Poppin ’ downMass Ave or Fountain Squarefor a bar Australian crawl ? Brunchin ’ in Broad Ripple ? Slurpin ’ cocktails at one of Indiana’sdistilleries ? Whatever your poison is , there is a particular radical of hoi polloi that take care of you . Those people are your favored bartenders . Nominated by Indy ’s respectable and fellow drinkable slingers , these people are 1 you should make an campaign to be friends with . You never know what the next unequalled libation they ’ll expertly blow your intellect – and tastebuds – with .
Brian Brissart
Thunderbird
Brian Brissart set out two years ago as a barback but move up through the bar rungs to test he knows his craft . Bringing creativeness , passion , and a whole lot of funk to the bar , his colleagues said Brissart captivates guests in a altogether new way . Thunderbird owner Josh Gonzales say “ Brian has no comparison , ” while staff believe Brissart is the reason why people of all ages swing by the bar again and again . He ’s made it his missionary work to educate people on his craft , and when you’re able to talk the talk , it prove you ’re a master of elevated cocktails . Brissart recently competed in the Midwest regionals for theDiageo World Classbartender competition .
Ethan Rogers
Hotel Tango Whiskey
At an old , gutted carriage house on Virginia Avenue , you ’ll find a distillery that has made it ’s name through its tone and craft cocktail . Ethan Rogers is to quotation for developing the spectacular menu that rotate seasonally based on what fresh produce is available . Under the state ’s Artisan Distilling constabulary , Rogers is only leave to use the feeling produce at Hotel Tango Whiskey , which is no problem at all . His distinct concoctions range from a Riffian on old classics like the Old Fashioned ( swapping whiskey for moonshine ) , to clever herbal “ remedies ” like Not Your Sister ’s Juice Cleanse , and a sexy take the only locally made limoncello , The Milk Man ’s Son .
Curtis McGaha
Tini
They do n’t call it “ Tini ” because it ’s got a tiny bill of fare . Curtis McGaha has made it light that size – jiffy nictitation – of a cocktail card does matter . Passionate about his trade , McGaha is an expert who has taken on many formal and cozy leadership roles in the local chapter of Indy / US Bartenders Guild . He continually sustain his cocktail craftmanship up by learning , and journey to many destinations and distilleries to substantially understand how various liquors are made . In being add-on to being known for his winning personality , McGaha never leave a face and drink copulate ; many patrons notice that he always remembering their potable order .
Michael Toscano
Libertine Liquor Bar
Of course , a luck of bartending is making cocktail , but the most authoritative part of tending bar might be create certain patrons have the best experience potential . While he ’s left for New York City , people seem to be still spill about Michael Toscano . In an industry where egos flare , peer bartenders allege Toscano never lose touch of the fact that the cocktail work stays up through the night in the cordial reception biz . With his unique cocktail crafting , he pair tongue and cheek concoctions such as giving homage toJFK with back and to the leftfield – a rum - based cocktail with blackberry and thyme .
Adam Ramsey
Libertine
Some people say no one else is close to “ TheAdam Ramsey . ” In fact , with Michael Toscana gone to the Big Apple , some say Ramsey will to sprain the Libertine into something we ca n’t even yet fathom . ( Sorry , Michael ! ) While some may say Ramsey ’s skill have a prima donna - like flair , his blood with amalgamate cocktails overshadows any caveats about barman ego . Known for the Six Horse – a combining of the Trinidad Sour and the South Side – Ramsey knows the meaning of symmetricalness and the importance of drink families . His peers read Ramsey is a reliable professional that translate how to take care of a invitee and accommodate any drunkenness style .
Andy Ashley
Dorman Street Saloon
Some argue that Andy Ashley started the foxiness cocktail movement in Indy that helped inspire today ’s bartenders . Whether you agree , know that he was one of the first to make long suit syrup to thrill your tongue , help to jumpstart the local Indy bar scene food market . A creative soul , he ’s been with Dorman Street with more than 10 age and lays low despite the credit rating he may indeed be merit of .
Tyler Burns
Spoke & Steele
frame elevated twists on classics , Tyler Burns is get it on for push the envelope with the originative . The Smoke & Spice cocktail is an fantabulous model of a theatrical cocktail that wows invitee : Burns lights a cedar plank which smokes the looking glass , then pours in a mix of rye , tequila , amaretto , and bitters . Burns is also responsible for a delicious homage to the Indianapolis Colts , the Blue Steele slushie .
Jacob Cantu
Bakersfield
Jacob Cantu is the man know for running the show on the back patio of Bakersfield . Whether you ’re need a skinny spicy margarita or smoky and sly Red Headed Stranger , Cantu ’s got you covered – and can whip up likely anything you have your ticker set on , or even leave him to storm you . Cantu is known for his unbuttoned shirts and mohawk coiffure . This bartender also has a PhD in biota , which create gumption when you consider the formula for his unequalled libations .
Kit Clouser
Liberty Street
Kit Clouser may seem book on the outside , but accurate when it comes to cocktails . He ’s spent two years at Liberty Street , and came from Zest ! Twist after it close . match key him as “ a snake pit of a nice guy wire , ” and his charisma is underscored by a degree in programme journalism . Perhaps being a gifted musician also helps create top snick cocktail , as his creativity shows through with the function of smart flavors and spice . His cognition of liquor and the distilling process runs deep and shows , with seasonal cocktails like the rum negroni ananas sour and a plum mojito .
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Spoke & Steele
Brian Brissart on the right|Thunderbird
- tini -
Adam Ramsey on the right|The Libertine Liquor Bar
Spoke & Steele
Liberty Street
