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Bartenders are the unsung heroes of community connection who serve as uniquely pivotal figures within the social and cultural ecosystem of their city. More than just drink slingers; bartenders are vital community connectors creating meaningful bonds with their guests. Stationed at the heart of social interaction, they foster a welcoming atmosphere of belonging around the bar where strangers can become acquaintances, friends and even chosen family. With a listening ear and friendly demeanor, bartenders are experts at reading the room, facilitating conversations and offering a “safe space” neutral ground for diverse individuals to connect. They help celebrate milestones, listen to stories, share laughs, provide meaningful space, and have their fingers on the local pulse of their local communities. Beyond simply pouring drinks, bartenders pour connections as they weave into the social fabric of their neighborhoods, one conversation at a time. To celebrate these special Bartender Bond builders, we have teamed up with Jack Daniel's Bonded Tennessee Whiskey to showcase Bartender Talents who embody the vital role of bond builders and community connectors. Let’s get Bonded by the Bar with Bartender Cyllan Hicks of New York City.
What would you say is your superpower as a Bartender that builds bonds with your guests and invites them to become your regulars?
I'd say my Bond Building Superpower is my style of hospitality, which has been shaped by my West Indian roots. I was born in Trinidad and Tobago and while I was growing up, my parents frequently invited people over to our home. We were always hosting parties and in our family traditions, food and drinks has always been the main attractions. Our culture is very much, "Come in, join us ... did you eat? Let me make you a plate and a drink." It is very much a mentality of "a friend of a friend of a friend is family." We have a tradition called "liming" in West Indian culture, which refers to the way we casually gather together to simply enjoy each other's company often over drink, food and music very much like the bar.
What makes your Bar a welcoming space for community in New York City to gather, meet up, make connections and build bonds?
I think it's the warm and inviting environment we provide at our Bar. We're not pretentious and try to make all of our guests feel comfortable. Be it remembering a guests drink order, knowing the day and time a regular comes by to visit or simply just remembering and calling them by their first name. I think it is very important that the Bar community always goes back to the essence of what we are about - warmth of hospitality and connection.
How can the Bar Industry work together to create a welcoming bar culture that fosters a sense of belonging for every guest that comes in looking for community?
By putting ourselves in the 'other person's shoes' as the saying goes. At some point in our lives, we have all felt alone and in a city as big as NYC that feeling of being invisible is often common and relatable. Having empathy goes a long way. I try to channel empathy by finding commonality with people. Being behind the bar a long time, I can tell if someone is new to town or visiting and I like to ask questions to find out where they are from and find out what brings them to my bar. Being from New York City, I have so many diverse friends who have shared their stories with me, so I can find connections with my life experiences or my friends to relate to any guests' experiences. Also, reading a lot and keeping up with news and current events really helps a lot.
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Can you share an little backstory about your bond with the Regular guest who inspired your Bonded by the Bar cocktail?
My Bonded by the Bar cocktail was inspired by Southern Hospitality. It is inspired by a combination of two of my favorite regulars. One guy who comes in two or three days a week for a shot and beer to talk about cricket and another regular who comes in to talk about old school hip hop; they are from completely different backgrounds but that is what community is about. So we find commonality and I want to create that feeling of everyone welcome and that is what Southern Hospitality, like liming, is all about. The cocktail is the name also has a nod to hip hop and the artist, Ludacris. That warm greeting that Southerners have when they meet someone they don't know, yet it seems like you've been friends for a long time. I've been fortunate to have several of those.
Which specific flavor notes in Jack Daniel's Bonded Tennessee Whiskey did you highlight in your cocktail that was inspired by the bond with your favorite Regular?
The flavor notes that stood out to me and highlighted in my cocktail were honey and dried fruits. I like the heat from the proof and roundness from Jack Daniel's Bonded, so I played around those.
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Southern Hospitality
- 5 parts Jack Daniel's Bonded Tennessee Whiskey
- 4 parts Peach Tea & Peach Liqueur
- 2 parts Honey
- 1 part Citric Acid
Enjoy Cyllan's Southern Hospitality cocktail with Jack Daniel's Bonded Tennessee Whiskey and we hope to see you building Bonds by the Bar in your community.
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Tennessee Whiskey, Tennessee Rye Whiskey, and a Blend of Straight Whiskeys, 50% alc. by vol. (100 proof). Distilled and bottled by the Jack Daniel Distillery, Lynchburg, Tennessee.
