Gracious Hospitality Management, the restaurant group behind Michelin-starred and James Beard-nominated COTE Korean Steakhouse in New York, Miami, and Singapore, welcomes COQODAQ, a new fried chicken concept located in the heart of Flatiron.
Created by visionary and award-winning restaurateur Simon Kim, COQODAQ offers diners a one-of-a-kind experience inspired by the ancient Korean philosophy of Eum-yang (음양 | 陰陽), embracing duality being fundamental to the nature and balance of the universe. Complementing the menu is a robust beverage program helmed by Partners Victoria James, Executive Director of Beverage and Sondre Kasin, Principal Bartender. A suite of classic cocktails with an innovative twist, will live alongside a premiere wine and beer selection and America’s largest restaurant champagne list.
COQODAQ Wine Evan Sung – Half Bottles
Offering an alternative to the traditional Chimaek, the Korean pairing of fried chicken and beer, COQODAQ champions champagne as the ideal coupling with its fried chicken, as the effervescence of these wines aids in cutting through the richness by effectively breaking down the fats on the palate. Inviting guests to experience the bubbly beverage like never before, the restaurant will offer an extensive list of over 400 rare and exclusive bottles that make it a true mecca for champagne enthusiasts. In another reinvention of the role of champagne, the selection will further break down the cost barrier by introducing a list of 100 selections of champagne and sparkling wines under $100, so everyone can enjoy this perfect pairing. The restaurant will also serve COQODAQ Collection 1/2 bottles of Champagne crafted in collaboration with the esteemed grower-champagne house Gaston Chiquet, along with an expansive wine label list that focuses on white and red burgundy.
The cocktails are purposefully created to provide a refreshing and invigorating experience that pairs perfectly with crispy fried chicken. High-quality tea-based cocktails, highballs, and a variety of classic and seasonal libations will appear on the menu, all crafted with locally sourced ingredients like black currant and fresh citrus, along with low and no ABV options. They also have a wildy trending cocktail called “The Egg” learn more about that drink HERE
A native of Belfast in Northern Ireland, Jim McCourt grew up with both his mother and father working in the beverage industry. Following in their footsteps, McCourt began his career in the bar industry at only 15 years old. At 21 years old, McCourt immigrated to New York City and continued his career – a career that ranges from dishwasher to bar director, working in a variety of establishments including Irish bars, hotels, fine dining restaurants, and cocktail bars.
As bar director and bartender at Prohibition, McCourt is known for adding his own twists on classics, oftentimes using Irish products, as well as some innovative and unexpected original cocktails that work together to create a truly creative and diverse cocktail menu. McCourt’s program relies heavily on house infusions and house made syrups and tinctures that make his cocktails unique and truly exceptional.
Tequila Don Julio Brings Modern Mexican Culture to a National Stage with ‘A Summer of Mexicana’
As Música Mexicana continues to rise, Sony Music Latin artists joins Tequila Don Julio in spotlighting the Mexican creatives behind the art
Mexican culture is making its global mark as seen in the meteoric rise of Música Mexicana which has become one of Spotify’s most popular genres with 47% growth in streams globally over the last year alone. To help keep la fuerza of Mexico alive this summer, Tequila Don Julio is introducing ‘A Summer of Mexicana‘ to celebrate and spotlight inspiring Mexican creatives who live Por Amor. Tequila Don Julio will bring modern Mexico to the mainstage through a summer concert series in partnership with Sony Music Latin artists including award-winning singer-songwriter Christian Nodal as well as performances on Jimmy Kimmel’s Summer Stage and an in-app Spotify program that will encourage further shareability of this growing genre.
Kicking off in May, Tequila Don Julio is bringing ‘A Summer of Mexicana’ to life through a series of immersive experiences including:
‘A Summer of Mexicana’ Tour: Mexican artists have influenced the music industry as Música Mexicana has become one of the most popular genres among mainstream listeners. Tequila Don Julio and Sony Music Latin artists are coming together for a private concert series this summer featuring some of Sony Music Latin artists hottest musicians who are taking over the charts – making stops in Houston featuring celebrated singer-songwriter Christian Nodal, Los Angeles, and a stop in Chicago during the Sueños Music Festival.
