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 Yago Moreira Diniz 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?
My philosophy and approach to bartending is my superpower - always be professional, give guests a good product, deliver great service, and make everyone feel welcome. I genuinely care about my guests' experiences and enjoy learning their stories through engaging in meaningful conversations. I believe you should treat everyone as you would your friend, and many times when we do, they indeed become a friend.
What makes your Bar a welcoming space for community in St. Louis to gather, meet up, make connections and build bonds?
Our bar is a great space where people can connect, unwind and feel a sense of belonging. I do my best to remember all my guests faces, what they like to drink and what they order to eat. There's a great feeling when you want into a place and the bartender knows what you like, ask how your family doing, and want to know how your last trip was.
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?
As bartenders, we set the tone by encouraging conversation and connection. We have the ability to make any guest feel comfortable whether they are solo or in a group. Small gestures really do matter; something as simple as introducing regulars to each other or engaging in true dialogue can help turn a bar into a true community hub.
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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?
My cocktail is inspired by my regular for years, Jeff. I remember on his very first visit, he asked for a spicy Sazerac cocktail with a muddled jalapeño. At the time, I thought it was a weird order, but if that is what he wanted, I was happy to make it for him. Every time he came back, I always made sure I had jalapeño waiting for him. He started coming to the bar every week and over the years, we became good friends. We hang out outside of work and even went on a trip to Brazil together, where I'm from, and I got to showed him around my hometown. So my cocktail is a refreshing Prickly Pear & Watermelon take on a Whiskey Sour. For the warm weather season, I topped it with a spicy chili foam as an homage to Jeff's first visit to my bar.
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 Jack Daniel's Bonded Tennessee Rye Whiskey has a spiciness and touch of citrus zest that I wanted to highlight. The 100 proof makes it really stand out in the cocktail and complement the refreshing sweetness of the watermelon and the spicy character of the chili foam.
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Spicy Jeff
- 5 parts Jack Daniel's Bonded Rye Tennessee Whiskey
- ¼ part Bitter Bianco Aperitivo
- ½ part Prickly Pear & Watermelon Syrup
- ½ part Lime Juice
- Topped with Chili Foam
Shaken and served over a big ice cube. Topped with a housemade zesty Chili Foam. Garnished with dehydrated Fresno Pepper.
Enjoy Yago's Spicy Jeff cocktail with Jack Daniel's Bonded Rye 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.
