From humble beginnings to a vibrant riot of flavours

In a small coastal town on the North Island of New Zealand, a boy named Major grew up surrounded by the beauty of the sea, the scent of native plants, and the unspoken rhythms of the land. Though he was destined to become one of the most creative mixologists of his time, his childhood was far from glamorous. It was simple, serene, and deeply connected to nature, thanks to his parents, Jacob and Anahera, who lived their lives as stewards of both land and sea.

Jacob, Major’s father, was a fisherman by trade, but he was also a culinary artist in his own right. He approached cooking with the same passion he had for the ocean. His recipes were never the same twice, always influenced by the day’s catch or whatever herbs and spices he felt like experimenting with. His dishes were a reflection of the world around him—simple yet bold, fresh yet full of surprises. This was Major’s first introduction to the art of flavor, though he didn’t know it at the time.

Anahera, Major’s mother, had a different but equally powerful influence on him. A botanist specializing in New Zealand’s native plants, Anahera was a master of infusions, teas, and herbal remedies. She taught Major about the kawakawa plant, known for its medicinal properties, and the manuka tree, whose honey became one of New Zealand’s most prized exports. From Anahera, Major learned not just about plants, but about balance. She believed that nature held the key to harmony and that every ingredient had a purpose, whether it was in a cup of tea or a bowl of soup.

Together, Jacob and Anahera created a home that was filled with creativity, love, and a deep respect for the earth. Major’s childhood memories were steeped in the aromas of his father’s cooking and his mother’s brews, and these early experiences with food and nature planted the seeds of what would eventually become his career in mixology.

But it would take years for Major to realize that his true calling was not on the sea like his father, nor in a lab like his mother, but behind a bar, where he could blend his passions for flavor, experimentation, and storytelling into one art form.

Major’s journey into the world of mixology began unexpectedly during his teenage years. It started with simple experiments. He would take some of his mother’s herbs—kawakawa leaves, lemon balm, or manuka honey—and blend them into iced teas or juices. Over time, he began to play with textures and flavors, adding salt from the sea, sweet syrups, or fresh fruits. These were small, innocent concoctions, made more out of curiosity than anything else.

But as his teenage years progressed, so did his fascination with mixing flavors. He started to push the boundaries of what a drink could be, turning simple juices into layered, complex experiences that captured the essence of New Zealand’s landscapes. One day, inspired by a summer storm rolling over the Pohutukawa trees, Major created a drink he called the "Pohutukawa Storm." It was a mix of passionfruit, chili, and a saline mist that he sprayed over the glass, evoking the sensation of standing by the ocean during a summer storm. His family loved it, and so did the neighbors who were lucky enough to taste it.

This drink became a defining moment for Major. He realized that drinks could be more than just a way to quench thirst—they could tell stories, evoke emotions, and bring people together. With this revelation, Major’s interest in mixology deepened. He began researching the art and science of cocktails, diving into books and online forums to learn the classic techniques and recipes. But Major didn’t want to simply replicate what others had done; he wanted to create something new, something that spoke to his roots in New Zealand.

As he experimented, Major began to develop his signature style, one that combined the fresh, natural ingredients of New Zealand and around the world, with bold, unexpected twists. He became obsessed with creating drinks that weren’t just delicious, but also visually stunning and emotionally evocative. He experimented with local fruits like tamarillo, feijoa, and kiwi, and also with mangoes, peaches and herbs. Each cocktail was a tribute to nature’s diverse landscapes, from the rugged coastlines to the lush tropical forests.

By the time Major reached his twenties, his reputation as an innovative mixologist was spreading, earning him the nickname ‘Major Rager’. He started working in bars across Auckland and Wellington, learning from seasoned bartenders while continuing to develop his own unique creations. But it wasn’t long before Major wanted more than just a job—he wanted to create a space where his vision of mixology could truly come to life.

Major’s dream came to fruition when he opened his own bar in Auckland, aptly named "Major’s Hideaway." It was a small, intimate space, designed to feel like a secret oasis where people could escape from the hustle of the city and lose themselves in a world of flavors. Although relatively hidden, the bar quickly gained a loyal following, not just because of the drinks, but because of the experience Major offered. Every cocktail came with a story, a personal connection to nature and culture.