Jimmy Kimmel Live Concert Series: To further showcase the beauty of Música Mexicana and the Latin genre as a whole, Tequila Don Julio will highlight breakthrough musicians on Jimmy Kimmel Live’s Concert Series, starting with a performance from Christian Nodal followed by talented artists throughout the summer.
Personalized Playlists: Spotify, the world’s #1 streaming platform, and Tequila Don Julio are bringing Música Mexicana to the center of summer celebrations with personalized playlists custom created according to each listeners preferred vibes. With Latin music now the 4th biggest collection of genres on Spotify, there’s something for everyone – whether lounging poolside or celebrating a night out with your crew.
‘A Summer of Mexicana’ Artist Edition: Tequila Don Julio Blanco and Tequila Don Julio Reposado take center stage as Mexican illustrator Dia Pacheco has teamed up with the brand to release the ‘A Summer of Mexicana’ Artist Edition available just in time for Cinco de Mayo and through the summer season. Each carefully drawn box design showcases vibrant symbols of Mexico reminiscent of Pacheco’s own experience growing up in the colorful town of Merida, Yucatán.
Just as Founder Don Julio González followed his heart over his head and made every choice for his love of land, agave, community and exceptional tequila, Tequila Don Julio continues to keep this sentiment alive and uphold these same values today. To continue to uplift those who live Por Amor, the Tequila Don Julio Fund is partnering with charity organizations at each concert stop in Houston, Chicago and Los Angeles to support communities of emerging creatives beginning with The Houston Art Alliance, a local arts and culture organization whose principal work is to implement the City of Houston’s vision, values, and goals for its arts grantmaking and civic art investments. A grand total of $500K will be donated to national and local charities throughout the summer leading up to Mexican Independence Day on September 16th. To learn more about the Tequila Don Julio Fund visit DonJulio.com/fund.
2024 Bartender Spirits Awards Final Call For Entry. Enter Your Spirits Before April 24.
The 2024 Bartender Spirits Awards is all set to happen in May in Chicago and this year brings America’s top bartenders as judges. This celebrated award helps spirits and distilleries be noticed and become a favorite choice for bars, restaurants, clubs, and on-premise establishments within the United States.
The awards are currently accepting entries for domestic spirits and the submission deadline for 2024 Bartender Spirits Awards is April 24. All brands need to enter before the deadline.
The Competition has worked in the last few years to build up the pedigree of its judges and to ensure they all have direct buying responsibilities and understand the disciplines by which certain spirits are chosen to go on drinks or cocktail lists or not.
Using the tagline “Judged By Bartenders, Bar Managers and Off-Premise Managers For The On-Premise Industry,” the Bartender Spirits Awards will recognize, encourage, promote and celebrate excellence in the U.S. drinks industry for the 6th time.
Who are the Judges?
The judging panel consists entirely of top bartenders at U.S restaurants, bars, clubs and pubs. Here are few of the names that will be judging the 2024 event:
KATIE RENSHAW, 2019 US World Class Bartender of the Year.
RENATO M. TONELLI, 2023 US Bartender of the Year and Founder at Sustainable Bartender.
JULIETA CAMPOS, Beverage and Bar Operations Director at The Fifty/50 Group, Chicago.
DAMIAN LANGARICA, TOP 100 World Class 2023, TOP 50 World Class 2022, Bartender at Next of Kin, Philadelphia.
MIKE RYAN, Global Beverage Director, Acurio International, Chicago.
TRUDY THOMAS, Corporate Director of Beverage at Southworth Development, Spirits Educator and Mixologist, Nashville.
ABRAHAM VUCEKOVICH, Beverage Director Meadowlark Hospitality, Chicago, Meadowlark Hospitality.
MAKENZIE HELEM, Top 30 bartenders in the US for USBG World Class 2023 and Bartender at Spilt Milk, Chicago
GUILLERMO BRAVO, Beverage Director at Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Chicago.
