We brought together our female bar team to chat to them about the choices behind their cocktail creations: what inspired them, who their role models are, and how best to enjoy their cocktail creations.
International Women’s Day is celebrated globally on March 8th every year, celebrating the achievements of women. This year, we’ve teamed up with La Gritona to empower both the women inside of our venues and out!
From March 4th through the end of the month, our talented female bar team will craft three specialty cocktails with La Gritona tequila. We’re proud to announce that we’ll donate $1 of every cocktail from our International Women’s Day menu to the Women’s Sports Foundation, and La Gritona will match our donation in full. Read more about our International Women’s Day Activities here.
We brought together our female bar team to chat with them about the choices behind their cocktail creations: what inspired them, who their role models are, and how best to enjoy their cocktails.
Iris Franco, Bar CaptainCreator of the 💫 Stargazer cocktail, a luxurious blend of rich herbs and vibrant anise punctuated with zippy, green citrus. You can find La Gritona Reposado Tequila paired with Giffard Pamplemousse Liqueur, Thai basil syrup, lime juice, and Peychaud’s Bitters.
Q – What inspired your cocktail creation?
A – I’m always looking for inspiration. In this case, coming from a chef background, I wanted to try something different with an ingredient I’m not too familiar with– Thai basil. I am always looking to challenge myself.
Q – Three words to describe your cocktail, go:
A – Savory, herbaceous and refreshing
Q – How did you come up with the name for your cocktail?
A – I came up with the name inspired by our first Mexican female astronaut.
Q – Do you have a female role model? Who/why?
A – My female role model is Katya Echazerreta. I also come from a Mexican background. Being a first-born Mexican American in the family comes with a lot of pressure but also pride which helps my creativity in creating cocktails and being able to always try and “wow” my family.
Q – Where is your cocktail best enjoyed – on the course or at the bar?
A – My cocktail can be enjoyed on the course and at the bar. It’s so refreshing and easy to drink. It’s enjoyable at both.
Q – Do it for the show or keep it simple?
A – Sometimes simple is more and that’s what I was aiming for when creating this cocktail. I wanted everyone to be able to enjoy it.
Rose Morgan, Bar CaptainCreator of the 🌶️ Color Me Pink cocktail, a startling agave concoction that’s smoky, herbal, and slightly floral yet balanced by a refreshing and crisp finish. La Gritona Reposado Tequila is paired with El Occidental Mezcal, Strega, spicy tincture, hibiscus syrup, and lime juice in this cocktail.
Q – What inspired your cocktail creation?
A – I have always been an agave fan. Being from Texas, agave is a big part of the culture, mainly in Margaritas. I have always wanted to make a cocktail creation with the spirit. As I was thinking of classic cocktails to play with, a naked and famous caught my attention.
Q – Three words to describe your cocktail, go:
A – Smokey, Herbal, Crisp
Q – How did you come up with the name for your cocktail?
A – I wanted a name that reflected the bright color that the hibiscus brings out in the drink.
Q – Do you have a female role model? Who/why?
A – At the moment, Gabby Douglas is my female role model. She has recently announced that she will be back competing in gymnastics hoping to make Paris 2024. It is rare for a gymnast to retire and have the comeback she has had. Her story of stepping away to do some self-care and choosing to go back to follow her dreams is very inspiring.
Q – Where is your cocktail best enjoyed – on the course or at the bar?
A – At the bar!
Q – Create a cocktail for the show or keep it simple?
A – Keep it simple.
Pairing – This cocktail is best paired with Carne Guisada Tacos.
Amy Moreno, BartenderCreator of the 🍌 Crown of Flowers cocktail, a complex profile with initial notes of toasted honey and citrus, finished by creamy banana and subtle baking spices. You can find La Gritona Reposado Tequila paired with Giffard Creme de Banane du Bresil, Benedictine and lime juice.
Q – What inspired your cocktail creation?
A – My niece inspired my cocktail. She was named after Frida Kahlo who was a very vibrant and strong woman. I aimed to craft a distinctive drinking experience by combining bananas with other ingredients, creating a playful concoction that sparks conversations
Q – Three words to describe your cocktail, go:
A – Tropical, refreshing, fruity
Q – How did you come up with the name for your cocktail?
A – By Frida Kahlo’s crown of flowers that she depicts in paintings
Q – Do you have a female role model? Who/why?
A – My mom is my female role model. She exemplifies love, sacrifice, resilience and kindness. She continues to influence and inspire me in various aspects of life.
Q – Where is your cocktail best enjoyed – on the course or at the bar?
A – At the bar!
Q – Create a cocktail for the show or keep it simple?
A – Keep it simple!
Pairing: This cocktail is best paired with our guacamole with mango!
Like the sound of these cocktails? Book a mini golf session at our venues in Dupont Circle and NoMad, and you can sip them on the greens during the month of March.
To find out more about Melly Barajas, owner of La Gritona, we sat down for a chat about how the brand came to be, her experience within a male-dominated industry, and her advice for women in a similar environment.
In celebration of Black History Month, we are shining spotlights on team members from Swingers Washington, D.C. and Swingers New York. Without their dynamic personalities, unique talents and contributions, our venues would not be the same.
Looking to take your loved one on a date in Manhattan, but not sure where to go? We've made things easy for you by putting together a list of our favorites.
Swingers, the crazy golf club takes the holy trinity that is crazy golf, street food and amazing cocktails and combines them all into one incredible social experience
