Who | Shannon Stomphorst
Where | Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Current Bar | The Diplomat, Aberdeen Tavern
Past Bar(s) | The Argyle, Berkeley North, West End Social
Favourite Spirit | Rum
Favourite Juice | Pineapple
Favourite Classic Cocktail | Old Cuban
First Classic Cocktail you ever had | Negroni (hated it at the time, learned to love it since)
Favourite Part of the Job | Killing the well after a long night, dramatically and accidentally breaking glassware, making friends with coworkers, talking to regulars
Favourite After Work Drink | Gin and tonic, love a Jameson or Fernet on the side
Favourite bar in the world | Hard question. I’ve never sought out cocktail bars while travelling and have always opted for obscure dive bars in any city. In Dominica there was this sick dive by the sea where the owner let me come behind the bar and make cocktails, I’ll never forget him or the bar.
Best known for | Interesting garnishes
Favourite “at work” memory | This one time after a particularly long and diabolical service, one where you might question your life choices, in the dead heat of summer, my coworkers and I found something funny and ended up on the floor laughing the hardest we’ve ever laughed. Can’t even remember what it was now that had us giggling like that, but we were all very much close friends after that night.
What’s the most popular cocktail in your city? I would have to say Espresso Martinis. No hate. I am very much a part of this demographic.
Favourite thing about your city | The art, diversity and culture, nightlife, restaurant and bar scene
Who is your favourite fictional bartender? In Frank Sinatra’s One For My Baby, he mentions a bartender named Joe who JUST wants to close the bar and to go home. That resonates with me on a spiritual level.
What was the last photo that you took? Of my cat, Phil, sleeping in my bed. What an angel.
Where is one place that you have never been but would like to travel to? Thailand is at the top of my list right now, and probably the next country I will be travelling to.
Aperitivo or Digestivo? Digestivo
Sparkling or Flat? Sparkling
Paper Plane or Penicillin? Penicillin
Sherry or Vermouth? Vermouth
Are you available for freelance gigs? Oui chef
Find them: Instagram
