Constança Cordeiro

OWNER, TOCA DA RAPOSA

LISBON, PORTUGAL

A Portuguese native, Constança spent several years training in mixology in some of London’s top cocktail bars. A couple of years agok, she decided to move back to her home country and open her own bar - Toca da Raposa. Her cocktail bar focuses on using freshly foraged or locally-made ingredients and supporting local producers.

On our Portugal group trips, Constança takes our travelers on a special foraging expedition in a forest just outside of Lisbon. Then, we head back to her bar to concoct cocktails from everything we found!

Follow Toca da Raposa here.

1. WHEN YOU ARE ABOUT TO MIX A NEW DRINK, WHERE DOES THE INSPIRATION COME FROM?

It can definitely vary, sometimes I find a new flower or herb and build a drink around that so that new flavor really shines. It can also be about a person I met that has an interesting perfume, a dish I tried, a memory I had… Inspiration is everywhere it just need to be original and HONEST!

2. HAS MIXOLOGY ALWAYS BEEN YOUR PASSION? IF SO, WHAT ABOUT IT HAS ALWAYS CAPTIVATED YOU?

I have to say hospitality and flavor has always been my passion. I love to entertain people and make them feel good. That aspect came first, and in my opinion that always has to come first in any restaurant, bar, cafe, etc. I love people, to connect, inspire and be inspired, have a few laughs and that’s what always captivated me about this industry. Ultimately we have the power to really change peoples’ days and make a terrible day into a great one!

3. CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE IN LONDON? WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO STUDY THERE?

London is the Mecca of cocktails. I had almost no experience in cocktails until I moved there, so it was amazing to learn everything from those who I consider the best in this field. I worked in many different styles of bars which helped me build a good base for developing my own style. It began more classic as I was still learning, then eventually to high volume, and finally a modern technique which I would consider part of my style as well.

4. WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL FAVORITE COCKTAIL?

That’s a tough one but I have to say a Sherry Cobbler! It goes down well in any occasion.

5. WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO ON A DAY OFF FROM WORK?

I know it might sound really boring, but the perfect day off for me is a boozy lunch with a friend at a nice restaurant, sometimes going to the cinema, and maybe spending a bit of time with my nieces and nephews and ordering some pizza or something like that for dinner. It usually ends with chilling in front of the TV while I make some checklists for the next day.

6. WHO WOULD YOU LOVE TO HOST AT TOCA DA RAPOSA? IN OTHER WORDS, WHO IS SOMEONE YOU WOULD LOVE TO MEET?

I would love to get to know the guys from Empirical Spirits in Denmark at Toca. I really admire their work! Jemima Kirk and Heidi Bjerkan, also, who is one of the most inspiring people I have ever met.