Marvelous “Mr. Mix” Julian Cunningham

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“If you do not include God when you speak of the great things that you can do as an individual, you may just wake up one morning, and not be able to do them.” (Marv Julian Cunningham)

With his ability to finesse a crowd, his charming smile, and his pleasant demeanor, it is no wonder that Marv “Mr. Mix” Julian Cunningham has carved out a legacy for himself that will be herald for years to come. Mr. Mix Bahamas is an artist with a sweet tooth, and this sweet tooth is what had allowed him to make some of the most memorable cocktails in the Caribbean. When I met Mr. Mix, I had made the mistake of calling him a bartender. One of his fans who happened to be within earshot overheard my comment and hastily corrected me; “Marv is not a bartender he is a mixologist”

I quickly took back my comment and set a reminder to learn the difference between the two. On further research, I learned why if Marv was not the man he was, he could have taken offense to what I said. The difference between a mixologist and bartender is roughly the same as that between a chef and waiter. The distinction between the two has become obscured, so I did not feel too bad, but it is important that our readers understand why this man is classic. Being brandished as a mixologist is like tacking a “Ph.D.” after Marv’s name; he is an artist with all the flash and wonder of a great bartender. What distinguishes Mr. Mix is his burning passion for creating inspired flavor combinations that require a commanding knowledge of spirits and flavor pairings.

His love for cocktail mixing began in 1998 when he worked under veteran bartenders at Club 601 in the Bahamas. Trevor “Gubba” Major and Glenroy Rolle must be proud of the young man they took in under their wings. Marv used his position as a Bar Back at Club 601 to learn everything he needed to know to become a bartender. Even at the very beginning, Marv knew he had something different to offer the industry. Marv spent time researching and concocting cocktails; like a chemist, he approaches his work humbly, and up until this very day he continues to learn ways in which to stimulate the taste buds of his clients. He loves working with all ingredients, especially Caribbean ingredients like coconut, mango, and seagrapes. One of his favorite spirits to work with is Vodka, and an interesting fact about Marv is that although his work is with the spirits, he himself is not a drinker. He actually never drinks his concoctions; he only tastes them to ensure that it is pleasing to the palette.

Within the last 20 years, Marv has established himself in the industry and is considered as one of the best mixologists in the Caribbean. He aims to hone his skills regularly and his: diligence, determination, and commitment have allowed him to not only excel at a competitive level but acquire the following accolades:

• 2014 & 2015 Stolichnaya Mix Master Champion
• 2015 Hennessy Master Mixologist Champion
• 2015 Caribbean Journals Travel Awards Bartender of the Year
• 2015 Taste of the Caribbean Gold Medalist
• 2015 Hall of Fame Inductee
• 2015 Bartender of The Year
• 2016 Taste of the Caribbean Gold Medalist
• 2016 Bartender of the Year
• 2016 Hall of Fame Inductee
• 2017 Stolichnaya Bahamas Champion
• 2018 Bahamas Ministry Of Tourism Mixology Champion
• 2018 Rum & Rhythm People’s Choice Cocktail Winner
• 2017-2018 Stolichnaya Regional Ambassador
• Cocktail Artist Blue Curaçao Ambassador
• (CHTA) Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Associations Caribbean 305 Ambassador
• (CHTA) Mixology Judge

Giving back to his community is just as important to him as making them feel good at a party. He wants to share his knowledge and experiences with those who have the willingness and determination to master the art of mixology. It has become an integral part of who he is, and his goal is to elevate the concept of cocktail artistry. He continues to take risks and go beyond what people’s expectations are of a well-mixed beverage. It is not about an ordinary experience when you are standing in front of Marv, it is about having an extraordinary experience. His work actually inspired Cocktail Artist® to create a premium Blue Caracao Syrup that brilliantly combines the clear, blue color of the Caribbean sea and the natural orange extract flavors in a lovely liqueur. At the very end of this Classic Man special feature, I will share one of his special mixes for our readers to try themselves.

His lesson for aspiring mixologists; trust your gut and instincts and never be afraid to fail. The ability to pull himself up after a defeat is what sets Marv aside from other mixologists in his field. His work has allowed him to meet people from all over the world including celebrities and athletes, but he never forgets his humble beginnings. His beautiful, supportive wife, daughters, and family keep him grounded and he always remembers to thank God for his many successes. Marv “Mr. Mix” Cunningham, Toronto Caribbean Newspaper salutes you!

Blue Caracao Syrup Mix

Ingredient Essentials

• 2 oz Orange Vodka
• 3/4 oz Cocktail Artist® Blue Curacao Syrup
• 3 Cucumber Slices
• 3 Lime Slices
• Garnish: Cucumber Slice

Material Essentials

• Cocktail Shaker
• Muddler
• Jigger
• Hawthorne Strainer
• Mesh Strainer
• Rocks Glass
• Knife

Mixology 101

• Place cucumbers and limes in bottom of shaker, and muddle.
• Add orange vodka, Blue Curacao Syrup and ice, and shake vigorously.
• Double strain into Rocks glass over a sphere ice cube (or cubed ice).
• Garnish with a cucumber slice