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Raising The Bar

Local Mixologists Keep Spirits High And Share Favorite Drink Recipes

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A masterful bartender transforms an ordinary mixed drink into an inspired cocktail, whether shaken or stirred.

That creative talent – combined with a convivial personality and a high service standard – behind the bar sets the vibe, keeps the energy flowing and elevates the customer experience. We got to know some talented area mixologists (it’s a tough job, but someone had to do it) who shared recipes for their favorite cocktails of the moment. We raise a glass to them!

PJ WELSH 

High Dive, West Palm Beach 

Quick Shots

Years slinging drinks: a little over six

Entry to the biz: During an interview for a waiter job in the Keys, the manager asked if he’d consider bartending instead. “You’ve got real pretty eyes, kid,” she told him. “You could sell a lot of drinks.”

Best part of the job: “I get to socialize for a living.”

Favorite drink: a classic Boilermaker: a shot of bourbon or rye whiskey and a glass of beer

Drink he’s tired of making: Tito’s Vodka and soda with a splash of cranberry and a lemon or lime

The Westward Cooler 

(Makes 1)

Ingredients

Instructions

Place first 5 ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake, and strain into a Collins glass over crushed ice. Garnish with mint leaves, lime wheel and ginger slice.

Peach Lemonade

(Makes 1)

Courtesy Danijel Dusanic, bar manager at City Oyster & Sushi Bar in Delray Beach, this refreshing sweet-tart cocktail is the perfect summer sipper.

Ingredients

Instructions

Place first 3 ingredients into a mason jar (with lid removed) over ice. Put the lid on, and shake. Remove lid, top with Prosecco and garnish with a lemon wheel. Serve with a straw.

Cherry Blossom

(Makes 1)

Courtesy Henning Siao, bartender at Saiko-I Sushi Lounge & Hibachi in Boca Raton, this sexy drink gets its color from cherries – a nod to Asian culture.

Ingredients

Instructions

Place first 4 ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake, and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with edible flowers.

ARMANY HERRERA

HMF, The Breakers Palm Beach

Quick Shots

Years slinging drinks: almost five

Entry to the biz: by serving as a barback – the bartender’s right-hand man – for a year

Best part of the job: He loves the “great ambiance” and “great atmosphere” of working at the iconic resort, which enables him to achieve the work-life balance he desires.

Favorite drink: The Redhead, a twist on the Cosmopolitan that he refers to as "the other woman"

Drink he’s tired of making: Herrera doesn’t turn his nose up at any request, explaining, “I have a passion for mixology.”

The Redhead

(Makes 1)

Ingredients

Instructions

Place first 3 ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake, and strain into a martini glass. Top with lime foam. O

Photos by Michael Price and iStock.com/maurese

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