Whether it’s making protective masks or feeding those without access to food, compassionate bartenders across the country are stepping out from behind the bar to support their customers and communities in unprecedented ways through the Coronavirus pandemic and the resulting shutdowns. “I think it’s more or less taking what we’ve learned from hospitality and applying it to being community planners and to community aid assistance,” says Los Angeles bartender Aaron Melendrez, who co-founded an organization to feed undocumented workers. “It’s taking those principles of treating someone well in your house and being intuitive to someone’s needs, and just applying that to […]
Bartenders
46 posts
What inspired you to create this cocktail? “I was inspired by the warm summer weather and some ingredients I had in my kitchen. I wanted a drink that was approachable for anyone to make in their homes.” When would you serve this drink? “I would serve this in the afternoon or right before dinner. It’s a great way to entertain people before a long evening.” What music would you pair it with? “I’m all over the place with music. But some chill R&B would be great to relax to while still having a good beat.” What food would you pair it […]
Thank you to the House of Suntory for partnering with Half Full and sponsoring this Bartenders At Home cocktail video. What inspired you to create this cocktail? “The drink was inspired by my love of watermelon in the summer. I eat it almost every day.” When would you serve this drink? “I’d serve the drink to anyone on a hot summer day.” What music would you pair it with? “Well, I’m a rock and roll guy, so classic rock.” What food would you pair it with? “Any kind of spicy food.” Name the person (dead or alive) you’d like to make […]
Thank you to the House of Suntory for partnering with Half Full and sponsoring this Bartenders At Home cocktail video. What inspired you to create this cocktail? “I wanted to emphasize the delicate, smooth, and mildly silky characteristics of the vodka, partnering it with other delicate Japanese ingredients (yuzu, sake, rice vinegar), to create a crisp, simple, yet nuanced cocktail.” When would you serve this drink? “I’d want to serve this drink as the first (or second) cocktail of the evening, prior to enjoying an umami driven Japanese meal. If no meal was planned, it makes a perfect accompaniment to a […]
Thank you SKYY® for partnering with Half Full on the Bartenders At Home cocktail video series. What inspired you to create this cocktail? “A Bee’s Knees is a drink that I recommend for folks that are interested in making simple yet delicious cocktails at home. It’s three ingredients that most folks have at home or can easily go to the store to buy. The one element that I think most at home cocktails lack is texture, so I wanted to bring a beautiful roundness and mouthfeel to the drink. What better way to do that than the trendy dairy alternative oat […]
Thank you Frangelico® for partnering with Half Full on the Bartenders At Home cocktail video series. Why do you like making and serving this classic cocktail? “The Birthday Cake shot is pure nostalgia for me, and takes me back to my early days tending bar.” When would you serve this drink? “When it’s somebody’s birthday.” What music would you pair it with? “If you’re drinking these, you’re probably in a bar with loud music. If you’re at my bar, you’re probably listening to Outkast.” What food would you pair it with? “Well, I’ve never been asked to pair a ’90s shot […]
Thank you Wild Turkey® for partnering with Half Full on the Bartenders At Home cocktail video series. What inspired you to create this cocktail? “I love researching vintage tiki recipes when looking for inspiration, but as much as I enjoy rum and gin cocktails, it seems that there are very few recipes in the tropical canon that feature American whiskey as the base spirit. So this cocktail was an opportunity to take that old-school tropical ethos and update it with a modern take, while injecting some rye whiskey, which pairs beautifully with traditional tropical flavors.” When would you serve this drink? […]
Thank you Wild Turkey® for partnering with Half Full on the Bartenders At Home cocktail video series. What inspired you to create this cocktail? “I was inspired by what brings people together and our love and longing to be back in the outdoors.” When would you serve this drink? “I would serve it when you are grilling on the patio for dinner or just unwinding on the porch at the end of the night.” What music would you pair it with? “I would pair this cocktail with classic rock or anything loud and guitar driven. It’s a fun take on a […]
Thank you Wild Turkey® for partnering with Half Full on the Bartenders At Home cocktail video series. What inspired you to create this cocktail? “I love adding herbs or floral elements to Old-Fashioneds to give them a lighter and more accessible feel. The Wild Turkey® 101 Bourbon has so much depth and body to it already, so lightening it up just a bit with some rosemary and honey gives this particular Old-Fashioned a summery vibe.” When would you serve this drink? “Even though many people equate Old- Fashioneds with the colder months, I think this is perfect for spring and summer.” […]
