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
- 1½ oz. Rhum Agricole
- ½ oz. ginger
- ¾ oz. lime juice
- Himalayan saline
- Splash soda water
- Mint leaves, to garnish
- Lime wheel, to garnish
- Ginger slice, to garnish
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
- 2 oz. vodka
- 1 oz. peach puree
- 1 oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 oz. Prosecco
- Lemon wheel, to garnish
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
- 2 oz. vodka
- 2 tsp. cherry jam
- ¾ oz. fresh lime juice
- 1 oz. dry vermouth
- Edible flowers, to garnish
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
- 2 oz. Stoli Citros vodka
- 1 oz. cranberry juice
- ½ oz. Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur
- Lime foam
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