When did you first become interested in mixology?
I got interested in mixology (aka bartending) because frankly, it made more money than waiting tables. Besides being New York bar tender gives you instant street credit swagger. But the longer you do it the more you grow to appreciate the craft behind a well made cocktail. It's kinda an art.

What brought you into the drink business?
Well I'm a country boy, so the drinking part came naturally, but as a job, bar tending was a natural choice. I'm a singer/dancer and we work from contract to contract. The food service industry allows for that flux.

If you don't order a cocktail at a restaurant or bar, which beverage do you choose?
I'm also a sommelier so more than likely if I don't order a cocktail it'll be a glass of crisp white wine.

What's your least favorite drink?
I'm a New Yorker, but I really can't stand a "Cosmo." a poorly made margarita is also quite terrible.

What's your best mixology/drinking memory? What was the occasion?
Best mixology memory? Going to "Death and Co." for the first time on 6th Street in the East Village. They do it right.

What are your thoughts on recent trends within the industry?
For me, the recent trends are about quirky ingredients and lots of them. I tend to be more of a purist. Booze+ sugar + acid +no more than one other thing = a good, balanced cocktail.

What is the first thing someone learning mixology should know?
Part one is about knowing your ingredients...the parts equal the whole...you really need to know that bourbon, rye and scotch are not the same. Part two is about balancing the cocktail.

What are some of your favorite food and drink pairings?
I could go on and on about food pairings with wine. For me, again I am a traditionalist and own everything the Rat Pack ever recorded, but I don't like cocktails with a meal, maybe starter food that's not very savory. So if I were to not have wine with dinner, I'd opt for a craft beer.

Do you think any rules should be adhered to when pairing?
Over 80% of drinks made and consumed are vodka based so that would be my choice in reference to entertaining. For my palate...a single malt scotch on the rocks.