Cesar Valdivia moved from his native Mexico to the United States at 16, learning the ropes in the restaurant business early on, particularly in his family-owned restaurant.
His passion for bartending took flight at the iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach and eventually led him to the head bartender position he holds today at the luxurious Bourbon Steak Miami restaurant in the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa. We caught up with him between drink orders for an inspiring chat.
Q&A
Why bartending?
One of my favorite subjects in grade school was chemistry; I have always been fascinated by the reaction of mixing different ingredients. Bartending allows me to channel my curiosity in a professional setting.
Favorite quote?
It’s more like a phrase and life philosophy: “Memento Mori.” It translates from Latin to “Remember you will die.” I use it as a daily reminder to use my time wisely.
Drink everyone needs to know?
The Margarita. It’s one of the most popular cocktails in the United States. When done correctly, it’s refreshing and savory.
You can design your own cocktail napkin — what would it say?
Hahaha — “Memento Mori!”
Bar trend you’d wish would fizzle out?
Over-the-top glassware.
Best piece of advice you ever got?
A great cocktail doesn’t need 11 ingredients. Simple is best.
What cocktail do you think represents your personality?
A Black Manhattan. Elegant and complex.
Best bar snack?
Man, this is a tough one. The best is definitely freshly made french fries.
There are so many great bars in South Florida. What makes Bourbon Steak Miami stand out from the rest?
First, our staff’s expertise. We have over 30 years of experience between us. If you have any questions about spirits or cocktails, we will have the answer. Second, our close relationship with our culinary team allows us to collaborate to create unique cocktails.
Who, living or not, would you want to make a drink for?
Ernest Hemingway. Besides being one of the most prolific writers of our time, he lived the life that most bartenders would like to live: traveling, dining and drinking all over the world, even having a drink named after him.
A5 Fat-Washed Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
• 2 oz. tallow-washed Jefferson’s Reserve Bourbon*
• ¼ oz. simple syrup
• 3 dashes of orange bitters
• 3 dashes of angostura bitters
*Start by rendering the trimmings of an A5 New York strip. Clean the tallow and refrigerate until solid. Add 2 tablespoons for every 750 milliliters of bourbon. Let it rest overnight, then refrigerate until the tallow has solidified. Remove tallow solids and strain.
Instructions:
Combine all the ingredients in an iced shaker. Stir for 10 seconds. Pour into a double rocks glass with a large ice cube. Smoke in glass dome. Serve.