Ultimate Bar Chef of the Month
May 2009
Andy Seymour
One of America’s top mixologists, Andy Seymour brings a diversity of experience to the profession. Introduced to the boards by his wife, Jennie Carr, who was herself, one of New York’s top bartenders, Andy developed a passion for the craft of cocktails working in clubs and high volume bars in New York City and the Hamptons. While he was bartending to pay for college and embarking upon an acting career, Andy was repeatedly asked to produce original cocktails for his customers. In 1993, Andy began a three year stint at noted New York live music destination, The Louisiana Community Bar & Grill where he settled in as lead bartender. His enthusiasm for creating drinks became a top priority.
In 1994, Andy met his greatest influence in the spirits world--industry expert and educator, Steve Olson. Working together, Andy acquired a deep knowledge and understanding of spirits and he refined the basis for his approach to cocktails and mixology; integrating fresh juices and purees and working with high-end products.
Continuing his association with Steve Olson, Andy deepened his bartending credentials in Los Angeles at legendary Venice eatery, 72 Market Street. He played a key role in the grand reopening of the Beverly Hills’ bistro Chasen’s. Returning to New York, Andy worked the bar at East Village mainstay, The Telephone Bar and Grill, managed Bar 13 and opened the bar at The Red Cat with Danny Abrams and Jimmy Bradley.
Andy stepped out from behind the bar to focus on his work with Olson’s company AKA Winegeek. In the process, Andy worked with their clients to create and mix cocktails at the highest level of the industry. Through this relationship Andy develops and executes cocktails for many of the world’s top spirit brands, and conducts staff training and mixology sessions. A list of some of these properties includes: The Bellagio Resort in Las Vegas, The Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in Atlantic City, Suenos and Centrico in New York and most recently The Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs.
Andy’s mixology credits include rendering cocktails at exclusive events for a long list of top entertainers from Oprah Winfrey to Jennifer Lopez to international star Paulina Rubio. In 2005, he teamed with mixology icon, the King of Cocktails, Dale DeGroff to bring cocktails to Broadway, conducting a series of events with the cast and crew of Sweet Charity. Andy’s drinks have been featured at the New York and Sundance Film Festivals and the Gotham Independent Film Awards. Andy is the Celebrity Mixologist for Fashion Week, in both New York and Los Angeles, and at the Miami Swimwear Shows. His cocktails have been featured at Miami’s Art Basel, Savor Dallas, at the Food & Wine Classic at Aspen and numerous other festivals. Andy’s company, Liquid Production, is devoted to raising the bar on cocktails and helping others accomplish the same.
Cheers Andy!
