Photos Courtesy Of Anthony’s Runway 84
Anthony’s Runway 84 has been a South Florida staple for 43 years, and for 28 of them, Cindy Anderson has been a familiar face behind the bar. She started as a waitress, but her love for people — and a good story — naturally led her to bartending. Ever since, she’s been mixing, shaking and pouring with a smile. We sat down with her for a one-on-one chat.
Q&A
What’s the best advice another woman has given you — behind the bar or in life?
The best advice was from my mom: “If you don’t have something nice to say to someone, don’t say it at all.”
If you could have a drink with any iconic woman, living or not, who would it be and why?
Whitney Houston — and I would change the vodka martini to the Heartbreak Hotel to serve her. She was the most talented young woman who passed too young, and I’ve always loved her songs and voice.
After nearly three decades behind the bar, what’s one lesson about people you’ve learned?
To never judge a book by its cover.
What’s one outdated bar “rule” you think needs to be broken?
That “it’s 5 o’clock somewhere.” You shouldn’t have to put a time on when you can relax and have a great drink.
You’re designing a cocktail napkin — what’s the one phrase or quote you’d put on it?
“Don’t worry, be happy. Everything is gonna be alright.”
If Anthony’s Runway 84 was a cocktail, what would be in it?
Fernet — a true Italian staple.
What’s the one drink every woman should know how to order (or make) and why?
A cosmopolitan. I always say that when it’s made right, a cosmo is like a perfect pink lemonade.
Bar trend you’d wish would fizzle out — besides the tequila espresso martini?
Frozen drinks. They should only be for beach bars and cruises.
You’re hosting a girls’ night — what’s on the drink menu?
We’ll start off with an Aperol spritz or an 84 Spritz, and then enjoy a nice bottle of red wine or rosé, depending on how hot it is.
Describe your bartending style in three words.
Approachable, fun and delicious!
Who, living or not, would you want to make a drink for? (Bonus question: what drink would you prepare?)
Frank Sinatra. I think we would have an interesting conversation, and I would, of course, make him his favorite cocktail, the Rusty Nail.
84 Spritz
Ingredients:
• 1½ oz. Pallini Limoncello
• ½ oz. Grey Goose Le Citron Lemon
• ½ oz. Basil Simple Syrup
• 3 oz. Prosecco Zero
• 1 oz. soda water
Method:
Pour all ingredients (except for soda water) into a wine glass filled with ice. Stir gently and top with soda water. Garnish with a lemon twist and basil leaf.