Beverage Manager Stephanie Quibano, from Coyo Taco —
South Florida’s beloved taco hotspot with multiple locations — knows the value of pairing great food with equally inventive cocktails. As the restaurant recently marked its 10-year anniversary, Quibano has honed her craft, mastering the balance of fun and creativity when creating her drinks. We caught up with her to get some insights from behind the bar.
Q&A
Why bartending?
I first got into bartending out of necessity. I needed a job to support myself, and I was in college with someone that told me that she bartended in a club in Miami. I followed suit and applied to nightclubs with “bartending school” on my résumé, hoping it would be enough despite having no experience.
What is your favorite quote?
“The more relaxed you are, the better you are at everything: the better you are at your job, the better you are with yourself.” — Bill Murray.
This quote reminds me to take a deep breath and trust myself — both essential in work and life.
If you could design your own cocktail napkin, what would it say?
It would be a mossy green color with a lipstick kiss on it. I tend to romanticize everything, apparently even bar napkins!
What’s one drink everyone should know about?
The Last Word. It’s the first classic cocktail I had that I really enjoyed. I’m always trying to spread the word to people who usually avoid gin or classic cocktails, since that used to be me and I was pleasantly surprised by both.
Is there a bar trend you’d wish would fizzle out?
Yes, making things unnecessarily difficult when preparing a cocktail. If it enhances the taste and experience, then I am all about it! If not, it’s unnecessary.
What’s the ultimate bar snack?
Love me some salty chips, even better when they make them in-house.
What cocktail do you think represents your personality?
A passion fruit margarita. My life goal: tranquila y tropical.
What’s one secret tip every at-home bartender should know?
Use as many fresh ingredients as you can. They elevate the flavors more than anything pre-mixed can do.
It’s January, and we’re all trying to be good. What’s your trick for mixing a drink that tastes so healthy we can almost count it as part of our resolution?
Low ABV liquors and fresh juices. They’re perfect for a beach day without getting dehydrated.
If you could make a drink for anyone, living or not, who would it be? (Bonus: what drink would you prepare?)
Ernest Hemingway. We would be in Key West drinking rum, he would tell me amazing stories and advice (probably some bad advice, too) and might even start a fight with someone because they weren’t passionate enough when telling their own. Seems like a great time!
I’d make him a piña colada — what else would you want on a hot day in the Keys?
Smoked Signs
Smoked Signs
Ingredients:
• 1½ oz. mezcal
• ½ oz. Aperol
• ½ oz. hibiscus syrup
• ½ oz. lime juice
• 1 oz. pineapple juice
• topped with grapefruit soda
Method:
Pour everything but the grapefruit soda in a cocktail shaker. Shake and strain into a double rocks glass with regular ice, rimmed in coarse ground salt or vanilla-infused salt. Top with grapefruit soda and garnish with a wedge of fruit.