DANNY SHAPIRO, Founding partner in Scofflaw Group, Chicago
The aim of this international spirits competition is to provide independent and honest reviews for brands targeting the U.S. bar trade. The judging panel consists of some of the most renowned names in the U.S. bar industry, all of them with extensive expertise within the on-premise industry. The result will be a relevant and practical source of reference for bartenders, bar managers, bar owners and other industry professionals when making purchasing decisions for their establishments.
What comprises the awards judging process?
The spirits are judged on the five broad categories of mixability, balance and versatility, taste, value and packaging. The judges consider two key aspects while judging spirits from around the world at the competition, whether they will add great value to a bar’s existing spirits inventory and become an integral part of a mixologist’s everyday life behind the table. In essence, the focus of the Bartender Spirits Awards is to find and reward spirits that we will enjoy drinking on the rocks or as a part of the cocktail and bartenders will love pouring at their establishments.
Brands looking to enter into America’s leading spirits competition for the on-premise should enter now to get the bird pricing. Here are some benefits to enter your spirits and how to enter into the competition steps.
The awards are currently accepting entries for domestic spirits and the submission deadline for 2024 Bartender Spirits Awards is April 24. All brands need to enter before the deadline.
THE ART OF ITALICUS APERITIVO CHALLENGE CROWNS WINNERS
The winners include Guchuan Yin, Dmytro Shovkopolias and Ayaka Yamamoto
The Art of ITALICUS Aperitivo Challenge announced the winners of their U.S. competition. Guchuan Yin from Double Chicken Please in Manhattan, New York won first place with his recipe, “Bergamot Nomad,” while Dmytro Shovkopolias from Medium Cool in Miami, Florida and Ayaka Yamamoto from Bar Moga in Manhattan, New York won second and third place respectively. The challenge invites bartenders from around the world to create an original and unique aperitivo cocktail inspired by any form of art and crafted using the irreplaceable ITALICUS Rosolio di Bergamotto.
The U.S. final took place at Carversteak in Las Vegas on Thursday, April 4, hosted by a panel of renowned judges including Caroline Pardilla, Imbibe’s Digital Content Editor, Giuseppe Gallo, ITALICUS’ Founder and Francesco Lafranconi, the VIP Hospitality and Beverage Director at Carver Road Group.
The winning recipe by Guchaun Yin from the number one bar in North America’s 50 Best Bars in 2023, Double Chicken Please, is titled “Bergamot Nomad.” The “Bergamot Nomad” cocktail features ITALICUS Rosolio di Bergamotto, bergamot juice, green tea mizu shochu, umeboshi brine, chamomile soda and is garnished with a umeboshi plum.
“It’s inspired by an art called ‘Japanese Landscape’ by Kiyohara Tama, who is a nomad Japanese artist but traveled to Italy around the 19th century,” says the winner of The Art of ITALICUS Aperitivo Challenge, Guchuan Yin. “Her work is a fusion of the Italian oil painting techniques with Japanese aesthetics and culture. Bergamot itself is also a nomad fruit originating from southeast Asia and traveled to Europe at around 1000 AD. The drink is a fusion of Italian Aperitivo and Japanese Shochu Highball, just like bringing the bergamot nomad back to its origin.”
Dmytro Shovkoplias, from Medium Cool in Miami, Florida, was named the second finalist in The Art of ITALICUS Aperitivo Challenge. His cocktail recipe “Timelapse” is perfect for the warming weather as it includes ITALICUS Rosolio di Bergamotto, smoked cranberry juice, grapefruit juice and pink grapefruit soda and is garnished with a grapefruit-stuffed olive and grapefruit oils.
Dmytro Shovkoplias says “The ‘Timelapse’ cocktail is inspired by Metaphysical art and is well connected to the Aperitivo tradition as a social moment when we can put our daily routine on pause, taking time to enjoy delicious drinks.” He adds, “Born in 1917, metaphysical painting is an Italian art movement through the work of Carlo Carra and Giorgio de Chirico in Ferrara. They depict fabulous images with figures and objects, naturally frozen in time, giving the viewer a sense of stepping out of reality to see things in new ways absent of preconceived meaning.”
