Gentleman Jack “Culture Shakers” celebrates Black and Hispanic bartenders who are shaking up culture in their cities and crafting legacies behind the bar. As a smooth and approachable Tennessee whiskey that utilizes a second charcoal mellowing process to achieve greatness, Gentleman Jack strives to embrace the creator in us all. “Culture Shakers” recognizes those who take the extra step to creatively craft what’s genuine, exciting and boundary pushing and who strive to leave a legacy on the hospitality culture in their city.
For 2022, we are shining a light on a new class of bartenders, kicking off with an impressive group of creatives who are pushing boundaries and shaking up bar culture in New Jersey. Below, find out more about the New Jersey “Culture Shakers”.
Caroline Melo (she/her)
How does your personality influence your bartending approach, technique and style?
I’m a good listener and it helps me out a lot on my job as a bartender. As industry people know, we do not just make the drinks, we are often also the costumer’s psychologist most of the time. And I care about people, sometimes too much, and that care creates a bond of trust and makes them come back. They come back not just because you make good drinks or because you give them good service, but also because they see that they have someone who truly cares behind the bar. But I also love to have fun and entertain people. Even if I am having a bad day, the bar is my place of peace. I love to see my costumers and friends having fun and enjoying a good time with me and my coworkers.
What makes the city you live/work in an exciting place to be in hospitality right now?
The city of Elizabeth, New Jersey is well known for its nightlife, great Hispanic/Portuguese restaurants and the diversity of people that live there. And I love it! I love learning about different cultures, their history and how drinks and music brings people together.
What does being a Culture Shaker mean to you and how can bartenders use their influence to impact positive progress in the industry?
I was flattered when I got this opportunity. It means a lot to me to be recognized in this way and it also means that I’m doing good work at my job; there is no better feeling than that! I have been working in the industry full-time for almost four years now and have learned so much as I certainly did not have all the knowledge back when I started. We all start at one point and we should never give up on learning and getting better every single day.
Tell us how you used Gentleman Jack in your signature cocktail
I named my drink Gentle Fashioned. It reminds the classic Old Fashioned but it also has a touch of a Sidecar, and I love both of them!
Gentle Fashioned recipe
- 1.5 oz. Gentleman Jack
- 1 oz. orange cognac liqueur
- .25 oz. agave syrup
- .25 oz. lime juice
- 2 dashes, Angostura orange bitters
Bryan Gonzales (he/him)
How does your personality influence your bartending approach, technique and style?
My personality is really laid back and chill, so that helps me keep my composure and withstand the pressure of serving hundreds of people a night to give them the best possible service.
What makes the city you live/work in an exciting place to be in hospitality right now?
It’s exciting because every night of the week, there are special events, festivals, concerts or something interesting going on. Working behind the bar, you get to be a part of and share in the experience.
What does being a Culture Shaker mean to you and how can bartenders use their influence to impact positive progress in the industry?
I appreciate the idea of being part of a group that appreciates us as bartenders. To understand that bartenders have positive impacts by spreading different cultures of taste by coming up with new cocktails recipes, mixing different beverages with liquor and using ingredients from all parts of world. We give people from different cultures the chance to try new flavors and hopefully enjoy something they never imagined.
Tell us how you used Gentleman Jack in your signature cocktail.
I used Gentlemen Jack as the main base liquor because of its smooth qualities which pair very well with my summer-themed cocktail.
Devilish Charm
- 1 oz. Gentleman Jack
- .5 oz. blood orange liqueur
- .5 oz. fresh lime juice
- .5 oz. raspberry liqueur
- Blood orange juice and splash lime soda
- Garnish with orange peel and mint; serve in a rocks glass
Silvan Baez (he/him)
How does your personality influence your bartending approach, technique and style?
I believe that personality is everything. When you have a good attitude and a positive vibe, people naturally gravitate towards you. There’s nothing more gratifying then receiving a genuine smile. We don’t know what anyone is going through any given day and sometimes a warm smile is enough to brighten someone’s day. Life is just better when you smile, and even better with a good cocktail to accompany it.
What makes the city you live/work in an exciting place to be in hospitality right now?
Living in any metro would be exciting to work in but NYC metro area is amazing! We’re in West New York, literally on the border of New York City and New Jersey, overlooking at the NYC skyline. Jersey has been putting its name on the map as far as nightlife and restaurants along the waterfront. Throughout the years more and more restaurants and nightlife entertainment experiences have been heading to the Jersey/NYC waterfront, and with those views, I believe it will only get better and better.
What does being a Culture Shaker mean to you and how can bartenders use their influence to impact positive progress in the industry?
Being a Culture Shaker means just that…. shaking up the culture! As bartenders, we meet thousands of people along the way, and everyone we meet whether for a day or a season, we meet them for a reason. Bartenders are required to wear many hats. Today, we will be your therapist and confidant; five minutes later, we are your friend. Sometimes it’ll be just one thing you say that will create an impression that person will forever remember you for, so make that moment count!
Tell us how you used Gentleman Jack in your signature cocktail.
Since we’re right on the heels of spring, my imagination went into creating something floral. When I smell lavender I think of spring, so lavender was my choice of flower. I decided to make a Gentleman’s Spring Sour.
Gentleman’s Spring Sour
- 2 oz. Gentleman Jack
- 1 oz. lavender syrup
- .5 oz. fresh lemon juice
- .5 oz. agave
- 1 egg white
- 4 dashes of lavender
Jean Paul Pinzon (he/him)
How does your personality influence your bartending approach, technique and style?
I consider myself very passionate about cocktails. I love exploring different flavors, styles and techniques to develop new recipes and am always open to learning new things.
What makes the city you live/work in an exciting place to be in hospitality right now?
Elizabeth, New Jersey, where I am based, is an exciting place. It’s a city that is currently in a process of growth and urban renewal. With buzzing nightlife and the constant opening of new places, there is an exciting energy. Right now, Elizabeth is creating the infrastructure and environment for more things to come.
What does being a Culture Shaker mean to you and how can bartenders use their influence to impact positive progress in the industry?
To me, being a “Culture Shaker” means we have the opportunity to continue exploring and gaining valuable experience in the cocktail industry and field of mixology.
Tell us how you used Gentleman Jack in your signature cocktail.
I used Gentleman Jack to make an exquisite drink called the Gentleman Supreme. The taste of the double mellowed whiskey provides an elegant flavor with notes of caramel, walnut and oak on the palate.
Gentleman Supreme
- 2 oz. Gentleman Jack
- 1 oz. fresh lime
- 1.5 oz. ginger syrup
- .5 oz. agave
- Smoked with cherry wood and garnish with ginger caramel
Enjoy Gentleman Jack responsibly. For more on Gentleman Jack, visit https://www.jackdaniels.com/en-us/whiskey/gentleman-jack and follow @jackdaniels_us on Instagram.
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