THL: What are your other gigs and interests?

My career is my life. I embrace the life of a bartender and I find joy in learning more about my craft from bartenders and writers from all over the city, country, and world. I enjoy going out to eat, often entertaining friends at some of my favorite spots around the city. As much as I could make myself a great cocktail, it always feels better when someone else makes it for you. On down time, I enjoy lounging around the house, watching TV and spending time with my dog, Liam — you know, the stuff normal people do.

THL: What is something that best represents your personality?

I am a firm believer in treating everyone right, it will come back to you in the end. In 2003, while serving in the military, I had an unfortunate accident that put me in a coma and required life saving brain surgery and three titanium plates in my skull. I wasn't supposed survive, but here I am — and I've never felt better.

As a former U.S. Marine, I consider myself a hard-working and honorable man. As a native of the NY/NJ area, I speak my mind and I'm not afraid to stir the pot. As a bartender, I am both confident and humble. As a kid, I was voted "class clown" in high school. So...?

THL: What is your bartending style?

I've had many mentors in my career and I'm always learning more. My style is a direct reflection of the amazing teachers and fellow bartenders that I have had the pleasure to work under and alongside. I'm part of a bar lineage that stems from John Hogan of Bar Magic, Las Vegas to Dushan Zaric, Jason Kosmas of Employees Only and traced back to their mentor, Dale DeGroff. I've been taught to learn from those who came before me and to teach those who come after. I respect the house, I respect my fellow bartenders and most importantly, I respect my paying guests. I understand the importance of teamwork to run an efficient bar. When the doors open, egos go out the window and goals are set: Fill the register and the tip bucket. Leave a lasting, positive impression on everyone who walks through that door, regardless of who they are and where they are from. "Bring it" every night — simple as that.

On a personal note: I have been known to carry an arsenal of large, obnoxious hammers and mallets to crush ice with. Not only is it a functional tool, it's a symbol of strength, building for the future and overcoming adversity. It's also pretty damn funny.

THL: How do you find inspiration for new cocktails and recipes?

Inspiration comes in many forms, none more so than the people you love and the people who you want to impress. More often than not, I make a cocktail with "her" or "him" in mind and ask myself, "Would she like this?" or "Would this make him proud?" Start there, and everything will work itself out.

THL: Besides bartending, what things do you do well?

My sense of humor is my greatest strength. I'm fairly easy going — I tend to get along with a lot of people.

THL: Ever had any strange customer requests while bartending?

Like, sexually? This is New York City — strange is normal.

THL: What is your favorite after-shift drink?

After my shift, I'll drink a beer — Pilsner, please. During my shift — Fernet Branca.

THL: What is the one thing you can’t live without from your home liquor cabinet?

I usually don't get high on my own supply, but Highland Park 18yr is always in the cabinet.

THL: What is the most underrated cocktail?

For me, I guess a Pimm's Cup. Way too often I get the question, "What's a Pimm's?" I think it's a cocktail that the mainstream consumer hasn't really caught onto yet, but should. Like all cocktails, recipes are guidelines and I recommend taking ownership of what YOU like and feel free to alter and/or substitute measurements and ingredients to your liking. Drinking cocktails is a fun, social thing — always remember that.

THL: What is the test of a great bartender?

I feel that you can't truly measure a great bartender unless you work with him or her on a nightly basis. The ability to work with someone as a collective unit is a part of the intangibles that make a great bartender. Naturally, the ability to feed off of the crowd's energy and attend to the desires of your guests without prejudice. Remember that they are the ones who pay you. For the time they are in your establishment until the moment they leave, you work for them. You are Alfred from Batman.