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 Gelo Honrade of New York City.

Gelo Honrade (photo credit Nicole Leverett) 

What would you say is your superpower as a Bartender that builds bonds with your guests and invites them to become your regulars? 

I would say all my regulars come back to visit me because they love how I treat them, how I make their cocktails and the hospitality that I share with them. I make them feel special because I believe that everyone should be treated like they are all special VIPs.  Also, as a Filipino, I strive to create the best tiki cocktails possible for my guests. People call me the Tiki King of New York.

What makes your Bar a welcoming space for community in New York City to gather, meet up, make connections and build bonds? 

I feel that from time to time, we all need a special space and outlet just to be ourselves and break out of your box of everyday life.  I work to make my bar that outlet for people come by, enjoy some time and be whomever they want to be at that moment. My bar is a place for my guests to come, relax and let go of some of their life's stress and problems with us, even if just for a little while.

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? 

Bars that focus on their community and not just their cocktails is very important. As Bartenders, it is our responsibility to make sure our bars places where everyone feels seen, welcomed, and valued. We need to focus on all the tiny moments, not just the big show of the bar, to build bonds and connections. Simply learning someone’s name, remembering their drink order and asking about their day are all gestures that may seem small, but are very powerful in welcoming guests to feel part of something bigger. At the heart of my Filipino culture, our hospitality is rooted in warmth, generosity and everyone coming together in unity. So, I share this part of my culture with my guests and hope to encourage my bar teams and all across the industry to do the same.

Can you share a little backstory about your bond with the Regular guest who inspired your Bonded by the Bar cocktail?

I have so many regulars whom I consider my favorites that I couldn't pick just one. So inspired by all of my favorite regulars, I created a cocktail represent how I create those bonds with my regulars. Through my cocktails, I always want to share something that I know will be a delicious crowd-pleaser, but most importantly, I want them to about me. I want my guests to know who I am and share a piece of my heritage as a Filipino. This cocktail represents me, my hometown and our culture of hospitality. Back home, we grow a lot of coconut trees and also pineapple, so I wanted to showcase those ingredients. I really like to honor our Filipino flavors and culture in my drinks so I can share a little piece of me with my regulars.

Which specific flavor notes in Jack Daniel's Bonded did  you highlight in your Regular Bond Inspired cocktail?

I really wanted to highlight the higher proof of Jack Daniel’s Bonded Tennessee Whiskey. It blends together very well with flavors of coconut and pineapple for this cocktail.

3 of Lyfe

  • 4 Parts Jack Daniel's Bonded Tennessee Whiskey
  • 2 Parts Dark Rum
  • 2 Parts Pineapple Liqueur
  • Pandan Leaf
  • Coconut Water, Milk and Shell Products
  • Pineapple Skin

Clarified in large batch (Coconut, Pandan Leaf, Pineapple Skin, 2 Liters of Jack Daniel's Bonded Tennessee Whiskey, 750mL of Dark Rum aged for 10 days. Cooked palm sugar with 42oz Coconut water, 15 Pandan Leaves, 3 pineapples peeled, mixed with other ingredients and clarified with 46oz of Coconut milk) and served as a Milk Punch style cocktail over a large ice cube.

Enjoy Gelo's 3 of Lyfe cocktail with Jack Daniel's Bonded Tennessee Whiskey and we hope to see you building Bonds by the Bar turning strangers into friends and friends into family 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.

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