Looking for ways to keep yourself fresh and cool this summer?
We recently chatted with our friend Bartender Barry about some delicious cocktail recipes that are perfect drinks to try during the summer months. Plus, he shared the story behind being a private bartender!
Barry launched his own private bartending business in the summer of 2019 and put his mixology skills to use by creating a memorable experience for partygoers everywhere. In his free time, Barry enjoys attending whiskey tastings, visiting new restaurants with friends, and hosting events that bring diverse groups of people together. He one day hopes to own his very own distillery and spirits brand.
Along with bartending, Barry also works as a Media Specialist at Community College of Philadelphia where he steps into a storyteller role and shares the amazing things that are happening at CCP with national and local media outlets.
Introduce yourself! Tell us a little about your background and your current career.
Hi! I’m Barry, AKA Bartender Barry. I’m originally from Trenton, NJ, and came to Philly to attend the University of Pennsylvania where I studied political communication. I have my own bartending business where I host cocktail classes and create specialty cocktails for every occasion!
What motivated you to launch Bartender Barry?
I launched Bartender Barry in the summer of 2019. I started to learn more about alcohol distillation and wanted to see how I could make my own spirits. I eventually signed up for bartending school in Philly to enter the industry. Since I work full-time during the week, I decided to stick with bartending private events so I could set my own schedule.
Since the pandemic started, I moved everything virtual and have been pretty successful with my cocktail classes. I’m looking forward to hosting them in-person and expanding my business even more. I’m still working on launching my own spirits brand in the near future.
While you’re Bartender Barry part-time, your full-time role is at the Community College of Philadelphia. Can you share more about this role?
In January, I began a new role as a Media Specialist at the Community College of Philadelphia. In this role, I actively pitch all of the amazing things happening at the College to local and national media outlets. I often meet with college students, faculty, and staff to see what they’re up to and how we can accurately tell their story.
Summer is right around the corner. What are some of your go-to summer drinks?
One of my favorite summertime drinks to make is a mojito. It’s light, refreshing, and absolutely delicious. It’s also really easy to make and I can guarantee that you have all of the ingredients to make the drink right at home. Check out the recipe below:
- Ingredients:
- 2 oz. white rum (or coconut water to make non-alcoholic)
- 3/4 oz. simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water)
- 5-10 mint leaves
- 1/2 lime, cut into wedges
- Club soda
- Additional mint for garnishing
- Instructions:
- Add the following ingredients to a Collins or Pint glass in the following order: mint, lime, simple syrup
- Muddle well with a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon
- Add rum and fill with ice
- Fill with club soda and gently stir
- Garnish with additional mint and enjoy
What do you like most about hosting virtual cocktail-making classes?
When hosting my virtual cocktail classes, I love that I’m able to walk participants step-by-step in creating their favorite cocktails right from the comfort of their home. What I love even more is showing people that you can make delicious cocktails using fresh ingredients.
What are some of your favorite spots to eat and drink outside in Philly in the summer?
Two of my favorite spots to eat outside in Philly during the summer would have to be Harper’s Garden in Center City and Booker’s Restaurant & Bar in West Philly. They both have done a really great job at creating a beautiful outdoor patio that compliments the great food and drinks.
Want more amazing cocktail recipes? Follow Bartender Barry on Instagram @bartender_barry.
Also, if you try out the mojito recipe, tag @bartender_barry and us, @campusphilly, so we can see your skills.
Cheers!
