Marika Bouchard – Black Sheep
Halifax – Judges’ Choice Winner
– Fun facts about MADE WITH LOVE National Finalists –
How long have you been a bartender and how did you get into bartending?
I have been bartending since I was 18 years old. I worked in restaurants and clubs in Montreal. I became more involved in the mixology scene after moving to Halifax.
What turns you on about bartending, what are the new trends that are exciting to you?
I’ve always loved experimenting and trying new things. Bartending allows me to be creative and step outside of my comfort zone. I’m definitely into the no waste movement & locally sourced products.
I’ve always loved experimenting and trying new things. Bartending allows me to be creative and step outside of my comfort zone. I’m definitely into the no waste movement & locally sourced products.
What are some of your favorite ingredients to work with?
I love working with anything I can get my hands on. The more out there and unusual, the better.
I love working with anything I can get my hands on. The more out there and unusual, the better.
Which bartenders have been inspirations for you?
I can’t say I have just one. The bartending community in Halifax has definitely inspired me as a whole.
I can’t say I have just one. The bartending community in Halifax has definitely inspired me as a whole.
What is the most ridiculous cocktail request you ever had?
I don’t think I’ve ever had any. I have had a lot of people asking me to make things that they don’t even know the name or ingredients. I always find it fun to try to recreate.
I don’t think I’ve ever had any. I have had a lot of people asking me to make things that they don’t even know the name or ingredients. I always find it fun to try to recreate.
If you had to describe your bartending style using a style of music in comparison, what would it be?
I would have to describe my bartending style as pop music. Fun, new, and always entertaining.
I would have to describe my bartending style as pop music. Fun, new, and always entertaining.
You have the choice to invite anybody you wish to sit at your bar, (fictional, dead or alive) who would it be?
If I could have anyone sitting at my bar, it would have to be Ellen Degeneres. She is a strong confident woman who has done so much and given so much back.
If I could have anyone sitting at my bar, it would have to be Ellen Degeneres. She is a strong confident woman who has done so much and given so much back.
Which cocktail would you serve to your lover? And which one would you serve to your ex?
To be honest whatever I serve them would probably be the same thing. I garner the same amount of respect for everyone who has had any sort of impact on my life, good or bad. So the drink I would serve would definitely be a Negroni: sweet, bitter, and strong.
To be honest whatever I serve them would probably be the same thing. I garner the same amount of respect for everyone who has had any sort of impact on my life, good or bad. So the drink I would serve would definitely be a Negroni: sweet, bitter, and strong.
What got you into MADE WITH LOVE and how do you feel about the National Finals?
I will definitely have to give a shout to my bosses on this one. They have always been my backbone and support through all my competitions and encouraged me to compete in MADE WITH LOVE. I’m excited about the Finals and can’t wait to see what everyone else will bring to the table.
I will definitely have to give a shout to my bosses on this one. They have always been my backbone and support through all my competitions and encouraged me to compete in MADE WITH LOVE. I’m excited about the Finals and can’t wait to see what everyone else will bring to the table.
