It’s not so much about winning; For me, it’s an intrinsic fulfillment to prove that I still hack it with the best.
Brawler’s Interview
As the week 6 Bar Brawls winner, what was the most challenging part of the competition?
Studying
Tell me your strategy creating perfectly balanced classic cocktails for the first challenge.
Following the recipes, proper procedures, staying focused.
What was your first round favorite cocktail?
Rusty Nail, I was able to utilize some tools from my wheelhouse.
The second round was intense. Back to back classics and then your favorite cocktails. Tell me your strategy in this round.
the idea was to knock out the speed round as fast as possible, then make more than 2 drinks. The drinks were not as easy as I thought. Justin is a formidable opponent as well as a skilled bartender, so I knew I had to stay focused.
What was the cocktail you felt showed off your skills the best.
Rapunzel crush; I started with a framework idea of crafting a healthy fresh fruit cocktail. It evolved into something quite refreshing.
What trend excites you most about today’s bar scene?
It may be an obscure topic; I am pleased with lack of pretentiousness. As an outsider to this world, I have felt embraced and accepted from the other competitors.
Guidance, if any to the next round of competitors.
Stay calm and collected, focus on one drink at a time. Time flies during this competition be mindful of it.
Tell me why you will win this competition.
It’s not so much about winning; For me, it’s an intrinsic fulfillment to prove that I still hack it with the best.
Bartender Interview
Known for:
Being determined, and tech savvy.
Your go-to drink:
Old Fashioned
Must have garnish:
Plastic straw; as a scientist I recognize the importance of eliminating single use plastics in our everyday life, but I really do not like paper straws.
Essential bar accessory:
Good Music
Best local bar:
There are some slim pickings here in psl, although my favorite bars have always been where my friends are. Death or Glory is my current favorite watering hole.
Favorite classic:
Sazerac
Bourbon, Scotch or Rye
Bourbon
Next year you will be drinking:
Probably the same thing
Favorite Memory:
Working with and learning from my mentor
Favorite music:
I’m sure I am like most when I say that my favorite song changes quite frequently; Currently I like “Drew Barrymore” by Bryce Vine.
Favorite Color:
Blue
Interviewer: Renée Korbel Quinn, Spirited South Florida
Strategist | Writer | Supporter @cocktailr @SpiritedSFL #getspiritedsouthflorida #cocktailrs #downtownftlgirl