experience. All though I didn’t manage to get into the finals in the end. I learned a lot during the week about Cuban cocktails, the Cuban culture and had a chance to spend time with some of the best bartenders in the world. For me, connecting with other bartenders has always been really important and this trip was perfect for that. It was really great to change ideas and discuss about the industry. I would also like to point out that the workshops we had during the week were quite inspiring and helped me to get new ideas. It was a really developing trip both career-wise and on a personal level.

What do you drink when nobody see?

That’s really a tough one. I try to avoid drinking alone, but if that happens it’s usually rum. Good rum.

If bartenders had superpowers, what would yours be?

As a bartender I would choose two guys from X-men: Professor X and Magneto. It would be great to control your shakers with out touching them and have them floating in the air shaking and at the same time stir a cocktail with no hands. Just watching your customers and going inside their minds to know what they are thinking about. That would be cool. Although sometimes it might also be nice to shoot someone in the face with a piece of web, like Spiderman does.

What is the most memorable cocktail that you have done?

My first cocktail ever made was a Tom Collins, so that is one for sure. Also the one that got me into Havanna is probably something that I will never forget.

The one that got me into the finals was Mojito Julep:

5 cl Havanna 7 yo

1,5 cl lime leaf syrup

bunch of mint

2 dash Havanna bitters

1 dash peach bitters

It was prepared as a Mint Julep so I called it Mojito Julep.

Which one is your favorite ingredient?

I’ve been stuck with elderflower for a while. Trying to get over it these days.

Describe your approach to making cocktails in one word and tell us why that defines your style.

Exclusive. I think that every cocktail should be made exclusively for the customer and thinking about his/her needs in the first place. I always want to make a cocktail just for the person in front of me at the bar.

Have you done any other competitions?

I’ve been in the local finals in Finlandia Cup, Beefeater competition, Absolut Invite and I had the pleasure to represent Finland in the Jameson Bartenders Ball in 2013.

Where do you find inspiration to your cocktails?

Everywhere basically. People, movies, adds, books, et cetera you name it. There is so many things happening around us all the time and sometimes the idea just pops into my head. Usually in the middle of the night.

Have you recently discovered someting new and exciting in bartending/mixology?

I recently read the Alchemy in a Glass by Greg Seider and the author has a really cool way of doing the ”alchemy”. That’s something I plan on working in the near future.

Is there any people in the business that you really look up to?

There is so many of them. It’s hard to name only one as I look up to different qualities in them. Some of them are really innovative with their drinks, some can perform on a stage with amazing confidence and some can be really good with customer service.

Which is the most common comment that you hear in your job as a bartender?

”What time do you get off from work?” No, not really. I think this already is a kliché, but ”Something not too sweet or sour”.

Of all the cocktails that you have been drinking during the years, which three pops up in your head and who made them for you?

I had one of the best sours I’ve ever had in Paris at Candelaria. Last year at BCB (editor’s note Bar Convent Berlin) on the second day I started with a Bloody Mary which was a life saver, amen to that, and nothing beats a good Negroni.

What are your 5 favorite bars in Finland and around the world and why?

– Liberty Or Death, Helsinki, for me this is a place where to go usually after work to have a few drinks.

– Candelaria, Paris, I visited there a couple years back and it was incredible.

– Amano Hotel Bar, Berlin, this is the place where we ended up last year both days after BCB and it brings me a lot of good memories with good friends.

– Hotel bar at Paradis Hotel, Mauritius, I had a chance to work here for a couple of months a few years back. I’ve also had a chance to go there for vacations and gotta love Mauritius and this place.

– A21, Helsinki, This is where I made first cocktail ever. They also have a couple of drinks on which have had a big influence in my life.

Tell me about your dreams!

My biggest dream is probably to do something remarkable in my life. What that is, I really don’t know yet, but I think there is still a long journey ahead and I’m excited to see what it brings. At some point I hope to get into a situation where I can say I’ve done something great. I’ve set some goals for myself in life, but let’s let them remain as secrets so far.

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