Finally, Ayaka Yamamoto from Bar Moga in Manhattan, New York was named the third finalist in The Art of ITALICUS Aperitivo Challenge. His recipe the “Prologue” adds citrus profiles, mixing ITALICUS Rosolio di Bergamotto with joto umeshu, citrus mix (lemon and yuzu), Peychaud’s bitters, prosecco and garnishing his cocktail with homemade umeshu jelly.
Ayaka comments “The ‘Prologue’ is inspired by the opera’s opening scene and the opera music, ‘Home Sweet Home,’ and my New York City story.” He continues, “Umeshu, my hometown aperitif drink, represents the warmth of the home that I miss. The Italian aperitif signifies my new life and chosen family in New York City. The cocktail itself is the bridge, blending both worlds like the ‘Home Sweet Home’ aria’s bittersweet emotions. It’s a celebration of my journey, new beginnings, and the enduring love for my roots.”
Astral Tequila Introduces First-Ever MargaritaCon: A Nationwide Celebration of America’s Favorite Cocktail, All for a Cause
Break out the limes because it’s time to celebrate America’s number one cocktail: the margarita1! In honor of Earth Month, Astral Tequila is thrilled to announce the first-ever MargaritaCon, a month-long celebration of the margarita for a cause. Starting today through May 5th, bars nationwide will feature a special Astral margarita on their menus, with each cocktail contributing towards building homes for those in need. Astral Tequila upcycles spent agave from tequila distillation into bricks to build homes, so every Astral margarita made goes towards a good cause. The brand is proud to partner with Hábitat para la Humanidad México to build these homes through their ongoing sustainability program, the Adobe Brick Project in Jalisco, Mexico. And for the first time this year, Astral Tequila will also be extending its support to the United States by donating a total of $50,000 to Habitat for Humanity affiliates2 across the country, furthering the impact of every Astral margarita enjoyed during MargaritaCon.
“Astral is quickly becoming the go-to tequila for crafting delicious margaritas,” shares Christina Choi, SVP of Tequila at Diageo NA. “Rooted in tradition, our time-intensive process yields a smooth tequila with bursts of citrus, making it a brighter tasting margarita. So, who better than Astral to kick off the first-ever MargaritaCon?”
Join the celebration while giving back to a worthy cause at any of the 170+ participating bars across the country. Participants can enjoy the delicious and bright taste of Astral Tequila with each location’s unique take on the margarita, along with giveaways and surprises all month long. Margaritas featuring Astral Tequila support the cause! To get in on the celebration and discover the list of participating bars, head to www.astraltequila.com/margaritacon.
And that’s not all! To close out MargaritaCon and welcome Cinco de Mayo, Astral Tequila is helping kick off the celebrations by bringing lime-filled fun to the streets of New York City, Chicago, and Charleston on May 4th. Stay tuned for all the excitement by following Astral Tequila’s Instagram page for updates! In honor of Cinco de Mayo, U.S. residents can also enter for a chance to win an unforgettable all-expenses-paid luxury getaway for four to Mexico by visiting a participating bar or going to www.astraltequila.com/margaritacon (must be 21+ to enter and attend).
For those looking to extend the MargaritaCon and Cinco de Mayo celebrations at home, order a limited-edition Astral Tequila x Motel Margarita Cocktail Kit (must be 21+), featuring everything needed to make the Margarita For A Cause cocktail at home, along with exclusive MargaritaCon merchandise. The kit is available through May 5th on https://us.thebar.com/products/astral-tequila-x-motel-margarita-cocktail-kit/ for an SRP of $74.00 while supplies last.
Michelle LaBorde is Sommelier and Bar Director at Dancing Bear Lodge & Appalachian Bistro in Townsend, TN. Recently, Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro was named among the Best Fine Dining Restaurants in the US by Tripadvisor, in part due to Michelle’s incredible contributions to the beverage program.
