Gentleman Jack “Culture Shakers” is a program created to celebrate Black and Hispanic bartenders who are on the rise, shaking up cocktail culture in their cities and crafting their own legacies behind the bar.
For 2023, we are continuing to shine 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 Jackson, Mississippi. Below, find out more about the Jackson, Mississippi “Culture Shakers” presented by Gentleman Jack.
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 who takes the extra step to craft what’s real and strives to leave a legacy – just like the Gentleman Jack Culture Shakers Class of 2023.
Marcus Spann
How does your Personality influence your Bartending Approach, Technique and Style?
Having been a bartender for quite awhile, I would consider my style to be classical, based on technique and precision. I was taught by an older generation of bartenders, so I tend to emulate their style in somewhat of a “mamba” mentality.
What makes Jackson, MS an exciting place to live and work in Hospitality right now?
The “City with Soul” Jackson, MS knows how to party! There is a Renaissance going on in our Downtown and many other areas of the city. I am blessed enough to work at one of the premier establishments that has spearheaded this Renaissance in Jackson. At my bar, everything from the food to the music is superlative.
What does being a Culture Shaker mean to you and how can Bartenders use their influence to impact positive progress in the industry?
Many times bartenders are misjudged for various reasons. As Culture Shakers, we have the opportunity to positively affect our community and industry. We show the world that both before the party starts, and after it ends, bartenders also help to build and rebuild the communities that we are fortunate enough to serve.
Tell us why Gentleman Jack is the perfect base for your Signature Culture Shakers cocktail.
Gentleman Jack made the perfect base for The Southern Gent because of its subtle sweetness and mellow flavor that mixes well with sweet tea and a hint of lemon.
THE SOUTHERN GENT
- 2 oz. Gentleman Jack
- 1 oz. fresh squeezed lemon juice
- .5 oz bar syrup
- Fill with sweet tea
Fill highball glass with ice. Add Gentleman Jack, lemon juice, and bar syrup. Shake. Fill glass with sweet tea. Garnish with a lemon wedge.
Marketa Willis
How does your Personality influence your Bartending Approach, Technique and Style?
My bartending approach is contemporary while incorporating hints of the classics. While the classics are the original, I enjoy bartending with the original base and adding in a splash of the contemporary and bringing some fun to an original classic drink. This aligns with my personality as well; from enjoying some of the hottest to the modest.
What makes Jackson, MS an exciting place to live and work in Hospitality right now?
Jackson is a city like none other! Mississippi is commonly known as the State of Hospitality. The state and city of Jackson make my work so much easier. From my ‘regulars’ coming to chat and have a drink, to some of the largest scale events, I make each drink with enthusiasm and love in every sip.
What does being a Culture Shaker mean to you & how can Bartenders use their influence to impact positive progress in the industry?
Being a Culture Shaker means creating opportunity for the many. While I enjoy what I have learned and how I have grown within mixology, ultimately I want share my craft with others. I enjoy creating a safe place for each customer to share their stories and trust it’s confidential. The boldness that comes alongside being a Culture Shaker is what inspires me to continue to set the standard.
We all have an influence in this world. Some influences may be positive and others negative, I choose to use this influence to help create moments with others.
Tell us why Gentleman Jack is the perfect base for your Signature Culture Shakers cocktail.
I choose Gentlemen Jack because it is my favorite whiskey. It is a very smooth whiskey so it was perfect for my cocktail.
Jack of All Trades
- 1.5 oz. Gentleman Jack
- .5 oz. fresh squeezed lemon juice
- .5 oz. honey simple syrup
- .5 oz. ginger beer
- Splash of peach purée
- Sliced peaches
- Mint Leaves
Combine peaches and mint leaves in shaker and muddle them. Then add Gentleman Jack, lemon juice, honey simple Syrup, ginger beer, and a splash of peach purée, add ice then shake. Serve in a rocks glass and garnish with a peach slice and a mint leaf.
Raquel Scott
How does your Personality influence your Bartending Approach, Technique and Style?
My personality is a mixture of flirty with a touch of no nonsense. I am a stickler for consistency. I aim for every guest to have the same reaction after tasting my cocktails, which is, “WOW! This is delicious!”
What makes Jackson, MS an exciting place to live and work in Hospitality right now?
I moved to the City of Jackson during the pandemic in 2020 with no plans of how long I would be here. I am a New Orleans native and had never been to Jackson, MS before. Since moving here, I have been greeted with such open arms of love and warmth from the community. This is truly a family-oriented environment where everyone looks out for one another.
What does being a Culture Shaker mean to you & how can Bartenders use their influence to impact positive progress in the industry?
A Culture Shaker is someone who can influence the community to explore beyond the traditional boundaries. Often, we can get complacent with our everyday routines and I feel it is important to not be afraid to try new things. As a Culture Shaker, we have the power of influence on our side to guide the community into new adventures while at home within the community.
Tell us why Gentleman Jack is the perfect base for your Signature Culture Shakers cocktail.
When I created this recipe, I envisioned a wind-down cocktail and what better than Gentleman Jack to help accentuate the flavors. Gentleman Jack is very smooth and complements the richness and creamy factors in my cocktail, The Nightcap.
The Nightcap
- 2 oz. of Gentleman Jack
- 1 oz. cold brew
- .5 oz of brown sugar syrup
- Chocolate syrup
- Oat milk creamer ice sphere
Swirl chocolate syrup into rocks glass. Insert oat milk creamer ice sphere into glass. Combine Gentleman Jack, cold brew, and brown sugar syrup into a shaker tin with ice. Shake 4 times, pour and strain onto oat milk creamer ice sphere. Serve and with cigar.
Please Drink Responsibly. Gentleman Jack and Jack Daniel’s are registered trademarks. ©2023 Jack Daniel’s. Tennessee Whiskey, 40% ABV, JACK DANIEL DISTILLERY, Lynchburg, TN.
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