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 Kiara Tarber of Atlanta, Georgia.
What would you say is your superpower as a Bartender that builds bonds with your guests and invites them to become your regulars?
I like to think that I create a home away from home for my regulars. I hope to create an atmosphere of comfort, warmth, and familiarity so that they can unwind and feel a sense of belonging and camaraderie—a true bond.
What makes your Bar a welcoming space for community in Atlanta to gather, meet up, make connections and build bonds?
My personalized service is what makes my bar a welcoming 3rd space. Simply remembering a drink, or how they like it made, or a small fact about their lives is but a small but meaningful gesture to show that we care about the person and value the relationship. In turn, you see an uprise of regulars and once people tend to frequent a place together, they create a community.
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?
Bartenders can work to create a welcoming environment by introducing newcomers to regulars to help them feel like a part of the community, create shift handover rituals where the bartenders brief each other about key details about a guest so they may implement it in service, and lastly utilizing social media. By keeping up guests on social media you can acknowledge milestones or even create a page where you can make fun post about your regulars.
Can you share a little backstory about your bond with the Regular guest who inspired your Bonded by the Bar cocktail?
To be honest, it was over talking about a show we both liked—The White Lotus. The show is set in Thailand, and I began to think of tropical flavors. The main character of the show drank a lot of whiskey, and it made me think of tropical flavors with whiskey. We both thought it would be a good idea to use that as the base idea for a cocktail, as you don’t see it often.
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 highlight the rich creamy vanilla notes, and it’s nice a touch of warm cinnamon to accompany the other highlighted flavors in my cocktail of passion fruit, banana, and chocolate.
The Tennessee Lotus
- 5 parts Jack Daniels Bonded Tennessee Whiskey
- ¾ part Passionfruit Liqueur
- ½ part Super Juice (Lemon/Lime)
- ½ part Honey Syrup (2:1)
- Plum & Angostura Bitters
- Whole Milk for Clarification
Ingredients go through a clarification process, then stirred over ice and served in a rocks glass over a large cube. Garnished with a cayenne pepper.
Enjoy Kiara's The White Lotus 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.
