IN THE SPIRIT FEATURING: Josue Romero, @the_garnishguy

IN THE SPIRIT FEATURING: Josue Romero, @the_garnishguy

American Cocktail Club and Russian Standard bring you the Russian Crush. Our featured mixologist for this month takes us to a whole different level. Josue Romero, @the_garnishguy crafted a cocktail that shows the transition of season, from summer to fall. The savory and spicy notes of the ginger capture the fall, and the sweet and citrus, pay tribute to summer, and of course, the blended component is what ties it all together. 

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF:

I come from a finance background, turned bartender, turned cocktail stylist. Born in Venezuela, raised in South Florida, currently reside in Los Angeles, California. I consider myself a bartender, even though my duties go beyond the bar. I create cocktail menus for bars and restaurants, teach private cocktail classes, develop recipes for spirit brands, and work as a brand ambassador for several spirit companies. I am surrounded by the hospitality industry 24/7, and my brand in always in creative mode, from recipe development to marketing campaigns.
 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RECIPE YOU HAVE COME UP WITH USING AN ACC PRODUCT? WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND IT? 

This is the first cocktail I've created with ACC, and I am very happy with it. Summer was my inspirations, I am a big fan of frozen drinks, refreshing, yet bright and light.

 

WHEN YOU ARE COMING UP WITH NEW DISHES OR DRINKS, DO YOU HAVE A SOURCE(S) FOR INSPIRATION?

I watch what I eat and drink, so I am health conscious and that translates into my cocktails. I create my own syrups with fresh herbs and spices, as well as making my own juices from fresh seasonal fruits. I do most of my shopping at farmers markets, and tend to use natural sweeteners, and organic produce. My inspirations comes from nature, in addition to art galleries, museums, and other cultures.

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?

When I first moved to Los Angeles, I stayed at the Freehand Hotel for a few months while I was exploring the city, and trying to find a place to live. I was at the Broken Shaker (on the rooftop of the hotel) almost every night. It has a calming vibe, yet it is located in the middle of busy Downtown LA. It has an amazing view of the city, and of course great cocktails. Everytime I visit Miami, or New York, I make sure I stop by the Broken Shaker in both cities.

WHAT INFO ABOUT COCKTAILS DO MOST PEOPLE MAKING DRINKS AT HOME NOT KNOW THAT WOULD BE HELPFUL TO THEM?

Fresh ingredients and quality spirits are key components. Step out of your comfort zone, and try new things, blend fruits and spices. Try new brands of spirits, incorporate amaro, and tinctures, and spirits from other countries.

 

FAVORITE ACC FLAVOR?

Spicy Ginger Mule

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE? 

Follow @the_garnishguy for fun recipes, cocktail and spirit knowledge, and a little insight into what's happening in the hospitality industry.
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