In the lively tapestry of mixology, Smriti Thapa, known as Captainmusa, has carved her path through the clinking glasses and vibrant concoctions of the bar world. Hailing from the picturesque Bhaisepati in Lalitpur, Smriti’s journey from the heart of Nepal to the dazzling lights of Macau reflects not only her prowess behind the bar but also the resilience and passion that define her character.

A Globetrotter’s Odyssey

Smriti’s journey in the realm of bartending commenced in 2018 with an unexpected twist of fate. Starting as an intern in the tropical expanse of Thailand, she faced a quick termination, only to find solace and opportunity at the Islanda Hideaway resort in Krabi. Guided by the chance to work either at the bar or the front office, she embraced the art of mixology, proving that sometimes life’s detours lead to the most unexpected destinations.

A Bartender’s Heartbeat: The Rhythm of Life Outside the Bar

Beyond the hustle of shaking cocktails and crafting experiences, Smriti unveils her persona—a perfect blend of introvert and extrovert, grounded in a dark sense of humor. A current resident of Macau, she finds joy in exploring the alleys of Kathmandu with her earpods tuned into the melody of life. Music, with its diverse genres, holds a special place in her heart, mirroring the eclectic tastes that define her playlist.

In her free time, Smriti unveils another layer of her multifaceted personality. A dog lover, animated series enthusiast, and occasional chef, she balances her high-energy bartending life with moments of tranquility and creative expression. Poetry, ukulele melodies, and the art of capturing spontaneous moments through photography provide an outlet for her artistic inclinations.

From Nursing Dreams to Bartending Realities

Smriti’s journey into bartending was not a predetermined path but a series of serendipitous events. Initially, her mother envisioned a career in nursing, a trajectory Smriti was hesitant to follow. The uncertainty led her to enroll in a high school program in hotel management as a backup plan. When nursing exams conflicted with her college endeavors, fate intervened, steering her toward the shores of Thailand for an internship.

Her initiation into the bar world occurred at the Andaman Sea View Hotel, an experience that sparked her passion. Despite a language barrier in the form of a Thai handbook with recipes, Smriti adapted, learning the ropes of mixology by observing her seniors. The termination that cut her Thailand journey short became a stepping stone as she landed a year-long internship at Islanda Hideaway, solidifying her commitment to the bar.

Upon returning to Nepal, Smriti’s academic pursuits continued, and she found herself at Vivanta Kathmandu by Taj. The twist of fate continued as she transitioned from front office associate to bartender, guided by mentors like David, a senior bartender who played a pivotal role in shaping her skills and mindset. This transformative period laid the foundation for her subsequent roles, including as a team leader at Hyatt Place Kathmandu and her current position as an FNB Associate at Ritz Carlton Macau.

A Bumble Bee’s Buzz: Signature Drinks and Viral Fame

Smriti’s journey behind the bar took a creative turn with the creation of her signature drink, the Bumble Bee. This gin-based cocktail, with its unique blend of lemon juice, tea, ginger syrup, honey, and egg whites, or aquafaba, not only tantalizes the taste buds but also embodies the spirit of defying limitations. The popularity of the Bumble Bee reached new heights when a video featuring Smriti went viral on the Humm page, leading to the birth of a poetic tribute from a guest.

A guest wrote her a poem that she would like to share:

The Beautiful Bar Tender She has an aura; she has that welcoming smile of “I will make something for you to drink.” I watch the video again and again. Lest I want to drink, I seek rain, and if it rains, maybe I’ll drink. Some Bumble Bees The lines of her cheek, her brow, and her hair tied up nicely. Hands are clean and steady. To hold and to flip And there won’t be a miss. I watched the video again. Like the alluring sound of some birds singing, she has an aura that is bright. She breaks the egg and pours the white In the glass, mix it up with ginger syrup and lemon juice. adds up a little bit of sugar syrup for a sweet taste. She says any tea is good, but herbal is fine. It mixes vodka, which has replaced gin now. Shake the jar dry. She mixes ice with it before she shakes it again. Strain the mixture. And what you get at the end is a cocktail. Bumble bee While all I do is watch and write, I am hoping that one day I will just leave this piece at the bar and see if she responds. Perhaps with “I’ll make something for you to drink.” Would you like to try Bumble Bee?

Navigating Tomboy Stereotypes and Drunken Misadventures

The life of a bartender is sprinkled with humorous tales, and Smriti shares some of her memorable encounters. On New Year’s Eve, with her tomboyish appearance, a guest initially mistook her for a “bhai” (brother) at a table she was assigned to serve. A night of hilarity ensued, showcasing the light-hearted nature that defines Smriti’s approach to her work.

Another comical incident unfolded during a cash bar session where a heavily intoxicated lady, misinterpreting the payment process, embarked on a mission to fetch her own glass for the drink. Such anecdotes not only highlight the amusing side of bartending but also underscore the diverse and often unpredictable nature of the job.

Crafting Liquid Poetry: The Art of Mixology

Smriti’s journey transcends beyond the mere act of mixing drinks; it’s about creating liquid poetry. Her signature concoctions, such as the “Utopia,” a tequila and orange juice-based cocktail with homemade tamarind syrup, and the “Empheral Pond,” a white rum-based creation with lemon juice, honey, and basil leaves, reflect her creativity and passion for mixology.

However, it’s “Bumble Bee” that holds a special place in Smriti’s repertoire. Inspired by the bumblebee’s seemingly impossible flight, this cocktail serves as a metaphor for defying perceived limitations. Beyond its delightful taste, the Bumble Bee has become a symbol of empowerment and audacity in the face of adversity.

Balancing Act and Aspirations for the Future

Smriti acknowledges the challenges of being a female bartender in Nepal, including the delicate balance between work and family and the occasional difficulty in dealing with rowdy, intoxicated patrons. However, her optimism shines through as she emphasizes the promising career prospects within the industry for those willing to persevere.

Looking ahead, Smriti envisions a bright future for women in Nepal’s bar industry. The evolving culture presents more opportunities for women to excel and assume leadership roles. With determination and resilience, she believes that female bartenders can continue to shatter stereotypes and contribute significantly to the flourishing bar culture in Nepal.

A Toast to Aspiring Bartenders

For those considering a career in bartending, Smriti offers sage advice. Passion, confidence, and a friendly demeanor are key ingredients for success. Embrace continuous learning and believe in yourself, for in the world of mixology, every creation is an opportunity to surprise and delight.

As Smriti Thapa continues to shake, stir, and pour her way through the intricacies of bartending, her journey stands as a testament to breaking barriers, crafting liquid art, and embodying the spirit of resilience. In a profession where every drink tells a story, Smriti’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and the audacity to challenge norms—one cocktail at a time.

Article Compiled by: Rebika Bishokarma

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