Located just beside the Smoky Mountain National Park, Michelle greets guests from all over the world looking to experience the beauty of the mountains. Dancing Bear works to welcome their guests and educate them on this unique area, which is part of Appalachia. As such, Michelle uses her incredible background and experience to educate guests about the impact that the area has had on distillation processes. She has curated an archive of whiskey that showcases the contributions Appalachia has made on the industry, as well as bottles that demonstrate the different phases of distillation in the area; she has also built an impressive library of exclusive allocations that has further elevated the whiskey program at Dancing Bear. She’s also a Level II sommelier (and working on Level III), applying her degrees in fermentation and chemistry to the process of winemaking.
Little Rituals in Phoenix, AZ has successfully redefined what a hotel bar can be. Perched on the 4th floor of a Residence Inn/Courtyard Marriott, Little Rituals—conceptualized by acclaimed bartenders Aaron DeFeo & Ross Simon in 2018 and opened in 2019—has set a standard in the Southwest for innovative cocktails and an outstanding, yet relaxed style of team service. This is not the usual setting for most well-appointed hotel bars, which normally flourish in grand, storied hotels or new, chic boutique spots with young, hip clientele; but Little Rituals was not mean to be the “traditional” hotel bar from day one. The bar’s foundation is its own set of “little rituals”—a series of seemingly insignificant but ultimately crucial steps—that go into great cocktail experiences. Little Rituals aims to take internationally-inspired cocktails and focus them through the lens of regional flavors, trends, and cutting-edge techniques— arriving at a memorable experience for guests while still retaining a playful and welcoming approach.
Little Rituals has received recognition from the James Beard Foundation as a semifinalist for Best Bar Program (2020, 2024), Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards (2019, 2020, 2022 & 2023) with a Top Four Finalist designation in 2022 and 2023.
BARTENDER Magazine is grateful to be a part of the Starback 2024 Competition sponsored by Don Julio. This was our second year being a part of the competition and it was huge success!
This year, we did eight total stops around the country where one winner would bartend Hollywood’s Biggest night with Global Bartending Champion, Charles Joly! One finalist from New York, Chicago, Tampa, Phoenix, Columbus, Atlanta, San Francisco, and Austin would compete in the finals in NYC!
This year’s competition was not only bigger but also had new fun and engaging rounds for each competitor to showcase their creativity with Don Julio Tequilas.
For the first round in the regionals, the competitors had to make a “Daytime style” cocktail using Don Julio Rosado, which was a great way to kick off the competition. Next, they were asked to make a cocktail with the newest member of the Don Julio Family, Don Julio Alma Miel! Finally, their last drink had to be a “high-energy” cocktail featuring Don Julio 1942! After these three cocktails were made our amazing judges at each location tallied up the scores and named a winner.
These winners were:
Ivan Toxqui, NYC
Santiago Cobar, Chicago
Ki Choe, Tampa
Brenda Juarez, Phoenix
Michael Ching, Columbus
Orestes Cruz, Atlanta
Dakota Davis, San Francisco
Bridget Kimbell, Austin
Each of these amazing finalists was flown to NYC to compete at the World Famous, Dead Rabbit!
For the finals, our amazing finalists were tasked with three final rounds and judged by an incredible crew. BARTENDER Magazine’s own, Jackie Foley, Charles Joly and the 2023 Starback Winner, Tia Barrett!
The stage was set and round one challenged each competitor on their speed and efficiency as they had to make a Don Julio Blanco Marg, Don Julio Repo Paloma, and a Don Julio Anejo Old Fashioned. For round two, the finalists were able to showcase themselves in the glass as they were allowed to use the full Don Julio Portfolio to make their own original cocktail. Finally, to prep them for the grand prize, they were asked to make an award-worthy cocktail using Don Julio 1942. The judges tasted some incredible cocktails throughout the finals but there could only be on winner and Orestes Cruz from Atlanta was crowned the Starback 2024 Winner!
Thank you to everyone who helped bring this to life and to all who competed and judges around the country. We at BARTENDER are so grateful to have met so many amazing people during this competition and hope to see them all again very soon. Special thanks to Adrienne Smith, Lisa Petrella, Charles Joly, Tia Barrett, The Hunter PR Team and Don Julio Brand Team at Diageo.