As Major’s confidence grew, so did his ambition. He wanted to create a line of signature cocktails that would define his brand and capture the spirit of his mixology philosophy. After months of experimentation, Major unveiled his first collection of drinks under the brand "Major Rager." The name was a playful nod to his own name, but it also represented the energy and excitement he wanted his cocktails to evoke.

The ‘Pink Gin & Tonic’ was one of his first creations in this line. It was a fresh take on the classic gin and tonic, but with a vibrant twist. Major infused the gin with pink floral and fruity notes that are reminiscent of peppercorns and rhubarb, giving the drink a delicate pink hue and a subtle, botanical kick, creating a cocktail that was both refreshing and complex.

Next came the ‘Peach Lemonade’, a drink that captured the essence of New Zealand’s long, sunny summers. Major used fresh peaches from the orchard as the base, but what set it apart was his addition of handpicked lemons, which added a citrusy flavor to the vodka drink. It was sweet, tangy, and just a little bit mysterious—a perfect reflection of New Zealand’s natural beauty. He also loved the fact that it was an ode to the beautiful memories from his childhood when he would to set up lemonade stalls with his buddies.

But Major’s boldest creation was undoubtedly the ‘Peri Peri Mango’, a cocktail that combined the sweetness of farm-grown, summer ripened mangoes with the fiery heat of peri-peri chili peppers with the added zing of tequila. The result was a drink that was both refreshing and daring, with a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. It quickly became a favorite among customers who loved a little heat in their drinks. 

And then there was the ‘Party Bomb’—Major’s most secretive and celebrated creation. This herbaceous cocktail was a blend of a secret combination of herbs and spices that Major never revealed. The Party Bomb has a reputation for being the life of every party, with its mysterious, energizing effects. Some claimed it was a mood lifter, while others said it gave them a sense of clarity and focus. Whatever the secret, the Party Bomb became an iconic drink, served on special occasions.

The success of Major Rager line of cocktails cemented his place as one of New Zealand’s most innovative mixologists. But Major wasn’t content to stay in one place. He wanted to take his cocktails to the world, and it wasn’t long before an opportunity arose that would change the course of his life.

Major’s next adventure came unexpectedly when he took a backpacking trip across Asia and landed in Goa, India. Here he made a few local friends and spent most evenings at the local tavern in Morjim. In between his surfing lessons and feni tastings, Major would get behind the bar to teach the bartender a few tricks. The bartender at the tavern was captivated by Major’s unique approach to cocktails after sampling a few of Major’s creations. He was convinced that Major’s style would resonate with India’s vibrant and diverse cocktail culture.

The idea of bringing his cocktails to India excited Major. India was a land of bold flavors, rich spices, and a deep appreciation for both food and drink. Major had always been fascinated by India’s culinary traditions, and he saw endless possibilities for blending New Zealand’s fresh, clean flavors with India’s bold, aromatic ingredients. But moving to a new country was a daunting prospect, and Major knew it would be a huge step out of his comfort zone.

After much deliberation, Major decided to take the leap. He packed his bags and left behind the serene landscape of New Zealand for the scenic beaches of Goa. Major quickly fell in love with the energy and vibrancy of India.

With his successful debut in India, Major’s journey was far from over. Now that he had tasted the possibilities of blending New Zealand’s pristine, natural ingredients with India’s bold, vibrant flavors, he knew this was just the beginning. Major was already dreaming up new cocktails inspired by India’s rich culinary landscape, from saffron to coconut to tamarind. He began traveling across the country, sourcing exotic spices from Kerala, fresh tropical fruits from Goa, and rare herbs from the Himalayan foothills. Each new discovery fueled his creativity, and Major was determined to continue pushing the boundaries of mixology, creating drinks that would surprise and delight his Indian audience.

Major promised that each season would bring fresh innovations, with new cocktails designed to reflect both countries' rich, diverse histories. His next venture remained shrouded in secrecy, but he hinted at a collaboration that would take the essence of "Major Rager" to an entirely new level—something bold, unexpected, and even more mysterious than the Party Bomb. Only time would tell what Major had up his sleeve, but one thing was certain: his journey of flavors was far from over, and the world could only wait in anticipation for his next creation.