Shaking Up the Secrets of the Trade
Step behind the bar, my friends, and let’s delve into the captivating world of bartender-curated drinks. As someone who’s spent more time than I’d like to admit perfecting the art of mixology, I’m thrilled to share with you the insider knowledge, the little-known tricks, and the unspoken rules that elevate a simple pour into a truly extraordinary experience.
Sure, anyone can slap together a half-hearted cocktail and call it a day. But the true masters of the craft, the bartenders who make their establishments the talk of the town, they know there’s so much more to it than just following a recipe. It’s about feeling the drink, about understanding the nuances of each ingredient and how they harmonize to create something truly magical.
Mastering the Fundamentals
Let’s start with the basics, shall we? The foundation upon which all great bartenders build their reputations. Attention to detail is paramount – from perfectly curated garnishes to precisely measured pours, every single element of the drink must be meticulously considered.
As the talented Adam George Fournier, Bar Director at Wolfsglenn in Westwood, CA, puts it, “Every bartender is going to have a different rhythm, and there is a lot that goes into my position that falls outside what the common perception of bartender is.” It’s not just about pouring and mixing; it’s about cultivating an entire experience for the guest.
And that experience starts with the fundamentals. Cleanliness, organization, and efficiency are the hallmarks of a true bartending pro. A well-stocked, meticulously maintained bar is the canvas upon which we paint our liquid masterpieces. “I literally pluck all of our mint leaves by hand,” says Sasha, a bartender at Welton Room in Denver. “I make sure that we have everything in stock and ready to go to make it easier.”
The Art of Flavor
But the real magic happens when you start playing with flavors. As Adam explains, “Ultimately, flavor is king, and some spirits work better for some flavors and styles than others.” A bartender’s job is to become a virtuoso of flavor, seamlessly blending and balancing ingredients to create something truly captivating.
“I do love to find ways to make the drinks that I build more sustainable and reduce our waste,” Adam continues. “Sometimes this is even just partnering with a fair trade or sustainable brand, but it often involves finding some way to use part of a fruit or juice in a less familiar way.”
It’s this kind of innovative thinking that sets the best bartenders apart. They’re not just pouring drinks; they’re crafting experiences. Every cocktail is a work of art, a delicate balance of sweet, sour, bitter, and herbal notes that come together to delight the senses.
Embracing the Unexpected
But the true magic happens when you embrace the unexpected. As Sasha from Welton Room points out, “Our gin and tonic and lychee lovely at Welton Room are just so beautiful. I love the intricate details that go into them. I feel like a lot of people would automatically jump to order a liquid nitrogen cocktail because that’s our staple right now, but those other two are just masterpieces to me.”
It’s about defying assumptions, about surprising and delighting your guests with flavors and combinations they never saw coming. As Adam says, “There has to be a reason why you choose to sit at my bar versus the one down the street. Sometimes that reason can be as simple as the house recipe for a classic cocktail.”
Bartending as a Lifestyle
But being a truly exceptional bartender isn’t just about the drinks; it’s about embracing the bartending lifestyle. It’s about finding the right rhythm, the perfect balance between the behind-the-scenes hustle and the on-stage performance.
“Depending on the day of the week, my working hours are going to be filled with ordering inventory, costing P&Ls, cocktail R&D, menu development, staff training, and cleaning the bar,” Adam reveals. “But ultimately, at the end of every day, it’s our service. Hospitality is the art of creating experiences for guests, and all of this work behind the scenes and off-camera is about creating the best experience that we can.”
And for Sasha, that means finding creative ways to unwind after a long shift. “When closing every night, we blast Mariah Carey, and I freaking belt it!” she laughs. “I’m not a good singer, but while everyone else is frantically trying to get home, I’m usually living in the moment and jamming to Mariah.”
Elevating the Everyday
But the true test of a bartender’s mettle isn’t just in the flashy, Instagram-worthy cocktails. It’s in the humble, everyday drinks that become the backbone of any great establishment. As Sasha puts it, “Something I love about working at Welton Room is that the people around us really enjoy food and beverage not just for the eating and drinking, but for the presentation and the hard work that goes into it – the whole experience.”
It’s about taking a classic cocktail and elevating it to new heights, infusing it with unexpected twists and turns that tantalize the taste buds. And it’s about being an ambassador for your craft, educating and guiding your guests through the vast, ever-evolving world of mixology.
“I’m an equal opportunity spirit user in cocktails,” Adam shares. “I build towards flavors and styles. Ultimately, flavor is king, and some spirits work better for some flavors and styles than others.” It’s about finding the perfect match, the synergy between spirit and ingredients that creates a drink that’s truly memorable.
Bartending as a Calling
But at the end of the day, being a bartender is more than just a job – it’s a calling. It’s about cultivating a community, about forging connections and creating experiences that linger long after the last drop has been savored.
As Sasha eloquently puts it, “Something I love about working at Welton Room is that the people around us really enjoy food and beverage not just for the eating and drinking, but for the presentation and the hard work that goes into it – the whole experience.”
And that’s the true essence of bartending – it’s not just about mixing drinks; it’s about crafting moments, about elevating the everyday into something extraordinary. So the next time you belly up to the bar, take a moment to appreciate the artistry, the passion, and the dedication that goes into every single pour.
Because, my friends, the true magic happens behind the bar.
