Bartending is a profession that many people initially enter with the intention of it being a "part-time" or temporary gig. Although career bartending is finally regaining the respect it once held during the golden era, there are still a lot of people attracted to the work because of the flexibility it affords to pursue other interests outside of the bar world. In this "Beyond the Bar" series, we explore the passions and inspirations of New York City bartenders, highlighting what drives them both behind and beyond the bar.

Julio Xoxocotla: Bartender at The Wayland & The Wild Son

What is your passion Beyond the Bar?
My passion is my family. They fill my life with joy, and spending time with them is incredibly rewarding. I work long shifts, but it allows me time during the day to be with my kids, who teach me something new every day.

Tell us about how you got into it and where you are now in that passion.
I always wanted to be a father before my 30s, and things aligned perfectly for that to happen. Now, I'm a happy bartender and a happy father!

How does your work & experience as a Bartender help fuel that passion?
It was challenging to balance family and bartending at first, but I've managed to explore and grow in the industry while making time for my family. I've ventured into events and curating cocktails for brands, which allows me to share moments with my kids.

What is your favorite Woodford Reserve cocktail? (your own or a classic)
The Gallant Fox

  • 1.5 oz Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
  • 0.50 oz Amaro Ramazzotti
  • 0.50 oz Punt e Mes
  • 2 dashes of Peychaud's bitters
  • Ancho Reyes rinse

Garnish with an Orange Twist and serve over a large ice cube.

Joanna Carpenter: Bar Director at Town Stages

What is your passion Beyond the Bar?
The arts, specifically theater, TV, and film.

Tell us about how you got into it and where you are now in that passion.
I've been singing since I was 4 years old, and theater brought me to New York. It's part of my DNA, as my family is full of artists. The actor hustle in New York is intense, but I’m fortunate to have supportive agents and coaches as I work towards "the Broadway."

How does your work & experience as a Bartender help fuel that passion?
Both bartending and acting are creativity-driven and relationship-driven. When I bartend, I use my humor and personality to make people feel good, much like performing. It's about entertaining and connecting with people.

What is your favorite Woodford Reserve cocktail?
A Double Oak Old Fashioned with honey instead of simple syrup, and a bit of hickory smoke.

Braxton Overgaauw: Bar Supervisor & Bartender at Ralph Lauren's The Polo Bar

What is your passion Beyond the Bar?
Acting in television and film.

Tell us about how you got into it and where you are now in that passion.
I was always excited about being in school plays, and my mom signed me up for kids acting classes. After experiencing being in front of the camera, I was hooked and have pursued it ever since.

How does your work & experience as a Bartender help fuel that passion?
Bartending feels like being on stage. I'm providing an experience and a show for the clientele, which parallels my passion for acting.

What is your favorite Woodford Reserve cocktail?
The Polo Bar's Brown Derby

  • 2 oz Woodford Reserve
  • 1 oz fresh squeezed grapefruit juice
  • 0.5 oz Giffard Pampelmouse
  • 0.5 oz honey syrup
  • 0.25 oz fresh lemon juice

Shaken and strained into a coupe, topped with Angostura bitters.

Widelmy Rivas: Bartender at The Distillery

What is your passion Beyond the Bar?
Drawing and painting.

Tell us about how you got into it and where you are now in that passion.
Growing up in a family involved in music and production, I was inspired to create my own beats and beatbox. Eventually, I moved into drawing and acrylic painting as a form of personal expression.

How does your work & experience as a Bartender help fuel that passion?
Bartending allows me to be creative, much like art. Creating cocktails is an artistic process for me, blending flavors and presentation much like painting.

What is your favorite Woodford Reserve cocktail?
New York Sour

  • 2 oz Woodford Reserve
  • 0.75 oz lemon juice
  • 0.75 oz spiced Demerara syrup
  • 0.5 oz egg whites
  • Malbec wine float

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