Thank you to the House of Suntory for partnering with Half Full and sponsoring this Bartenders At Home cocktail video. When would you serve this drink? “On a warm, sunny day ideally hanging out poolside with friends and family.” What music would you pair it with? “Something you’d listen to while lounging poolside or at the beach.” What food would you pair it with? “Ceviche or anything that is bright and refreshing.” Name the person (dead or alive) you’d like to make this cocktail for. “A band called the Dirty Heads, they’ve been my go-to summer band for years.” By Alex […]
Thank you to the House of Suntory for partnering with Half Full and sponsoring this Bartenders At Home cocktail video. What inspired you to create this cocktail? “During the quarantine, I’ve really tried to focus on my cheese consumption, so more delicious drinks with more delicious cheeses has been kind of the house motto.” When would you serve this drink? “At brunch or after dinner. Preferably on the porch outside.” What music would you pair it with? “Son Little.” What food would you pair it with? “An after-dinner cheese board.” Name the person (dead or alive) you’d like to make this […]
Thank you Espolòn® for partnering with Half Full on the Bartenders At Home cocktail video series. What inspired you to create this cocktail? “I was inspired by the fresh herbs that I have growing in my garden! I am lucky to be able to spend time outdoors and wanted to share those same fresh flavors in a simple Margarita variation.” When would you serve this drink? “Warm, sunny days beg for Margaritas! And the Some Like it Hot combines chile heat with cooling herbs, like mint and cilantro. It’s perfect for warm weather!” What music would you pair it with? “Xique-Xique. […]
Thank you Montelobos® for partnering with Half Full on the Bartenders At Home cocktail video series. What inspired you to create this cocktail? “I love Negronis and mezcal, so this was a no brainer for me. I discovered the beauty of combining grapefruit and Cynar a long time ago, and have been a fan ever since. I figured this combination would be great in a Mezcal Negroni, since it is so grounded and earth driven anyway.” When would you serve this drink? “Any day of the week. If someone wants a twist on a Negroni or a mezcal driven drink this […]
Thank you to the House of Suntory for partnering with Half Full and sponsoring this Bartenders At Home cocktail video. What inspired you to create this cocktail? “The main reason I created this cocktail is because I love sunny afternoons. In self-isolation, I’ve taken up gardening plots around my house. There’s something about the light and refreshing nature of a Julep that goes well with sitting outside and gardening.” When would you serve this drink? “This is a great drink for the late afternoon or if you’re enjoying an early lunch picnic in your backyard!” What food would you pair it […]
Thank you Espolòn® for partnering with Half Full on the Bartenders At Home cocktail video series. What inspired you to create this cocktail? “The Paloma is simply one of the most delicious tequila-based cocktails ever created. This riff was inspired by pho noodle soup and its toppings/garnishes. Agave based spirits and spice complement each other beautifully. This cocktail is light and spritzy with a kiss of spice.” When would you serve this drink? “It’s the perfect summer patio sipper.” What music would you pair it with? “Beach House Radio for chill poolside summertime vibes.” What food would you pair it with? […]
Thank you Montelobos® for partnering with Half Full on the Bartenders At Home cocktail video series. What inspired you to create this cocktail? “Necessity is the mother of all invention and so I wanted to create a no-fuss cocktail that anyone can make without bar tools. I challenged myself to use only the ingredients I actually had in my house and this is what I came up with.” When would you serve this drink? “This is definitely best served outside on a hot day. Extra points if there’s a grill going and double if you’re on the beach!” What music would […]
Thank you Espolòn® for partnering with Half Full on the Bartenders At Home cocktail video series. When would you serve this drink? “This cocktail is great after dinner. I would enjoy it swinging in a hammock watching the sunset.” What music would you pair it with? “The Grateful Dead’s Cornell 5/8/77.” What food would you pair it with? “Homemade pineapple carnitas tacos with mango salsa.” Name the person (dead or alive) you’d like to make this cocktail for. “I would love to make this cocktail for my Mom. Always make cocktails for your mom.” By Joey Smith INGREDIENTS 2 parts Espolòn® […]
What inspired you to create this cocktail? “While strawberries are available all year round, summer is their true season. Nothing shouts summer like strawberry.” When would you serve this drink? “I would serve this drink at a pool party, BBQ, at the beach or on a yacht. It’s ideal for drinking under the sun.” What music would you pair it with? “When it comes to music, I would have to say a tropical Latin vibe. Whether it be salsa, merengue, cumbia, reggaeton/Latin trap.” What food would you pair it with? “When it comes to food, again, anything from Latino cuisine but […]
