IN THE SPIRIT FEATURING: Yancy Violi, Bar & Bowtie, Owner/Creator
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF:
I'm a south Floridian born and raised Italian/Filipino guy who's came to NYC to build an empire around my knowledge and expertise in bartending, cocktails, fashion, and of course, people.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR MOST RECENT PROJECTS?
Within this last month of December 2018, I was recently hired by not one but TWO Vodka companies as their official NY Brand Ambassadors and Reps. My last event on December 4th included a very merry special, holiday party by Netflix! They hired me directly from my blog to create a cocktail, bartend and host the event! A total success.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RECIPE YOU HAVE COME UP WITH USING AN ACC PRODUCT? WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND IT?
I love passion fruit and citrus flavored cocktails so when I was made aware of the "Harriet Peached Stowe" mixer, I was sold. For this box for the month of January, it will include, of course, Passion Fruit Vodka, this peach/raspberry/vanilla mixer, lime juice, and a blood orange sparkling water. Doesn't that sounds delish?!
WHEN YOU ARE COMING UP WITH NEW DISHES OR DRINKS, DO YOU HAVE A SOURCE(S) FOR INSPIRATION?
I love simple, fresh, and tasty cocktails. Bottom line. What I pride myself on with my cocktails is that they taste so good, you can barely taste the alcohol.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT OR BAR, WHAT DAY OF THE WEEK DO YOU RECOMMEND IT, AND WHAT KIND OF EXPERIENCE CAN A VISITOR EXPECT?
Sugar East in the Upper East Side of Manhattan. I'd recommend going a Monday and seeing my main man Branko. The bar is not busy at all during Mondays and you can sit in this amazingly sexy bar and have the bartender mix you up to your hearts desire without the company of other people distracting you and your date.
WHAT INFO ABOUT COCKTAILS DO MOST PEOPLE MAKING DRINKS AT HOME NOT KNOW THAT WOULD BE HELPFUL TO THEM?
I believe exact measurements is a fallacy. Recipes are used as a guideline and are to be changed by the cook or mixologist. Stick to what fresh ingredients are in season and don't forget to clean up!
FAVORITE ACC FLAVOR?
Georgia Peach Blend
WHAT TRENDS (EITHER LOCAL OR INDUSTRYWIDE) ARE YOU NOTICING TAKING SHAPE AND HOW?
Being completely honest, I'm seeing more spirits ie. Mezcal, being introduced and used more popularly which I think is a fun and unique spin on just the usual tequila shot. Other topic, I'm noticing more men ordering rose and drinking less than woman these days. Not sure why that is but I see that on a regular basis.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?
Prevent Hangovers with...DRINKADE! Coupon code: barandbowtie. Swing by the blog or Instagram and be apart of one of my future events in the new year of 2019. All are free.