Photo By Felipe Cuevas
If it were possible to have a doctorate in mixology, Gio Gutiérrez would easily have one.
Born in Cuba and raised in Miami, Gutiérrez has served as U.S. Havana Club Ambassador for six years, delivering knowledge and passion for the high-end Bacardi Facundo Rum collection in his characteristically jovial style. While smitten with his hometown, Gutiérrez is often on the road hosting events or guest bartending. We were fortunate enough to snatch him in between gigs for some bar talk. Here are some of his thoughts — as always, shaken, not stirred.
Q&A
Why bartending?
As a brand ambassador, education is my number one priority, and it is something I love to do. Sharing stories, creating cocktails, but, mostly, making memorable moments is what I love.
Why South Florida?
Our tropical climate and the melting pot of cultures is a perfect recipe for me.
Drink everyone needs to know about and why?
A hand-shaken daiquiri. Nothing frozen, no artificial syrup — just a classic Cuban daiquiri is perfection in a glass. A trick I like is to add a swatch of grapefruit peel in the shaker. That’ll give you a Regal variation.
Favorite bar snack?
Don’t call me weird but radishes with a little sea salt on the side.
Favorite bar music?
Bar music would depend on time of day. Exotica music poolside while sipping a piña colada, Nouvelle Vague in the afternoon with martinis and Bad Bunny’s latest single with Aventura ("Volví") at a nightclub with a paloma in hand.
What’s the one thing that instantly makes your day better?
Any sweat session makes my day better. Workouts are important for me to stay balanced.
Who, living or not, would you want to have a drink with?
Not to sound sad or morbid, but my father, whom I lost at the young age of 13. I would love to have known him better in this day and age. Celebrity-wise, I’d say Jack White, if there were musical instruments around.
If you could serve your drinks with a customized cocktail napkin, what would it say?
Love this question! It would simply say “smile.”
Regal Daiquiri
Photo by Joshua Scott
2 oz. Havana Club Añejo Blanco Rum
1 oz. fresh lime juice
¾ oz. simple syrup (or 1 ̸3 oz. extra fine sugar)
1 grapefruit peel
Shake with ice, strain and serve up, no garnish necessary
Love this question! It would simply say “smile.”