What inspired you to create this cocktail? “Being stuck in quarantine has prompted me to cook things I wouldn’t normally make for myself. I’m not typically a big breakfast eater, but since I’m now on a regular schedule of getting up super early I’ve kind of adopted it into part of my daily routine. The best thing I’ve made for breakfast so far has been blueberry pancakes with some sliced bananas. Simple, but super tasty and easy to do. I figured, why not make a cocktail out of that?” When would you serve this drink? “This is definitely a brunch drink.” […]
Thank you to the House of Suntory for partnering with Half Full and sponsoring this Bartenders At Home cocktail video. What inspired you to create this cocktail? “I’ve always been curious about tomatillos because I find them to be so tasty, yet you don’t see them used in many different ways. Therefore, I wanted to create a cocktail that could really showcase their subtle, fruity character.” When would you serve this drink? “It is tangy, spicy and savory, which allows it to be very versatile. Have it in place of a Bloody Mary in the morning or save it for an […]
Thank you Wild Turkey® for partnering with Half Full on the Bartenders At Home cocktail video series. Why do you like making and serving this classic cocktail? “An Old-Fashioned is simple, straightforward and lets the bourbon shine.” When would you serve this drink? “I especially enjoy an Old-Fashioned after dinner in a comfy chair.” What music would you pair it with? “Either the late great Django Reinhardt (my grandfather’s favorite) or something down home, like some good Appalachian bluegrass or outlaw country music.” What food would you pair it with? “Steak and potatoes.” Name the person (dead or alive) you’d like […]
Thank you Appleton® for partnering with Half Full on the Bartenders At Home cocktail video series. When would you serve this drink? “I’d love to serve this cocktail at a pool party: the music would be bumping, people would be grilling, while others would be in the pool floating on an inflatable flamingo sipping and getting their groove on!” What music would you pair it with? “The song “Canned Heat” by Jamiroquai. If the drink won’t get you grooving, this tune with its thumping bass lines, syncopated beats and dance centric lyrics definitely will!” What food would you pair it with? […]
Thank you Bulleit Bourbon and the TipsFromHome Initiative for partnering with Half Full on the Bartenders At Home cocktail video series. What inspired you to create this cocktail? “The reverse Manhattan is a favorite drink of chef Jacques Pépin. It was preceded by the Reverse Martini, a drink I had lots of calls for in the two decades right after I started bartending—a dash of gin in a chilled vermouth. I worked Jacques’s charity fundraiser for his foundation and the Reverse Manhattan was his choice for one of the evening’s cocktails.” When would you serve this drink? “Like the Martini this […]
Thank you to the House of Suntory for partnering with Half Full and sponsoring this Bartenders At Home cocktail video. What inspired you to create this cocktail? “I was inspired by time. I have plenty of time on my hands now.” When would you serve this drink? “The spring and summer are the perfect time to sip on a Julep-style cocktail.” What music would you pair it with? “Reggae music for this time of year. “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley & the Wailers.” What food would you pair it with? “Light salty snacks, cheese and cured meats.” Name the person […]
Thank you SKYY® for partnering with Half Full on the Bartenders At Home cocktail video series. What inspired you to create this cocktail? “I was at the grocery store in the produce section and saw fresh guava for sale. I picked them up to see if they were ripe, which they were, grabbed ten of them, and was determined to make some type of guava cocktail.” When would you serve this drink? “I would serve this drink in the spring or summer. It is light, bright and delicious. It’s something that should be enjoyed under the sun.” What music would you […]
When would you serve this drink? “I would serve this with dinner or as a porch sipper.” What music would you pair it with? “The Black Keys Radio or Hip Hop BBQ radio on Pandora.” What food would you pair it with? “Definitely some barbecue, rotisserie chicken, veggie kebabs or grilled portobello mushrooms.” Name the person (dead or alive) you’d like to make this cocktail for. “My sister Monique, who passed three years ago. She would have loved this.” By Adrienne Miller INGREDIENTS 2 oz Jose Cuervo® Tradicional® Plata Tequila 1 oz Lime juice 1 Mango chile frozen popsicle Stiegl Radler […]
What inspired you to create this cocktail? “Friendship and family inspired me. The love we carry for those around us, and the hope and belief that the ones we love are within good health, happiness and fortune.” When would you serve this drink? “A Quirk is best enjoyed after a day on the water, an exhilarating workout or a nice meal with family. It’s a bright and refreshing way to reward yourself for doing an activity that recharges your energy.” What music would you pair it with? ““Beat 54 (All Good Now)” by Jungle.” What food would you pair it with? […]
