Introducing the Gentleman Jack Culture Shakers Memphis Class of 2023

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 Memphis. Below, find out more about the Memphis “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.

John Smith

How does your personality influence your bartending approach, technique and style? 

I’m really a big foodie so my approach really comes down to something being visually appealing before I even taste it. The glassware, flavor, and the spirit all have to make sense in my head before I even make a taster to see if it’s even worth the time of day. What I really enjoy doing is creating weird infusions or trying different syrups to really make a cocktail pop.

What makes Memphis an exciting place to be in hospitality right now? 

Memphis is such a fun city to bartend in, especially since we have such a diverse population of people living in this city and the bustling craft cocktail scene around the city is pretty exciting. It’s really inspiring trying new creations from other talented people around the city.

What does being a Culture Shaker mean to you and how can bartenders use their influence to impact positive progress in the industry?

I think it’s really cool that people of color are being celebrated as Culture Shakers and I’m honored to be added to the ranks. The positive impacts are endless. I would love to see more people of color behind the bar and hopefully more bars and restaurants owned by people of color.

Tell us how you used Gentleman Jack in your signature cocktail.

My signature cocktail was inspired by my Grandmother. From the time I was a kid until now, she makes desserts for all of our family gatherings and has even started her own business at 70 plus years of age. I decided to make a drink based off her classic peach cobbler.

Ms. Mary’s

  • 1.5 oz. Gentleman Jack
  • .5 oz. peach puree
  • .5 oz. vanilla syrup
  • 1 oz. lemon juice

Shaken over ice and double strained into a coupe; topped with homemade cream (equal parts powder sugar and heavy cream) and garnished with a bruleed peach.

Kyra Howard

How does your personality influence your bartending approach, technique and style? 

My personality is a blast in a glass! I take pride in giving guests a fun experience while making drinks speedily and efficiently. I want to provide a vibe, not just serve drinks.  I use my outgoing personality and confidence in my skill set to engage my guests and keep them coming back.

What makes Memphis an exciting place to be in hospitality right now? 

Right now is an excellent time to be a bartender in Memphis.  There are constantly new places opening with new and exciting concepts. I love to go out and support my fellow bartenders while watching and learning from others in my industry.  I work on Beale, which has the FedEx Forum at our back door and with the Grizzlies at number two in the league, I get the opportunity to meet and take care of a whole new group of customers who may not have made it to Beale Street before.

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 impacting my community in a positive way. I get to do that behind the bar. I get to be the light at the end of someone’s bad day. I get to be a therapist and a party starter. I also get to keep my guests safe. I get to be the voice of reason if someone has had enough. Mostly, I stay humble but proud. Positive attitudes are contagious, and I hope to spread that positivity throughout my city and my industry.

Tell us how you used Gentleman Jack in your signature cocktail.

I created my signature cocktail to offer a fruity and refreshing drink with a whiskey base. Because Gentleman Jack is double mellowed, its extra smooth flavor made it the perfect choice and easy to execute.

Gentleman 197

  • 2 oz. Gentleman Jack
  • .5 oz. pineapple juice
  • .5 oz. lemon juice
  • .5 oz. cherry syrup
  • .5 oz. Sprite or soda

Combine Gentleman Jack and pineapple juice into a shaker; squeeze two lemons stirred over a cup of ice. Add a splash of Sprite or soda and a grenadine sinker.

Stefanie Santiago

How does your personality influence your bartending approach, technique and style? 

I take on my customers vibes, and whether it’s positive or negative, they will most definitely have a better day after a bar experience with me. Life is too short so I take everything into consideration: someone maybe going through something and came to sit at my bar and just have peace. I’ll take them to paradise and in that simple moment they forget about everything and we just have a good time. 

What makes Memphis an exciting place to be in hospitality right now? 

Besides having the hottest NBA team right now? Most bartenders here have formed our own community. We all get along and make sure we patronize one another’s establishments and that creates a sense of warmth. 

What does being a Culture Shaker mean to you and how can bartenders use their influence to impact positive progress in the industry?

It’s all in the name. I’m very cultured in what I do, and I shake my drinks very well. It’s important to the community to spread positivity in everything we do, especially on these times. It can be just a simple “hey my name is Stefanie, what’s your name? How are you doing today, can I make you a drink?” From there the conversation never stops, and not only have I gained a customer but a friend who just needed to hear kind words. Simplicity works in favor. 

Tell us how you used Gentleman Jack in your signature cocktail.

I took an old fashioned and made a “twisted fashioned.” It still has that firm taste, but it appeals to a variety of palettes who want a mellower version. 

In Twisted Fashion

  • 1.5 oz. Gentleman Jack
  • .5 oz. Grand Marnier
  • Splash simple syrup
  • Dash sour
  • Aromatic bitters
  • Splash of cherry juice
  • A hint of orange juice

All ingredients shaken and poured over 1 blocked cube, garnished with an orange slice and a cherry.

 

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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