Behind the Bar: Our Mixologist’s Favorite Creations”
At Jk Restaurant, we take our cocktails seriously. Whether you're here for a casual drink or celebrating a special occasion, our bartenders are dedicated to crafting the perfect drink for every occasion. We asked our lead mixologist, to share their top 3 favorite creations — each with a unique twist and a story that makes them stand out. Ready to discover your next favorite cocktail? Let’s dive in!
There's something about the deep, rich flavors of an Old Fashioned that make it a timeless favorite. But at [Restaurant Name], we’ve taken it up a notch with our Smoky Old Fashioned. Made with a premium bourbon, smoked cherry wood, and a hint of maple syrup, this drink has all the charm of the classic with an added smoky essence that lingers on the palate.
🍸 Behind the Bar: Our Mixologist’s Favorite Creations
An inside look at the artistry, passion, and inspiration behind our most beloved cocktails.
At our restaurant, we believe a cocktail should be more than just a drink—it should be an experience. Behind every glass is a story, a vision, and a mixologist who brings it all to life. In our latest feature, “Behind the Bar: Our Mixologist’s Favorite Creations,” we invite you to step behind the scenes and discover the passion, craft, and creativity that go into the cocktails we’re most proud of.
These aren’t just drinks—they’re expressions of personality, seasonal inspiration, and years of bartending artistry. Our head mixologist, along with the talented bar team, has handpicked their favorite signature creations to share with you. From reimagined classics to bold, original combinations, each cocktail is crafted with precision, purpose, and a deep love for the craft.
🍯 1. Honey Lavender Old Fashioned
A floral twist on a timeless classic
One of our bar team’s proudest creations, this reimagined Old Fashioned is smooth, elegant, and full of subtle complexity. It begins with a base of small-batch bourbon, chosen for its notes of vanilla and spice. We blend in a house-made honey-lavender syrup—slow-steeped with real dried lavender flowers—and a dash of orange bitters to round out the flavor.
The result is a cocktail that’s both familiar and refreshingly unique: mellow, slightly floral, and incredibly satisfying. Served over a large cube and garnished with a twist of orange peel and a lavender sprig, this is a true bartender’s favorite—classic in structure, modern in spirit.
Flavor Notes: Warm, floral, lightly sweet, with a silky bourbon finish.
Best Enjoyed: Slowly, with good conversation or paired with charcuterie and aged cheeses.
🍋 2. Smoked Citrus Negroni
Bold. Bitter. Beautifully balanced.
For those who love strong, bitter-forward cocktails with personality, the Smoked Citrus Negroni is a standout. Our twist on the Italian classic starts with the traditional trio—gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari—but takes things further with an infusion of charred grapefruit peel and a whisper of smoked rosemary.
We finish it with a light mist of orange blossom water and serve it in a smoked glass for added aroma. The result? A deeply layered cocktail that plays between bitter, sweet, smoky, and citrusy notes—all while remaining impeccably smooth.
Flavor Notes: Bittersweet, aromatic, herbal, and slightly smoky.
Best Enjoyed: As a pre-dinner aperitif, or alongside bold, savory dishes.
🥭 3. Mango Mezcal Mule
A tropical, smoky refresher with a fiery soul.
This is the drink that turned heads at our last seasonal tasting—and it quickly became a staff favorite. The Mango Mezcal Mule takes the refreshing framework of a Moscow Mule and transforms it with tropical flair and earthy heat.
We combine smoky Oaxacan mezcal with fresh mango purée, freshly squeezed lime juice, and a splash of ginger beer for effervescence and spice. It’s served tall, over crushed ice, and finished with a mango slice, chili powder, and a sprig of mint. It’s bright, it’s bold, and it’s unforgettable.
Flavor Notes: Sweet mango, zesty lime, smoky mezcal, and gingery heat.
Best Enjoyed: On the patio, with tacos, grilled corn, or live music in the background.
💡 The Craft Behind the Cocktail
Each drink featured in “Behind the Bar” represents more than just flavor—it reflects our team’s dedication to their craft. Our mixologists spend hours experimenting with balance, texture, and presentation. They draw inspiration from seasonal ingredients, global flavors, and the stories told by the guests who sit at the bar.
We infuse our own spirits, make our own syrups, and carefully source herbs, fruits, and garnishes that elevate each cocktail from ordinary to extraordinary. Every pour is intentional. Every garnish has a purpose. And every drink on this list is one we proudly serve—because it’s one we love to drink ourselves.
🍷 Come Taste the Stories We Pour
The next time you visit, ask our bartender about the story behind your drink. Whether it’s a lavender syrup made that morning or a garnish hand-flamed to release essential oils, you’ll find that what goes into our cocktails is as rich and layered as the drinks themselves.
“Behind the Bar: Our Mixologist’s Favorite Creations” is a celebration of passion, precision, and the people who make the magic happen—one cocktail at a time. Come sip, savor, and discover your new favorite.