Meet Joe Messina

Bar Brawls Week 6 Winner

It’s not so much about winning; For me, it’s an intrinsic fulfillment to prove that I still hack it with the best.

Brawler’s Interview

As the week 6 Bar Brawls winner, what was the most challenging part of the competition?

Studying

Tell me your strategy creating perfectly balanced classic cocktails  for the first challenge.

Following the recipes, proper procedures, staying focused.

Photography by: Studio B2, Inc / Emiliano Brooks

What was your first round favorite cocktail?

Rusty Nail, I was able to utilize some tools from my wheelhouse.

The second round was intense. Back to back classics and then your favorite cocktails. Tell me your strategy in this round.

the idea was to knock out the speed round as fast as possible, then make more than 2 drinks. The drinks were not as easy as I thought. Justin is a formidable opponent as well as a skilled bartender, so I knew I had to stay focused.

What was the cocktail you felt showed off your skills the best.

Rapunzel crush; I started with a framework idea of crafting a healthy fresh fruit cocktail. It evolved into something quite refreshing.

Photography by: Studio B2, Inc / Emiliano Brooks

What trend excites you most about today’s bar scene?

It may be an obscure topic; I am pleased with lack of pretentiousness. As an outsider to this world, I have felt embraced and accepted from the other competitors.

Guidance, if any to the next round of competitors.

Stay calm and collected, focus on one drink at a time. Time flies during this competition be mindful of it.

Tell me why you will win this competition.

It’s not so much about winning; For me, it’s an intrinsic fulfillment to prove that I still hack it with the best.

Photography by: Studio B2, Inc / Emiliano Brooks

Bartender Interview

Known for:

Being determined, and tech savvy.

Your go-to drink:

Old Fashioned

Must have garnish:

Plastic straw; as a scientist I recognize the importance of eliminating single use plastics in our everyday life, but I really do not like paper straws. 

Essential bar accessory:

Good Music

Best local bar:

Photography by: Studio B2, Inc / Emiliano Brooks

There are some slim pickings here in psl, although my favorite bars have always been where my friends are. Death or Glory is my current favorite watering hole.

Favorite classic:

Sazerac

Bourbon, Scotch or Rye

Bourbon

Next year you will be drinking:

Probably the same thing

Photography by: Studio B2, Inc / Emiliano Brooks

Favorite Memory:

Working with and learning from my mentor

Favorite music:

I’m sure I am like most when I say that my favorite song changes quite frequently; Currently I like “Drew Barrymore” by Bryce Vine. 

Favorite Color:

Blue

Photography by: Studio B2, Inc / Emiliano Brooks

Interviewer: Renée Korbel Quinn, Spirited South Florida

Strategist | Writer | Supporter @cocktailr @SpiritedSFL #getspiritedsouthflorida #cocktailrs #downtownftlgirl

0 comments on “Meet Joe MessinaAdd yours →

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *