Opening A Speakeasy in NYC
When we opened up J.Bespoke in December 2019, we set out to create something that felt elevated yet approached—a refined cocktail experience without the pretentious culture that is found far too often in our industry. In a city like New York, where options are endless, it was important to stand out. We weren’t just building a bar; we were building a place where people could connect, unwind, and feel taken care of.
Our vision was to be the kind of spot you discover behind a hidden door, but keep coming back to because of how it makes you feel. There were a few ways to do that.
The first: Blend classic technique with modern flair. Be innovative, creative, and unique in our approach in an effort to push the boundaries of this very competitive industry that we are in.
The second: Make every cocktail feel intentional, from the recipe to the glassware, to the garnish, to the name on the menu. Rooted in tradition but with thoughtful innovation–the kind of drinks that make you pause and appreciate the craftsmanship.
Finally: Redefine the sports bar experience. We love sports, but we also love beautiful spaces and incredible cocktails—so why not combine the two? That’s what we set out to do: curate an environment where elegance and energy coexist, where the game is on, but the drinks and ambiance are just as much of a draw.
Even with all the challenges that came right after opening, that vision has stayed true, and in many ways, carried us through.
Advice for Mixologists
Now I’ve got the tools to share the art of Mixology with New Yorkers. In less than 500 words, I’m going to share the vital tips you need to refine your craft and impress your friends, family, or even just yourself (no judgment here) with every pour!
1. the Foundation: Mastering the Basics
A great cocktail starts with understanding the fundamentals. These are your key principles:
- The Art of Ice: Not just for aesthetic purposes, or the obvious purpose of chilling your cocktail. Ice affects dilution, texture, and even taste. Use large, clear cubes for slow melting and minimal dilution, or crushed ice for tropical-style drinks (faster melting, it will help balance the drink and smooth out the flavor profile).
- Shake or Stir?: Shake when your cocktail contains citrus, egg whites, or dairy to aerate and create texture as well as to provide the proper amount of dilution that is factored into every cocktail recipe. Stir when making spirit-forward drinks like a Manhattan or Martini to maintain clarity and smoothness.
2. Elevating Flavor: Ingredients & Techniques
To take your cocktails to the next level, consider these pro-level enhancements:
- The Golden Rule: Fresh ingredients! For those cocktails that require them, I promise that fresh ingredients make all the difference. Concentrated juice can sometimes be too acidic as opposed to fresh citrus juice and homemade syrups, which bring a clean, crisp, and refreshing balance to your drink.
- Fat-Washing Spirits: This technique is exactly what it sounds like—taking fat, and adding it to a room temperature spirit, then chilling it so that the fat can be skimmed off. The taste from the fat remains, and infuses spirits with rich, savory flavors—think bacon-washed bourbon for a smoky Old Fashioned.
- Infusions & Quick Aging: Experiment with herbs, spices, or even tea to infuse spirits and elevate complexity. Speed up the process by using a sous vide or rapid-infusion techniques.
3. Presentation: the Art of Garnish & Glassware
A cocktail should taste great, but presentation matters too:
- Choose the Right Glass: Glass shape affects aroma and temperature. For example, a coupe glass enhances the bubbles in the liquid (also known as effervescence), while a rocks glass suits strong, slow-sipping drinks.
- Garnishes That Work: A garnish should complement the drink’s aroma and flavor. Expressing (or fancy squeezing) citrus peels over a drink releases essential oils, adding an extra layer of depth.
- The Secret to a Perfect Rim: Whether using salt, sugar, or spice, only rim half the glass to allow the drinker to choose their experience. A fully dressed rim will overpower and dominate the flavor profile of the cocktail, inhibiting you from picking up and enjoying all the fresh ingredients your cocktail has to offer.
4. Pro Moves: Efficiency & Hospitality
Being a mixologist isn't just about making drinks; it's also about the experience:
- Mise en Place: Having everything prepped and within reach is key to making drinks quickly and efficiently, just like in a professional bar setting.
- Engage While You Pour: The best bartenders don’t just mix drinks—they entertain and educate. Talk to your guests, share a fun fact, and make it an experience.
- Fixing a Cocktail on the Fly: If a drink is too sweet, add acidity. Too strong? Dilute slightly or balance with sweetness. Learning how to adjust will make you a confident mixologist.
Great mixology is a combination of science, art, and hospitality. By mastering the basics, enhancing flavor, perfecting presentation, and working with efficiency, you’ll craft cocktails that not only taste incredible but leave a lasting impression.
A Shot of Trivia
The name's Bond..James Bond. James Bond’s famous order—"shaken, not stirred"—is unusual because, as mentioned above, stirring is the traditional method for spirit-forward cocktails like Martinis. Bond preferred shaking because it introduces more dilution, slightly lowering the alcohol content. As a spy, this would help him stay sharper while drinking, making it easier to maintain control in high-stakes situations.
So there you have it. Next time you’re in New York, consider stopping by the Speakeasy to see how we do things. And if you’re feeling inspired to step behind the bar yourself, join us for one of our upcoming mixology classes. Whether it’s a date night or a catch-up with friends, we promise it’ll be an experience you won’t forget.
Additional Classes by J. Bespoke
Craft Cocktail Making @ Upscale Speakeasy