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 Taahirah Faulks of Atlanta, Georgia.

Taahirah Faulks (Photography by Terrill Patterson)

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

My Bond building superpower is the ability to anticipate. Anticipating the wants and needs of my regulars has helped me to build connections and grow as a bartender. My regulars continue to come back because they know that their service will be fast, their drinks will be delicious, and their experience will be enjoyable.

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

I believe my bar to be a welcoming 3rd space in the community because I treat all of my regulars as friends and family. I genuinely care for my regulars and their time spent at my bar. My regulars receive good food, drinks, and conversation.

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? 

I believe the Cheers (everybody knows your name) culture starts behind the bar. To be a bartender is to build that sense of community at your bar by engaging with guests and creating a safe space for guests to engage with one another. I treat all my regulars as friends and family, which in turn allows new guests to feel just as welcomed.

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

My Bonded by the Bar cocktail was not inspired by one specific regular but rather a combination of many regulars. My regulars are constantly challenging me by randomly requesting new cocktails when they want to try something different from their usual. This time, I wanted to create a cocktail that brings aspects of various drinks that many of my favorite regulars enjoy into one glass. A cocktail the whole community would love.

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? 

My Regular Bond Inspired cocktail highlights the spice and sweet notes found in Jack Daniel’s Bonded. The finish gave a slight flavor of cherry or candy which I wanted to highlight more. The sweetness combined with the spice and oak is what inspired my cocktail.

Bonded Bliss

  • 6 parts Jack Daniels Bonded Tennessee Whiskey
  • 2 parts Raspberry Liqueur
  • 2 parts Lime Juice
  • 2 parts Simple Syrup
  • ¼ part Raspberry Puree
  • Egg White

Shaken and strained in a coupe with topped with shaved chocolate as garnish.

Enjoy Taahirah's Bonded Bliss 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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