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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 Roderick Lee of Atlanta, Georgia.
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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 my ability to genuinely listen without judgment and remember the small things that matter to people—their favorite drink, their dog’s name, how their job interview went. Regulars keep coming back because they feel seen, safe, and a sense of belonging when they walk into my bar.
What makes your Bar a welcoming space for community in Atlanta to gather, meet up, make connections and build bonds?
I consider my bar as a true community third space because it feels like a living room for the neighborhood—come as you are with no pretenses. We keep it warm, inclusive, and unpretentious. Conversation flows as easily as the drinks at my bar and everyone feels like they have a place to belong, even on their worst days.
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?
It starts with presence—bartenders who treat guests like humans, not just tickets, and guests who show kindness and curiosity to the person on the next stool. We need to bring back eye contact, shared laughs, and a sense of mutual respect that transcends the transaction. Together, we can create a culture where nobody sits alone for long, of course, unless they want to.
Can you share a little backstory about your bond with the Regular guest who inspired your Bonded by the Bar cocktail?
The regulars who inspired my Bonded by the Bar cocktail are Horrace and Cathy—a couple who ran a law practice just down the street on Marietta. They’d stroll into the bar together like clockwork, always sharp and full of presence. Horrace, with his top hats and long overcoats, had this cool, collected energy—smooth, stylish, and full of quiet wisdom. Cathy, on the other hand, was all fire—always in heels, rocking a short, silvery pixie cut, and never afraid to speak her mind. We’d sit and talk about everything ranging from life, love, the state of the world. They reminded me of my grandparents, so I started calling them Mom and Pop. In my cocktail, Horrace is the egg white, smooth and rich, and Cathy is the mezcal mist, bold, smoky, and unforgettable.
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?
In my Bonded Sour cocktail, I leaned into the bold oak and warm caramel notes of Jack Daniel’s Bonded Tennessee Whiskey. I paired it with ginger and honey to amplify the whiskey’s natural spice and depth, while keeping it smooth and approachable. I crafted to cocktail to be just like the regulars it is inspired by, strong, steady, and full of heart.
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Bonded Sour
- 2 oz Jack Daniel’s Bonded Tennessee Whiskey
- 0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 0.75 oz Simple Syrup
- 1 Egg White
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- Mezcal mist (or a light float if no atomizer is available)
Dry shake all ingredients (except bitters and mezcal). Add ice and shake again until well-chilled. Double strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass. Float 2 dashes of Angostura bitters on the foam. Mist the top with mezcal for a smoky aroma.
Enjoy Roderick 's Bonded Sour 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.
