IN THE SPIRIT FEATURING: ALLI TORRES, REFINERY ROOFTOP, MIXOLOGIST
WHAT BIG NEWS DO YOU HAVE TO SHARE WITH US SINCE OUR LAST COLLABORATION?
Since my last cocktail kit, a lot of great things have happened! My team won Cochon 555 NYC last year, I hosted cocktails at the James Beard House, and was voted Cocktail Portal's Top 10 Bartenders 2018!
WHAT FIRST INTRIGUED YOU ABOUT THE BAR/SPIRITS INDUSTRY?
My first job ever was in a coffee shop. It was fast-paced and a lot to remember and recite flavors, recipes, roasts etc. I actually found it second nature and moved on to train in a bar to apply that knowledge to a larger spectrum. That was 17 years ago :-)
WHY ARE YOU EXCITED TO DO ANOTHER BOX FOR AMERICAN COCKTAIL CLUB?
As we grow, year to year, we learn so much. I love the idea of experiencing many different things, and simplifying them into something beautiful and delicious for people at home. There's no reason we can't all be creating! The juices and mixers are of the highest quality and I'm proud to use them behind my bar.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR INSPIRATION BEHIND THE COCKTAIL YOU CREATED THIS MONTH:
This cocktail was inspired from my last photo shoot with the Cocktail Portal. in 2018 I was named Top 10 Bartenders, and I wanted to recreate a similar at-home recipe!
WHAT ARE YOUR ESSENTIAL TOOLS FOR THE HOME BAR? DO YOU RECOMMEND MOST PEOPLE STOCK THESE AT THEIR HOME BAR?
Of course we use a lot of different tools, but a lot can be done with; a set of shaker tins, a strainer, a fine strainer, and some angostura bitters! I can't live without bitters!
ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE?
A big thank you to my team at Refinery, and the bar community of NYC. Without hours of collaboration and ideas, we wouldn't be creating so many successful programs! Cheers!