We talk to Lucas Swallows, corporate mixologist for Heritage Hotels, about smoke and mirrors, a dream drink in Mexico City, and why guilt isn’t a word in his vocabulary.
Proust Questionnaire with Lucas Swallows
Tequila or Mezcal?
A balanced menu should include both Tequila and Mezcal as they offer very different aromatics. I use Mezcal as a “smoky seasoning” at times, lending a dynamic contrast to botanical-forward spirits like gin or tequila.
What makes a great bar?
A good bar fits the boundless world of imagination into the strict constraints of reality.
What makes a great bartender?
Bartenders, like all service team members, should be stewards to the ideas and products that their project is putting forth to their community. Proficient menu knowledge, accurate, consistent execution of menu items, and a friendly delivery are a great start.
What makes you a great bartender?
Experience. Not being afraid to fail forward.
What inspired you to become a bartender?
I love to cook (back of house) and create layers of flavors, textures and aromatics. I also love being host to the experience (front of house). Mixology was a way to bridge the two.
What you appreciate most in your fellow bartenders?
You know you’re with the right team when a busy service looks and feels like a choreographed dance.
What is your favorite ingredient/liquor to use?
I enjoy adding smoky nuance to fruit and floral driven cocktails, sometimes drops at a time, using Islay Scotch and Mezcal.
What is your signature drink and describe it?
“Smoke and Mirrors.” It’s an example of how fine flavors are derived from balancing freshness with smoke. A playful juxtaposition of floral, fresh citrus, and agave, against roasted barley spirit and smoked peat that includes Tequila Reposado, Elderflower liqueur, lemon, and Islay Whisky.
What makes for a great evening out when you’re not at work?
I’m on the constant hunt for authentic food and beverage experiences. From a hole-in-the-wall to a critically acclaimed project, my hope is to learn to eat and imbibe.
What is your guilty pleasure?
I don’t feel guilt for pleasure.
What’s the best drink you’ve ever had?
If you could visit any bar, anywhere in the world…?
This coming year, I hope to visit Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City, 2024 best bar in the world by The World’s Top 50.
Story by Julia Platt Leonard
Photo courtesy of Lucas Swallows
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