Get to Know the Masters Behind the Still’s Summer Cocktail – the Banana Berry Lemonade

There are certain things where the mere mention of them brings to mind the gorgeous low-key days of summer. Leisurely days spent in the sun, and weekends spend hanging out your favorite spot to grab a few drinks, perhaps a summer cocktail, as well as great eats – like the Still, an ultimate man-cave sports bar located in the Mirage of Las Vegas. 

The Still has taken everything that you love about summer and conceptualized it into one amazing cocktail called the Banana Berry Lemonade. It’s the perfect homage to summer and to the men who work hard taking care of the people they love. The Banana Berry Lemonade is the ultimate summer drink, but instead of focusing on the drink itself, we’d thought we’d take a bit of detour and focus on two of the men whose influence brought this drink to life. 

Too often we as operators, marketers and in this case creators and innovators we find ourselves buried in our work, and unable to really express to the masses why we work so hard at our craft. I think it’s important to take time to unveil the intricacies of our business and allow the customer the ability to see the passion that the best of the best in hospitality possess. I sat down with Clique Hospitality’s resident intoxicologist Eric Hobbie and President of Derby Spirits / AMBROS Banana Whiskey Jeff Tomastik to talk about their process at The STILL Crafts, Drafts & Eats.

A Few Questions with Jeff Tomastik, President of Derby Spirits / AMBROS Banana Whiskey

For the past three years, Jeff Tomastik has served as the President of AMBROS Banana Whiskey – one of the main ingredients in the Still’s Banana Berry Lemonade. AMBROS takes an entirely new approach to flavored whiskey by infusing their alcohol with only 100% pure fruit. There’s no “natural” flavorings, concentrates or colorings added – just pure banana flavor infused into a rich, premier whisky. 

Jeff also has a long history with the food and hospitality industry, positioning him as true source of knowledge and innovation. 

What do you enjoy most about the creative process of cocktail creation?

There is really nothing more fun than taking a product you created and see it come to life with so many different flavor variations. Discovering new combinations is the best part of the whole process.

How competitive is the cocktail game, and how do you stay top of mind in this city?

There are so many incredible beverage products in the market which makes standing out very difficult but being original and aligning with the venue concept is the best way to get attention.

What do you think about the Banana Berry Lemonade?

This is the perfect summer cocktail. A light and refreshing new twist on some classic flavor combinations.

Sitting Down with Clique Hospitality’s Eric Hobbie

Eric Hobbie is the corporate “intoxicologist” for Clique Hospitality. It’s his business to make sure every one of Clique’s patrons enjoy a true cocktail experience. With years in the industry, spanning back to his days in his native New York. After coming to Las Vegas, Eric worked with some of the biggest names in the industry and further developed his passion for cultivating an amazing experience with his skillfully developed cocktail menus. I recently had a few minutes with Eric to ask him a couple questions. 

What do enjoy about making cocktails?

Making cocktails is one of the oldest professions in history. Like an artist, it gives you a creative platform to express yourself or a story through flavors and presentations.

What is the best part of being a father?

The best part of being a father to me is you get to leave your legacy behind. And if you raise them right and are the best father you can be you will live forever. They will always talk about you to their kids and so on.

Why do you love what you do so much?

I truly believe I have the best job in the world. I get to create new ideas and concepts all the time. My job is always changing. I face new obstacles and learn something new around every corner. I also work for one of the best companies that possess some of the strongest individuals in their respected fields. I am constantly growing because of these people. And at the end of the day I get to create something that makes people happy. Who doesn’t like a good cocktail?

Taste the Summer Cocktail Masterpiece for Yourself at the Still

Want to know more about the Banana Berry Lemonade that these two leading industry experts had a hand in creating? You can find it all summer long at the still. Plan your next summertime excursion at Las Vegas’ ultimate man cave and enjoy the Banana Berry Lemonade, among other amazing drinks crafted by our expert mixologists. RSVP at the Still today.