The ‘master’ Derivan, reference in Brazilian cocktails, dies

Died this Thursday (18) Derivan Ferreira de Souza, known in the field of gastronomy as “master” Derivan. Pioneer name of Brazilian cocktails, the 68-year-old bartender participated in one of the stages of the International Rabo de Galo Contest, in Sesimbra, Portugal.

According to family members, Derivan attended a dinner this Wednesday night (17) with his partner Fábio Freitas and felt sick. She decided not to seek medical help and went to sleep. Later, he was found by the unconscious partner. He was taken to the hospital in Setúbal, but succumbed to a heart attack.

Born in Cansanção, Bahia, Derivan had lived in the city of São Paulo for over 50 years and was considered by the gastronomic community to be one of the most experienced bartenders in the country.

Graduated from Senac, his career in the profession began at the former Hilton Hotel, on Avenida Ipiranga. He has also worked in places like Paddock, Bistrô, Ficus Bar, Coopers Bar, La Petula, Esch Café, Bar Número, Blue Note and Riviera Bar.

Author of nine books, Derivan was president of the Brazilian Association of Bartenders and professor at the Brazilian Association of Sommeliers. Since 2017, he has organized the Rabo de Galo International Contest, whose objective is to reward the bartender with the best combination of the recipe, prepared with cachaça and vermouth.

His son-in-law, Roberto de Paula Ferreira, worked alongside the bartender. “Everyone in the cocktail industry in Brazil knows Derivan and that’s why he had this master’s degree. He always inspired me, encouraged me to study, was a reference for me and for everyone”, he says.

The burial should take place in Ferraz de Vasconcelos (SP) this weekend – the family is waiting for the body to be released in Portugal to bring it to Brazil. Mestre Derivan is survived by his wife, Mariluce Maria, his three children, Douglas, Dantley, Dérica, and six grandchildren.