The Bartender Trials with Mix With Britvic

The Bartender Trials, a drinks-led project from Pub & Bar and its sister title Dine Out, asks bartenders to use their expertise and drinks knowledge to put specific supplier products through their paces.

During November 2024, The Bartender Trials returned with a twist, as The Cocktail Club’s Carolina Botelho partnered with Mix With Britvic to not trial specific drinks, but rather Mix With Britvic’s digital training platform and comprehensive serve programme, which equips bartenders with skills and inspiration to elevate mixed drinks with Britvic’s vast portfolio.

“It allows bartenders to create over 10,000 serves, from morning coffees and smoothies, through to evening cocktails and mocktails,” explains Carly Sims, Socialising Brand Director at Britvic. “Through The Bartender Trials, we wanted to showcase a range of recipes which are available on the platform. Within this, we wanted to demonstrate how easy, yet impressive, our recipes are for bartenders to follow. The serves selected by Carolina include our Banshee, Sub Mariner and French Martini recipes, which are made using a range of different alcohols, including spiced rum, Aperol, London dry gin and vodka. The recipes are also accompanied by a variety of syrups, mixers and garnishes in our range, such as London Essence Grapefruit Soda, Mathieu Teisseire Cinnamon, Britvic Soda Water and more.”

After this edition of The Bartenders Trials was completed, Pub & Bar caught up with Botelho to see how the session went.

P&B: How did you find participating in The Bartender Trials?
CB: Participating in The Bartender Trials was an incredible experience! It allowed me to showcase my personal skills and knowledge behind the bar while working with Britvic’s diverse range of mixers, which are always a favourite with our guests. The photo shoot was fun and inspiring, the team was great, and I felt right at home mixing up cocktails with Britvic’s amazing flavours, straight from their Mix with Britvic website recipes. Their mixers are versatile and really bring out the best in both classic and modern cocktails. Plus, Britvic’s commitment to quality made it easy to put my best foot forward. I’m proud to have been able to work with a brand that appreciates bartenders and our craft.

P&B: Did you know about the products/Mix with Britvic platform before? 
CB: I already knew about most of Britvic’s products, as we use their mixers in my bar, along with Teisseire syrups. However, we only stock what’s needed for our menu, so I was thrilled to get hands-on with some syrups and mixers I hadn’t used before! I hadn’t heard of the Mix with Britvic platform before, but it was incredibly easy to prepare thanks to the website’s clear, user-friendly layout. It’s packed with blogs, recipes, techniques and other valuable resources that any curious bartender should check out. It’s always refreshing to step outside of my own company’s training and see the standards and expectations across the industry. This platform gave me the chance to expand my knowledge and refine techniques I thought I had already mastered.

The Cocktail Club’s Carolina Botelho
 
P&B: What were your overall impressions of the products tested? And what about Mix with Britvic?
CB: My overall impression was very positive! I was especially impressed by the cinnamon syrup – it adds complexity and depth to classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned. The versatility of Britvic’s mixers and syrups is outstanding, and I found the pineapple juice particularly adaptable for a wide range of drinks. As for Mix with Britvic, the website is phenomenal! I love how the recipes are organised by time of day; it’s an interesting concept that’s rarely explored and could really help bartenders craft and adapt menus with these factors in mind. The site’s layout and resources make it an invaluable tool for creativity and inspiration.
 
P&B: If you were to advise a bartender on using these products, what would you say to them?
CB: Taste everything! And taste it again. We work in an industry that is driven by the look and taste of the drinks we create, so understanding these products’ flavour profile will allow you to accentuate the flavours you’re looking for. I’d tell any bartender that Britvic Mixers are an excellent choice to elevate any kind of cocktail. The versatility of their range is endless, so you can experiment with flavour pairings while knowing the mixers will balance well with various spirits. Britvic’s Ginger Ale, for example, brings a lovely warmth and spice to whiskies and dark rums. Also, try using their mixers with fresh ingredients, like herbs or fruit, to enhance depth. Britvic’s quality really shines, so let it take centre stage in your drinks!

Warmth and spice with Britvic’s Ginger Ale
 
P&B: To what extent is it necessary for bartenders to keep trying new products in their venues and why?
CB: It’s essential for bartenders to keep experimenting with new products in their venues to stay competitive and meet evolving trends and customer tastes. The bar industry thrives on creativity, and regular updates to the menu keep patrons excited and engaged. New products, whether mixers, spirits or garnishes, provide opportunities to develop unique flavours and signature cocktails, setting a venue apart. Cocktails are like fashion! You have to experiment and keep up with new techniques, flavours and ingredients. By embracing innovation, bartenders can refine their skills, expand their repertoire and deliver a dynamic experience that keeps customers coming back and keeps you learning. 

For more information, visit mixwithbritvic.com