Our Story
Candra is a site for anyone wanting to make better drinks with or without alcohol, we simplify confusing terminology and complex techniques using fun and educational tools to unlock the magic of cocktails for all.
We are the people who get text messages and calls when our friends and family… or even when their friends and family… are attempting to make drinks:
- Yo, what’s your Margarita recipe? And how do I make enough for 20 people?
- Remember that drink they used to serve at that bar?… I want to make that!
- What in heaven’s name is a Hawthorne strainer? – do I need one?
- I have lime, whiskey, rum, milk, honey and 10 people at my house! What can I make?!
- Mmmmm why is it called a twist if it isn’t twisted?
Meet the Team
We strongly believe drinks should be fun and accessible which is why we created Candra. We want to share our passion and experience to help guide you through the misconceptions and complexities of making and understanding great cocktails.
Andy Shannon
Hey, so guys let me tell you a little more about myself, cringe I KNOW! and why I love cocktails and Candra; less cringe.
So, let me tell you a little more about myself (cringe, I know!) and why I love cocktails, as well as Candra (far less cringe).
My name is Andy, but everyone calls me Shandy (Andy Shannon, you get it). I began my career as a freelance graphic designer, developing brand identities for small- and medium-sized businesses. Like many, I eventually traded the 9-to-5 for the wonderful, crazy bar industry, combining my design and hospitality skills.
It started in Falmouth, Cornwall, at a brilliant little bar called Bar 8, which led me to East London’s award-winning Callooh Callay. From there, I moved to Ian Schrager’s luxury lifestyle hotel, The London EDITION. I spent six years bartending and eventually running the London bars programme, where we won several prestigious national and international awards. I traveled the world taking over bars in cities like Singapore, Paris, NYC, and Miami, while delivering the global advocacy and education programme Punch on the Road at key industry gatherings like Bar Convent Berlin, the Mexico Bar Show, and iconic venues like NYC’s The Dead Rabbit.
During those six years with EDITION, I worked alongside a wonderful, diverse team creating countless cocktails, mastering advanced techniques, and studying cocktail history. Beyond building successful teams, I was lucky enough to help open the Sanya EDITION in China, which later led me to open the highly regarded West Hollywood EDITION in Los Angeles as GM for the roof bar, restaurant, and pool. After that, in 2020, we created Candra and began this current journey, though I’ll save the full story for another day.
That’s the quick tour of my work history. On a personal note, life has been equally exciting in recent years with the addition of my daughter, Kira, and marrying my wife, Fatima.
Now, onto the cocktails, because that’s really why we’re all here. One of my absolute favorites (and most-consumed) is the Dry Martini. I blame Seb for starting the habit and thank Natalia for saving me from them on many occasions! I take mine with gin, very dry, and a lemon twist, though I do love a Gibson, slightly wetter with cocktail onions (mmm, served with fries!). I’m also very fond of a Red Hook, a twist on the Sweet Manhattan, which happens to be another favorite and a cocktail I actually have tattooed on my arm!
Sebastian Hamilton-Mudge
My name is Seb and it’s my turn to tell you a little bit about myself.
I began my career as a professional bartender in mid-90s England, at the beginning of the exciting modern cocktail renaissance. We were all learning and discovering so much so quickly, and working out ways to encourage people to put down their beer or wine and get exited about cocktails.
From bartending I struck out on my own as an independent consultant for the next 13 years. I worked with numerous world renowned spirit brands to deliver cocktail and bartender education along with innovative cocktail strategies. Alongside working with spirit brands I was also consulting on bar openings and rebrands, before opening and running my own successful establishments. One of which is where I first met Andy.
I’ve also always enjoyed writing and have had the opportunity to do quite a lot of it. From brand engagement and educational materials to drink strategies and books on cocktail cultures past and present. I even wrote an award winning college course in Professional Bartending. All this experience means that writing articles for Candra is both a natural and enjoyable process. Especially alongside Natalia and Andy.
I worked as the Global Ambassador for the iconic gin brands of Beefeater and Plymouth Gin. This prestigious role took me around the world for nearly nine years. In fact it was on a work trip to Mexico City where I would meet Natalia.
Regularly speaking at high profile events, judging the world’s best bartenders in competitions, and sharing my knowledge and passion for cocktails, spirits and hospitality, it was nine years that would change my life and eventually move me from London to Los Angeles.
All of these experiences happily lead me to work with Natalia and Andy to build Candra for you. I took time to hone my photography skills, and develop my filming and editing. Joyfully channeling my art college days into our cocktail companions; they weren’t wasted days after all!
We hope you enjoy Candra as much as we enjoy building it.
Natalia Garcia Bourke
Accomplished brand builder, skilled in developing strategic links between operations, marketing and communications. Bilingual creative innovator with a talent for forming unique and meaningful partnerships.
Natalia is a creative innovator, skilled in building and accelerating brands. After working in hospitality in NYC to sustain her fashion internships, she began her career in distilled spirits, working for the world leading Irish Whiskey brand, Jameson. Her success and bilingual capabilities took her from Europe to Mexico, and then the US, to drive growth, events, partnerships and advocacy for the Pernod Ricard Irish Whiskey brands.
Drawn into the startup world, Natalia was an integral part of building the Mezcal El Silencio brand from the ground up. She shaped the team and strategy, which positioned them as one of the mezcal industry’s defining brands and leader in the category.
During her time as Brand Director, the brand secured a substantial capital investment from Constellation Brands, a Fortune 500 company.
Natalia specializes in forming a unique link between operations, marketing and communications with a passion for sustainability, design and social responsibility.
You will often find her at museums or photographing street art. Dumplings and whiskey bring a smile to her face and she won’t turn down a good daiquiri.