The Loafer is proud to announce this week’s bartender of the week: Ashley Gilbert at Lumac Rooftop Bar at The Bristol Hotel. Ashley has been a bartender for 13 years, stating that she decided to be a part of the industry when she was just a teenager thanks to Tom Cruise in the movie Cocktail. She believes that great bartenders need to have a want for creating art out of their drinks. She also thinks you need to have a proficient ability to speak to anyone and be able to anticipate their needs before they have to speak them. But most importantly, just be yourself. Ashley received the honor of being named the third best bartender of Bristol this year, which is decided through a community voting. She hopes to start her own private event business one day in the future, and she is constantly learning new techniques to better her career.
Ashley particularly loves making martinis of any kind. Her favorite drink is a Manhattan, because there is so much room to be creative and add your own personal twist to it. She has created notebooks full of recipes, stating that her favorite is her St. Gin. Next time you visit her, you will have to ask after that particular drink and give it a try for yourself. If you want to create it at home, the recipe is as follows:
- First, add 1 1/2 oz gin (Commonwealth is her favorite brand)
- Next, add 1/2 oz St Germain elderflower liqueur to the container
- Then, squeeze a lemon and lime into the mixture
- Lastly, stir it all together and strain over ice and top with soda
Make sure you stop by the Lumac Rooftop Bar to see Ashley in action for yourself!