Thank you Espolòn® for partnering with Half Full on the Bartenders At Home cocktail video series. What inspired you to create this cocktail? “The Paloma is one of my favorite cocktails of all time, so a riff on that with strawberries was a slam dunk! ” When would you serve this drink? “I think this drink would be a true dream for a backyard barbecue or any event out in the sun! ” What music would you pair it with? “If I was serving up some Dos Fresas, I would be pumping Bad Bunny. Whether you’re looking to keep it super chill […]
What inspired you to create this cocktail? “What inspired me to create this cocktail was witnessing spring in my neighborhood. Being confined at home has made a simple walk to see what’s new at the farmers market exciting; there are beautiful flowers popping up in people’s gardens and all the herbs are looking super fresh. So, I really wanted to lean into that experience to help create the Hola Vecina.” When would you serve this drink? “I would serve this drink in the late afternoon or early evening.” What music would you pair it with? “Oh man. I can see myself […]
What inspired you to create this cocktail? “This drink is inspired by the warm weather we are all finally getting—a long awaited spring. I always associate strawberries with the onset of spring and summer. As a kid, when it would get warmer, my mom would slice them up for me to snack on after school.” When would you serve this drink? “This is totally a warm weather drink, so definitely in the spring and summer. I think it’s the perfect drink to bring to a BBQ or dinner party!” What music would you pair it with? “Salsa music for sure—something fun […]
Thank you Campari® for partnering with Half Full on the Bartenders At Home cocktail video series. What inspired you to create this cocktail? “I’ve been using cocktail hour as an official end to the work day, because it’s hard to separate the two when working from home.” When would you serve this drink? “I would either make this drink as a dessert or I would make it around 5 PM as you officially clock out of work from home.” What music would you pair it with? “I have been living on D-Nice’s Instagram for his club quarantine, it is great for […]
Thank you Wild Turkey® for partnering with Half Full on the Bartenders At Home cocktail video series. What inspired you to create this cocktail? “My appetite! It’s summer in New Orleans and it’s getting pretty warm. My favorite thing to do is barbecue with friends and family in the park or at the lake, but because of social distancing that won’t happen anytime soon. I love to drink a chilled glass of whiskey with my BBQ. So, I thought to myself, why not combine both into one equally appetizing and delicious cocktail?” When would you serve this drink? “I’d serve this […]
Thank you Bulleit Bourbon and the TipsFromHome initiative for partnering with Half Full on the Bartenders At Home cocktail video series. What inspired you to create this cocktail? “I feel like everyone secretly loves Painkiller and are afraid to make them at home. It is the best drink and everyone should know how to make them!” When would you serve this drink? “Any time of the day! It could be a smoothie for breakfast, a happy hour cocktail, or pair one with your dessert after dinner!” What music would you pair it with? “Reggae vibes all day.” What food would you […]
Thank you Bulleit Bourbon and the TipsFromHome Initiative for partnering with Half Full on the Bartenders At Home cocktail video series. What inspired you to create this cocktail? “We could all use a hard reset right about now. I also wanted to create something tasty that the home bartender could have fun making.” When would you serve this drink? “After a hard night or for breakfast or even brunch.” What music would you pair it with? “Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass’ seminal album, Whipped Cream & Other Delights.” What food would you pair it with? “A glass of Champagne.” Name […]
Thank you Bulleit Bourbon and the TipsFromHome initiative for partnering with Half Full on the Bartenders At Home cocktail video series. What inspired you to create this cocktail? “It was 2001 or 2002 and I’d been reading Paul Harrington’s writing on the web about cocktails. The El Diablo was one of the first forgotten classics that interested me, and creme de cassis was new to me. So after having procured a bottle, I was adding it to anything and everything. Once it found its way into a Whiskey Sour, the Bourbon Renewal was born.” When would you serve this drink? “I […]
Thank you SKYY® for partnering with Half Full on the Bartenders At Home cocktail video series. What inspired you to create this cocktail? “Necessity is the mother of invention. I started by looking through my cabinets and refrigerator. I wanted to make something tasty and unique, but also something that is easily adaptable. Change the fruit, change the tea, change the herb and so on.” When would you serve this drink? “On a sunny day or on a day when you wish it was sunny. Or when you’re sitting on your fire escape, with your eyes closed, imagining you’re in a […]
Thank you Grand Marnier® for partnering with Half Full on the Bartenders At Home cocktail video series. Why do you like making and serving this drink? “Grand Marnier® and bourbon mix really well together and the Old-Fashioned format is a really nice opportunity to showcase their compatibility. It’s a simple and elegant update to a favorite classic.” When would you serve this drink? “I think the body and depth of the cocktail makes it an ideal end of the evening sipper. It pairs well with a cheese course or a dessert course, but it’s elegant and nuanced enough to enjoy on […]
