014: The Indie Bartender: Danil Nevsky’s Wild Ride in the Global Cocktail Scene

In this episode, Damian Cole interviews the charismatic and adventurous Danil Nevsky, the founder of The Indie Bartender. Danil shares his incredible journey from his early days working at weddings in Aberdeen to becoming a prominent figure in the global cocktail community. With stories of extreme bartending, skydiving while making cocktails, and his experiences across various countries, Danil provides a unique perspective on the world of bartending and cocktail culture. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the unconventional paths that can lead to success in the hospitality industry.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Danil’s Introduction to Bartending:

• How Danil started his career in hospitality at the age of 15, working at weddings in Scotland.
• The influence of his multicultural upbringing on his bartending style and approach.

1. The Indie Bartender and Vagabond Project:

• The origin story of The Indie Bartender and Danil’s passion for traveling and bartending around the world.
• The challenges and highlights of the Vagabond Project, where Danil worked at bars across different countries for free.

1. Extreme Bartending Adventures:

• The inspiration behind Danil’s “Extreme Bartending” series, including making cocktails while skydiving and other wild stunts.
• The impact of social media on his journey and how it helped him build a global presence.

1. Insights into the Cocktail Industry:

• Danil’s thoughts on the current state of the cocktail industry, including the rise of mezcal and wine-based cocktails.
• His perspective on cocktail competitions and the importance of creativity in bartending.

1. Advice for Aspiring Bartenders:

• Danil shares valuable advice for those looking to make a mark in the bartending world, emphasizing the importance of travel, continuous learning, and staying humble.

Quotable Moments:

• "Once you get into the subculture of bartending, you belong to this little sadomasochistic club of people who want to work too many hours and care about things that no one else does." – Danil Nevsky
• "The best thing I did was to get rid of all the unnecessary stuff, travel the world, and embrace the experiences that came my way." – Danil Nevsky

Guest Contact Information:

• Website: The Indie Bartender
• Instagram: @CocktailMan

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