Home ProfilesCreators Behind the Bar: Elevating the cocktail experience with Gourmet Booze

Behind the Bar: Elevating the cocktail experience with Gourmet Booze

by Helena Jose

Crafting cocktails is an art, blending unique flavors, aromas and textures into a glass of pure delight. Gourmet Booze, a distinguished name in the cocktail industry, is pioneering the art of creating pre-batched cocktails and offering consultation services for restaurants and local businesses. Their commitment to quality, creativity and consistent delivery has set them apart in the competitive landscape of cocktail batching and consulting. Isaac Grillo, Brian Sassen, and Liam Grant, three partners, possessing a cumulative 40 years of expertise across all roles in the restaurant and bar sector, established Gourmet Booze.

The Genesis of Gourmet Booze

In the wake of the global pandemic, Gourmet Booze emerged as a beacon for the struggling bar community. The company saw an opportunity amidst the challenges, recognizing the difficulties restaurants faced in delivering their vision. Mandated restrictions, staffing dilemmas, and the sourcing of ingredients were all creating obstacles for venues. Gourmet Booze decided to lend a hand by helping businesses execute specialty craft cocktails using the available resources.

Gourmet Booze’s consulting and cocktail batching services were not new to the industry. However, they refined and expanded their craft to offer a comprehensive solution for on-premise cocktails. By blending their previous expertise, they devised a new plan to support establishments in delivering beverage programs with ease, consistency, and cost-effectiveness.

Services Beyond Cocktail Batching

Gourmet Booze extends its services beyond just cocktail batching. The company provides consultation at every phase of a bar’s lifecycle, from design and buildout to the first drink served. They assist with bar mapping and layout, taking into account functional design, infrastructure, and equipment sourcing.

Additionally, they provide guidance on all necessary cocktail items, including appropriate glassware, equipment, bar tools, and specialty items. Unique specialty cocktail menus are created for each program, followed by comprehensive staff training to ensure flawless execution.

A Unique Approach to Cocktail Creation

Gourmet Booze’s approach to creating exceptional cocktail experiences revolves around understanding the venue’s vision. The team invests significant time in getting to know the establishment’s aesthetic, enabling them to guide the program effectively. Whether the demand is for simple yet delicious cocktails or something more elaborate and extravagant, Gourmet Booze is equipped to deliver.

Emphasis on Quality Ingredients

The quality of ingredients is vital in crafting exceptional cocktails. Gourmet Booze takes pride in sourcing the best local produce and fresh ingredients. They maintain relationships with local farms for specialty ingredients like exotic fruits, herbs, and flowers. The company’s vast variety of ingredients in-house allows them to cater to any requirement and enables them to focus on being creative for each account.

Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing

Gourmet Booze understands the importance of sustainability and ethical sourcing in today’s culinary world. The company grows a variety of herbs in their garden, sources locally whenever possible, and uses reusable delivery totes. All these practices demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing.

Crafting Signature Cocktails

Crafting a signature cocktail involves understanding the client’s concept, demographic, and menu offerings. Gourmet Booze aims to create cocktails that harmoniously reflect these aspects, often balancing acidity and flavor to complement the cuisine.

Ensuring Consistency in Batches

Ensuring consistency in cocktail batches is crucial for Gourmet Booze. They have a checks and balances system in place to ensure each batch is perfect before it leaves their warehouse. Their recipes have been tried and tested repeatedly, and any possible defects can be detected and corrected promptly.

Logistics and Delivery

Gourmet Booze manages logistics and delivery by working within each account’s parameters and time constraints. They ensure that orders are delivered during slow hours or before the account opens. The company is available seven days a week to ensure timely and secure delivery of cocktail batches.

Packaging and Presentation

Gourmet Booze’s packaging philosophy is all about ease of use. They use different totes with different spigots based on each account’s specific batch program and layout. A beautifully labeled and logoed tote not only showcases the brand but also simplifies operations for their clients.

Training Staff for a Flawless Serving Experience

Providing staff training is crucial to Gourmet Booze. They ensure that every account’s staff is comfortable and excited about their program, leading to an amazing guest experience.

Keeping Up with Evolving Trends

Gourmet Booze stays up-to-date with the latest trends in the beverage industry. They incorporate innovative techniques, specialty ingredients, and spirits into their programs to meet the changing preferences of consumers and the culinary world.

Catering to Non-Alcoholic and Low-Alcohol Preferences

Recognizing the growing interest in non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beverages, Gourmet Booze offers services for these preferences too. Their batches are always alcohol-free, allowing them to cater to clients seeking non-alcoholic cocktail options.

Accommodating Client Needs

Gourmet Booze is flexible in accommodating diverse client needs, including dietary restrictions and seasonal changes in ingredients. They aim to eliminate as many allergens as possible and create drinks that align with the season and the desires of the account.

The Future of Gourmet Booze

As Gourmet Booze continues to grow and innovate, they are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. They are focused on expanding their services to new markets and are looking forward to setting up shop in other Florida Markets and even to Georgia. 

The Value Proposition of Gourmet Booze

Gourmet Booze stands out as a valuable partner for restaurants and local businesses seeking to enhance their drink offerings. Their commitment to quality, consistency, and timely delivery, along with their in-depth industry knowledge, equips them to offer the perfect bar program that becomes a part of the client’s identity.

Gourmet Booze is located at 710 NW 25th St., Miami, FL 33127. The operating partners are Isaac Grillo, Brian Sassen, and Liam Grant, with Shaun Gordon as the General Manager.

Website: www.Gourmetbooze.com

Operating Partners:
Isaac Grillo Isaac@gourmetbooze.com
Brian Sassen bsassen@gourmetbooze.com
Liam Grant liam@gourmetbooze.com
General Manager:
Shaun Gordon shaun@gourmetbooze.com

You may also like

Leave a Comment