Meet Eddy, the Man Behind the Mixology Magic at Zookeepers!

Zookeepers by Spinifex Brewing Co opened last month and already the locals and visitors of Broome are loving our incredible, handcrafted cocktails. If you’re a little curious to find out more about the man behind the magic, KEEP READING!

A little bit about Eddy….

Hi I’m Edoardo (Eddy) and I’m 26 years old from Milan, Italy. My journey in the hospitality industry started at the age of 15, working behind the bar in Italy. Over time, I became passionate about the art of mixology and worked with internationally renowned bartenders, chefs, and catering companies, as well as delivering training courses and events.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of learning from some of the best in the industry and have poured my heart and soul into developing my own unique approach to mixology.

Tell us about your experience using Native Botanicals…

When I landed in Broome, I was inspired to share my passion for drink making with the local community and educate them on the joys of consuming alcohol in a responsible and enjoyable way. Over the past three years, I’ve travelled extensively throughout Western Australia, but it was in Broome where I met a remarkable, Nyul Nyul woman Cynthia Winawarl, who opened my eyes to the incredible world of native bush ingredients and generations of Indigenous culture.

With her guidance, I’ve fused her vast knowledge and incredible stories with my mixology skills to create something truly unique – introducing locals and visitors alike to the great Indigenous ingredients that we have available to us in Western Australia. In addition to championing the beautiful culture of the local Aboriginal community.

Do you have a favourite cocktail you like to make?

It’s always hard for me to pick a favourite cocktail, as I am constantly open to new flavors, tastes, and learning opportunities every day. However, I must say that here in Australia, thanks to Cinthya, I have discovered truly intense flavors, health benefits, and the rich history behind everything we collect in the bush.The native lemon ginger grass, or “Maarr” as it’s called, is one of the most flavorful, intense, and delicious plants I’ve ever tasted. I use this plant in most of my cocktails, syrups, and liqueurs. You can use it with anything, and it always results in an excellent flavour! Its wild, intense, and fragrant taste immediately transports you to the bush when mixed in a drink

How do you harvest the botanicals for your cocktails?

All the botanicals used in my drinks are exclusively from Broome, harvested with Cinthya, or now that I have been traveling with her for a while, I recognize the plants and know where the best collection spots are, based on the nature and seasons of Broome. Everything comes from natural cultural park Dampier peninsula (Nyul Nyul country), a paradise about two hours away from Broome. I believe that it’s important to not only create delicious cocktails, but also to educate people about the culture and history behind the ingredients used. The use of these native ingredients not only adds unique flavours, but also supports the local Indigenous community and their traditional practices.

Eddy says

I am excited to be a part of this movement and to continue to learn from the land and the people around me. It’s been an incredible journey so far, and I look forward to what the future holds.

If you haven’t tried one of the fabulous cocktails from Eddy, make sure you pay a visit to Zookeepers by SBCO the next time you are in Broome.

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