Edgars Flavor - Brussels

In the vibrant landscape of Brussels, Tania stands as a master of innovation behind the bar. Originally armed with a degree in political science, Tania's journey took an unexpected twist when she, alongside her husband Mario, co-founded Edgars Flavor in 2019. This dynamic duo transformed their shared passion for mixology into a thriving establishment. Born To 2 Ukranian diplomats Tania's roots trace back to Kiev. Her childhood, was marked by the adventurous spirit of relocation to Belgium. Here, amidst the waffle-scented streets of Brussels, Tania discovered her love for craft cocktails and agave spirits. The result is a curated experience that mirrors the diverse influences of her life – a fusion of cultures, a celebration of flavors, and a testament to the power of shared stories.

"I think the Belgian cocktail scene is really undervalued. I think many of our bars are just as good as any of the "famous" international bars. It remains pretty difficult to have other markets talk about us, which is a shame."

What made You het into bartending?

"I started to help out Mario at his restaurant by making some cocktails. This very quickly triggered my love for craft cocktails and agave spirits and i immediately started reading and learning more about it. Cocktail books were my main mentor at the time and i simply started experimenting and traveling to learn more."

What is your favorite cocktails to drink & to make?

"My favorite cocktail to drink is a Mezcal Paloma. I love highballs and mezcal! It's just super refreshing and you can easily drink a lot of them. My favorite cocktail to make is a Dry Martini. I think it is simply a really classy drink... It looks really simple but the drink has a lot of complexity. The glass has to be frozen, the ingredients have to be just right, there are a lot of nuances. I also love adding my own touch to it."

What makes a bartender stand out?

"I guess that passion and interaction are the most important. You can be a bartender with great technique, but if you lack the social skills you don't stand out. Nowadays the use of your social media is also really important to stand out. You can be the best of the best, but that doesn't matter when people don't see you."

What cocktail are you tired of making?

"Without a doubt: Espresso Martini!"

Who is in your opinion the best bartender in Belgium?

"Jesus! I guess it's probably Ran Van Ongevalle. His way of working and the way he markets himself are really top notch!"

What is you favorite bar in Belgium?

"What a difficult question! When i'm not working i don't really go to cocktailbars. I usually go out for a glass of wine. However, if i would have to choose i would say: Botanical By Alphonse. Even though i've never been there, i really admire what they do. Their social media game, and the way that they interact with the international cocktail scene is great!"

What inspires you to create new drinks?

"Travel. When i travel i like to soak up the local culture, visit markets and try out local produce. I usually incorporate these into my drinks."

What is your favorite product to work with?

"My favorite product is Mezcal. The history of Mezcal is the most interesting, way more so than any other spirit. The way it is ancestrally made. I use the same philosophy in my cocktails that is used in the classic way of making Mezcal."