Thank you Wild Turkey® for partnering with Half Full on the Bartenders At Home cocktail video series. What inspired you to create this cocktail? “I’m a big fan of both Wild Turkey® and Grand Marnier®. The bourbon is bold enough to hold up to the addition of the orange liqueur, which adds a nice bit of sweetness and complexity.” When would you serve this drink? “The best time to serve this drink is definitely around a fire pit, with some good company.” What music would you pair it with? “Anything mellow and contemplative. Better Oblivion Community Center gets a lot of […]
Thank you Appleton® for partnering with Half Full on the Bartenders At Home cocktail video series. What inspired you to create this cocktail? “I always like a drink that requires some smashing of ice! Drinks that can be built rather than shaking or stirring are a nice easy way to make a cocktail and also make less dirty dishes! Plus, they look beautiful.”” When would you serve this drink? “I think this is a late afternoon or brunch time cocktail.” What food would you pair it with? “Jerk chicken would be great.” Name the person (dead or alive) you’d like to […]
Thank you Russell’s Reserve® for partnering with Half Full on the Bartenders At Home cocktail video series. What inspired you to create this cocktail? “I wanted to create a cocktail that fits into the classic bittersweet profile of a Boulevardier, but would be lighter and herbaceous to fit with the change towards warmer weather.” When would you serve this drink? “It is ideal as a warm-weather before or after dinner drink!” What music would you pair it with? “Anything with a chill vibe that does not get in the way of a good conversation while you sip.” What food would you […]
Thank you Bulldog® Gin for partnering with Half Full on the Bartenders At Home cocktail video series. Why do you like making and serving this classic cocktail? “With everyone on stay-at-home orders, we have all become our own bartender. So often we want to create an interesting cocktail, but don’t have access to fresh berries. I wanted to show how jam can be used in a cocktail in place of fresh fruit. The Clover Club Cocktail is a delicious drink, and it really is delicious and close to the original when jam is used in place of a fresh raspberry syrup.” […]
What inspired you to create this cocktail? “The inspiration came from wanting to create something that highlighted the smooth texture and fresh vegetal notes of Jose Cuervo® Tradicional® Plata Tequila, while keeping the cocktail simple and refreshing like a Margarita, but without the use of citrus.” When would you serve this drink? “I would serve this cocktail on a beautiful sunny day with nothing but relaxation on the agenda.” What music would you pair it with? “Definitely some mood enhancing lo-fi beats/hip-hop. I personally enjoyed this cocktail listening to tracks like “Sunday” by Easy Life.” What food would you pair it […]
One of life’s greatest pleasures is sitting at a bar and enjoying a well-made drink while chatting with the bartender. But with the recent outbreak of Covid-19 and the resulting stay-at-home orders, bars have had to close across the country laying off hundreds of thousands of employees. Diageo North America and Bulleit Bourbon are trying to help bartenders with their #TipsFromHome initiative. They will donate $1 to the United States Bartenders’ Guild (USBG) Emergency Assistance Program, up to $1 million, for each image of a drink people post to Instagram, Twitter or Facebook featuring the hashtags #TipsFromHome and #DiageoDonation and tagging […]
Thank you to the House of Suntory for partnering with Half Full and sponsoring this Bartenders At Home cocktail video. What inspired you to create this cocktail? “It’s a very simple recipe. By using both tonic and soda it comes out drier, also you can see the botanicals used in this gin coming out and shining.” When would you serve this drink? “Great as an aperitif or for brunch.” What music would you pair it with? “Bill Withers’ song “Lovely Day.”” What food would you pair it with? “Mortadella Katsu Sando.” Name the person (dead or alive) you’d like to make […]
Thank you to the House of Suntory for partnering with Half Full and sponsoring this Bartenders At Home cocktail video. What inspired you to create this cocktail? “I wanted to highlight the silky texture of Haku® Vodka, with something creamy. I looked in my fridge and found some almond milk. Miso and nuts (usually walnuts) are a classic pairing in Japanese cuisine, and it also gives body to the drink. Almond milk and miso are both breakfast things for me, so the drink is named Ohayo, which is ‘good morning’ in Japanese.” When would you serve this drink? “Anytime the sun […]
What inspired you to create this cocktail? “This drink came to me when I had to do an inventory check for rations at the start of the quarantine. I was having a bit of a rummage and found a jar of mango chutney in the back of my fridge. I wanted to make something bright and sunny to lift the spirits at the start of the day. My roommates went mad for this drink. They loved it.” When would you serve this drink? “I’d usually serve a drink like this around brunch or even in the earlier hours of the day. […]