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 Cydney Duff of St. Louis, Missouri.
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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?
The guest experience is most important to me and maintaining this experience is multifaceted. It's equal parts product, quality and service. If you serve something that you aren't 100% sure about, then it doesn't matter how good the rest of their time a your bar is, the quality of their experience will godown. If you make something incredible for them, but your attitude is trash, then guest experience will also go down. It's about creating a balance with a friendly smile.
What makes your Bar a welcoming space for community in St. Louis to gather, meet up, make connections and build bonds?
There's always a welcoming smile when you walk through our door and there is a continual air of acceptance. When I ask how someone's day is, I genuinely want to know their answer. When I ask how their experience at our bar is going, it's because I want it to be as best as possible for them. Each question is intentional which makes each response genuine and being a genuine person is what creates lasting connections at the bar.
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?
Open communication between the staff and the guests is key. Working with the rest of your team to remember the little tidbits of information about returning guests goes miles in building trust. Even something as simple as saying, "nice to see you again," will make a space instantly warm up. Small acts of service can really add up and knowing how to engage correctly with each guest by tailoring their experience specifically to them will make any guest want to return and come back to the bar.
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Can you share a little backstory about your bond with the Regular guest who inspired your Bonded by the Bar cocktail?
When I moved to St. Louis, I was lucky enough to manage a very successful restaurant where I met my regulars, Bill and Andrea. They would often come to sit at my bar and let me use them as guinea pigs with new cocktails that I was creating and testing. They were already so engaged in the St. Louis community that I was able to learn a lot from them. I already loved living here, but they helped me deeply cherish this city. After that restaurant closed, I've been lucky enough to still have them as two of my favorite guests at my new spot. Not being from St. Louis, and still being able to make a lasting bond with them that transcends bar locations feels amazing.
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?
I love the cherry and banana notes in Jack Daniel's Tennessee Bonded Whiskey, so I decided to highlight those while being mindful of not going overly sweet with my cocktail. I aimed to simply complement and not mask or overpower the flavor of the Jack Daniel's Tennessee Bonded Whiskey. I also added a touch of smokiness to level it back down and round it all out.
Hell Yeah Dude
- 5 parts Jack Daniel's Bonded Tennessee Whiskey
- 6 parts Clarifiied Blend of following Ingredients - Allspice Dram, Bianco Vermouth, doppelbock beer, cherrywood smoked banana oleo, lactic acid adjusted tart cherry, clarified with whole fat greek yogurt
- 2 dashes of Walnut Bitters
Stirred and served over large ice cube. Garnished with a dark chocolate, sea salt, olive oil foam.
Enjoy Cydney's Hell Yeah Dude 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.
