Laura Bellucci from Sobou. Plus, Is It Time for Bartenders To Embrace Vodka Again?

On the Bartender Journey Podcast, we continue our Tales of the Cocktail 2017 coverage with the 4th of 9 episodes featuring content from Tales.

Questions posed on the podcast this week:

• What does it take to run a Bar Program?
• Is it time for Bartenders to embrace vodka again?  Many Bartenders have a weird relationship with Vodka.  Maybe its time to get over it.

Take a listen to Podcast No. 222 with the audio player on this page, or on Apple Podcasts /Google Play Music / Stitcher Radio for a slice of the Tales experience!

 
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We talk with two very interesting ladies.  First we chat with , Laura Bellucci , Lead Bartender at Sobu in New Orleans.  We'll chat about how ​important it is to collaborate,  Not only with your fellow bartenders, but also with the kitchen and other staff  to create amazing cocktails featuring great olfactory experiences for your guests!

Then we speak with Aisha Sharpe, Brand Ambassador for VDKA 6100 and she gives us our Cocktail of the Week!

Cocktail of the Week:
(Courtesy of Aisha Sharpe and VDKA 6100)
Spicy Kiss

• 2 oz VDKA 6100
• 4 Chunks Watermelon
• 1 slice Jalapeno Pepper, plus some for garnish
• ½ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• ½ oz Simple Syrup

Muddle the Watermelon and Jalapeno. Add the remaining ingredients & ice. Shake and double strain into a chilled coupe glass.
Brian’s Note:  Try it as a tall drink, served over ice in a highball glass with some seltzer.

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Book of the Week:
The Bloody Mary: The Lore and Legend of a Cocktail Classic, with Recipes for Brunch and Beyond

During Tales of the Cocktail, Absolute held a Bloody Mary Bar event where I met author Brian Bartels who is passionate about this timeless Brunch staple. The book is filled with variations on the Bloody Mary, plus history and tips for setting up for a Brunch party. There are ideas for Infused vodkas, like Cilantro, Bacon, Shiitake and more. Great book for getting ideas about upping your Bloody Mary game!

At the Absolute Bloody Mary Bar there were four  variations on the Bloody Mary. I choose the green one! There were lots of garnishes to choose from and to customize your drink. There displayed them cleverly in hanging mason jars, with a little hand written chalk board behind each.

Educational Opportunity from Patron:

If you are anywhere near Cleveland Ohio Patron is doing a Full Day class for you to learn about all Tequila. There is no cost to attend. You just need to RSVP and get yourself there on September 12, 2017. It will be held at the Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Center.

CLICK HERE to RSVP

Suggestion: get yourself a room at the hotel. Enjoy yourself, learn a lot, and be safe!

Toast of the Week:
One sip of this will bathe the drooping spirits in delight beyond the bill of dreams.