Southern Glazer’s Bridget Albert talks to Lauren Mote about her book A Bartender’s Guide to the World: Cocktails and Stories from 75 Places
Celebrated author and cocktail expert Lauren Mote shares her passion for the hospitality industry and her favorite cocktails.
What inspired your book A Bartender’s Guide to the World?
Grab your glass, and let’s go! My book transports your glass around the globe with more than 75 cocktail recipes! For more than 20 years, I tended bars and travelled the world, often as one of the only women in a male-dominated industry. I’ve developed cocktail recipes, sought out new ingredients, and gathered stories along the way. Now, in my first book, I invite readers and home bartenders to pack their suitcases and come with me on an international cocktail adventure.
Tell our listeners about your journey into the hospitality industry.
I started bartending when I was 18 and it was a natural fit for me. I blended my background as a performer with hospitality and being a flavor lover. I started out by flipping burgers, singing condiment-themed songs, slinging drinks, and pouring pints. I created Bittered Sling in 2012, and my journey from 2017 to today is on the brand side full time. Whether you’re behind the bar, running a bar, or working your way up in a bar, if you want MORE it’s out there! You’ll have to remember it’s a marathon, not a sprint, and this industry can certainly be a “choose your own adventure” program. So, what do YOU want?
What is your favorite cocktail from your book and why?
I have several favorite cocktails from the book! Yonge Street is a cocktail inspired by my nostalgic upbringing in Toronto and fond family memories. This refreshing tequila beverage includes blue curaçao, orgeat, fresh lime and pineapple juice, and Bittered Sling aromatic bitters. Juicy Fruit is inspired by my work with Chef Ana Luiza Trajano in São Paulo. This cocktail features silver cachaça, lime, tangerine, raw cane sugar and sweet passion fruit pulp, garnished with fresh mint. One Below is influenced by my longtime colleague and friend who leads the Canadian World Class bartending program. This cocktail is a homage to his basement bar in Georgian Bay, featuring Canadian rye whiskey, Islay whiskey, maple syrup and Bittered Sling chocolate bitters. Stout, Stout, Let It All Out is a cocktail that combines Irish whiskey with cold brewed coffee, blackstrap molasses, Bittered Sling aromatic bitters, chilled Guinness stout and tonic water.
Leave us with a toast!
It's not enough to learn from the greats, you must make the learnings your own, and pay it forward. Bartenders have the power to change the world, and with the right guidance and a few great drinks, today's generation will become tomorrow's leaders.
Learn more and purchase Lauren book click here https://www.amazon.com/Bartenders-Guide-World-Cocktails-Stories/dp/0525611290
Follow Lauren on Instagram @laurenmote
Listen to Lauren’s Served Up episode on or where podcasts are available:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/served-up/id1533768278?i=1000548883038
