Summer is here and with it comes hot days, long nights, cool pools and refreshing drinks. If you’re like superstar mixologist Tiffanie Barriere, the latter is what truly makes the summer complete.
Known as one of the South’s most sought after mixologists, Tiffanie has become a waving representation of what it means to embody #BlackGirlMagic. Working with brands such as Four Roses, Bombay Sapphire, Cruzan Rum and Tequila Avion — which she most currently represents — “The Drinking Coach” has amassed a faithful flock of fans throughout the south’s dynamic cocktail scene. Most notably seen year after year delivering her applaudable workshop “Oh, Baby, I Like It RAW!” at the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, the award-winning mixologist knows exactly what it takes to make your girls night one to remember.
How did you become a mixologist?
Drinking and being curious about it. I’ve been tending bar since I was 22 and when I started working for a James Beard Chef, my creativity and curiosity elevated.
How long have you been a mixologist?
On the creative, travel, and mixology side, it’s been nine years. I’ve been bartending since I was 13 though at family house parties.
What’s one common mistake you find that those with a new home bar make?
Not having the proper tools like mixers, spoons, jiggers, and fresh fruits.
What are some top essentials you need to make your home bar one to envy?
A bar cart is ideal. They are affordable, trendy, and won’t take up too much space. It depends on how big your place is, but proper storage for bottles, tools and just a place to show off your collection is necessary. There are some creative bar structures on Pinterest as well. Cocktail Kingdom and Uber Bar Tools have my favorite tools for my bar.
Since there are a lot of women who may be intimidated by creating drinks, are there any easy recipes that you can recommend showing off during a girls night this summer?
My favorite thing to make is simple syrup. It can be made with fruit, herbs or even spices. Adding simple syrup to a cocktail adds the obvious sugar, but also brings volume that rounds the cocktail out. Crush your favorite fruit, herb, or spice inside the simple syrup while it boils and you are treating yourself and the cocktail of your choice. Aside from there, here are three of my favorite recipes that are super simple:
Simple Syrup Recipe:
2 cups of water
1 cup of sugar
Bring to a boil and once chilled, store in a glass container to refrigerate.
Essence of Mexico:
2 oz Avion Tequila
1 oz Grapefruit juice
.5 oz Agave
Combine all in a shaker and shake until cold. Pour into a glass with fresh ice. Top with soda and lime.
Strawberry Shortcake:
2 oz Vodka
1 oz Lemon juice or freshly squeezed juice from half a lemon
.5 oz Strawberry simple syrup
Top with bubbles like champagne, Prosecco, or Sparkling Wine
The Bees Knees:
2 oz Gin Bombay
1 oz Honey syrup
.5 oz Fresh lemon juice
Combine all and shake cold. Garnish with fresh lemon slice.
Want to see Tiffanie in action? You can catch her workshop at Essence Fest on July 30, BevCon in August, and Tales of the Cocktail in mid-July. If you’d rather her do the mixing at your girls night instead, she can be booked by visiting www.thedrinkingcoach.com.