Food (Drinks) for Thought Friday; Epitome Bartending

Every Friday, we have decided to post a "Food for Thought" segment, where we introduce a local caterer or baker asking them to share their story and some wedding insights to our readers. Today, however, we decided to mix things up and turn this "Food for Thought" post into a "Drinks for Thought" post. After all, it's almost the weekend! So sit back, relax and read what our friends at Epitome Bartending had to say about their wedding drinks and services!

After years of experience in high-end hotel bars, working banquets and special events, George Jenkins, event manager of Epitome Bartending, decided it was time to offer a more niche approach providing "white glove services to hosts and their clients." And just like that, this one-of-a-kind bartending company was born.

Whether you're looking for a bartending service to perform the works - "a full bar mixer package, including signature cocktails, beverages, glassware rental and menu design" - or you just want something a little more modest for an informal wedding, Epitome Bartending has it all!


Epitome's bar at The Center

This multi-service vendor also offers cocktail mixology classes for those bachelor and bachelorette parties and provides a hot brewed coffee and tea service, which, according to George, compliments the perfect ending to any wedding.

Epitome Bartending doesn't just provide services during the event, but rather works with the bride before her wedding to get to know more about her, her family and her friends in order to create customized drinks for her big day.

“We work with brides with an initial consultation by getting to know their ‘likes.’ [There’s] more to a bar than mixing drinks and pouring wine to us. As the bartenders for the evening, we spend a lot of time with wedding guests, so learning about the bride’s friends and family’s tastes, colors and ‘the look’ really matters to us, “ George said.

So what is George’s favorite drink to make for a newly married couple and their guests? “One of my favorite cocktails to feature (among many) is the Martinez. It’s a classic Pre-Prohibition era cocktail that gave birth to the well-known Martini.”

Cucumber Martini made by
 Epitome Bartending

George gave us the scoop on how to make this historic drink. You need:

• 2 parts Sweet Vermouth
• 1 part London Dry Gin
• 1/4 part Maraschino Liqueur
• Dash or two of orange bitters

Stir over fresh ice (don't shake!) and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. After this, George suggested twisting a fresh orange peel to "release the aromatic oils." That sounds very classy, we like it!

"Helping hosts plan and execute a great event is the best part of what we do," George shared. "There's a passion and love [for] what we do and we share that with our clients and guests alike. Cocktails are a very important part of any celebration for most and we strive to provide the 'Epitome' of service."

Want to learn more about Epitome Bartending and its wedding services? Visit their website at www.vertuepitome.com or email them at info@epitomebartending.com.

Pictures provided by Epitome Bartending's Facebook.