Some people in life shine bright like a beam of light on a misty, dark day. Micaela Piccolo is one of those people. A warm, happy presence, she lights up the room and instantly commands the attention of all those around. She is a rising star in the mixology world with a positive attitude and classic sensibility that comes across in her inventive drinks. Micaela is one to watch and thus, the first subject of our new Mixologist Spotlight series. After moving to New York City 6 years ago and signing with a modeling agency, Micaela became disheartened by the harsh realities of the fashion world. Looking for something more, she decided to pursue a side job bartending.
Travel is more than physically moving from one place to another. It's being transported to another state of mind through an experience. That's one reason why eating and drinking can be such an important part of our trips. Cocktails are one of those things that can surprise and delight us in unsusual ways.
That's something that Black queer mixologist and spirits historian Tiffanie Barriere knows well. Rather than being tied to a single bar, the Texas native is an independent bartender, who creates cocktail menus for pop-up venues, brings a spirits influence to the farm to table culture, and hosts mixology lessons around the country. The latter endevaor has earned her the moniker “The Drinking Coach.”