Born in New England to West Indian and West Indian American parents, the creative spark behind The Bedroom Bartender - Gina, has lived a life of movement and adaptation. Having grown up on black cake and church wine, her exposure to spirits began with an appreciation for bold flavors often tied to tradition.
Living in an environment built on a foundation of constant change (from moving, to frequent school changes, to beginning international travel at the age of 16), Gina’s creativity is rooted in culture, ceremony, traditional healing and the need to adapt. Known as the MacGuyver of Mixed Drinks, she can whip up a smooth and crafty cocktail with limited ingredients.
When simplicity and creativity go on a date.
Words from the bartender…
I abhor anyone suggesting a girly or lightweight drink for me, assuming that as a woman - that’s what I want or all I can handle. I embrace the bold brown - bourbon and whiskey. I linger over distinct whites - tequila, gin, vodka and absinthe. And I still delicately savor the liqueurs - from St. Germaine to Creme de Violette. On occasion, I do enjoy a drink with all the frills. And on other occasions, I enjoy an Old Fashioned. Those occasions are known as breakfast. Girly drinks and manly drinks aren’t real. A drink is a drink - it’s bold or subtle, smooth or sharp, shaken or stirred and much more.
I’m drawn to the creativity involved in mixology. It’s an opportunity to communicate without words. The bartender conjures a chill atmosphere, adds a little levity to a laid back evening, and brings the bubbles to brunch.
Take a tour with me. Travel the world and your city through spirits. Indulge me as I explore everything from handmade sugar cubes to infusions of the herbal variety (lavender, not that herb). There are entire aisles and shelves just begging for your attention.