Jump to Recipe / Jump to Interview
As spring turns over a new leaf, Atticus introduces us to a libation that’s a perfect welcome into the season. With a mango-leaf infused gin base and a cordial that’s reminiscent of a stone-fruit orchard, this light and uplifting cocktail is like a spring picnic under a fruit tree. With a noticeable but subtle aroma of sandalwood we’re transported into a heavenly bliss that can only be found in the woods. Before we go there, let’s get to know Atticus and the inspiration behind this creation.
Tell us a little about yourself. How did you end up behind the stick?
“I grew up in a small mountain town in Southern California, and ended up going to school in Orange County. I started working in a bar while I was going to school and just fell in love with it. Shortly after I started I was hooked. Around the same time I decided I wanted to move to Hawai’i to bartend out here, heavily inspired by Tom Cruise’s masterpiece “Cocktail”. I got extremely lucky and by happenstance ended up behind the bar at The Myna Bar at The Street where I was able to really cut my teeth and get a fast pace introduction to Hawai’i’s industry. While at Myna I was fortunate enough to work with a team of people who were all so incredibly passionate and talented they all pushed me to get better and better. Now I’m working at Bar Leather Apron and continuing to grow and learn from the best in our industry.”
What was the inspiration for your cocktail?
“As of late with my cocktails, I’ve wanted to focus largely on local ingredients. I think that focusing on local ingredients both foraged and farmed, really can showcase what’s unique about Hawai’i. We have an incredible wealth of talent out here that deserves recognition on a larger scale than just our state alone. In The Woods was inspired by the walks I’ve taken on Tantalus mountain. The crisp smells wafting in the breeze and the earth beneath your feet have played pivotal roles in the development of this cocktail.”
“I think giving up some things in your life can be extremely important for personal care. For me, it’s often just as simple as giving myself my own time and space to just relax and recharge.”
At Spells of Wylde we’re big on slow living. What things do you value most in life? Are there things you’ve given up to better align with what’s important to you?
“I think giving up some things in your life can be extremely important for personal care. For me, it’s often just as simple as giving myself my own time and space to just relax and recharge. I think in this line of work we can be so focused on the needs of others we often overlook the needs of ourselves.
It’s common for us to attach our own identity to where we work. For the longest time I’ve struggled with my own self worth being attached the the success of my career and the reputation of where I work. Attaching my ego and my own self worth from my work is still something I’m working on giving up to this day.”
What’s your favorite experience working in the service industry?
“It’s hard to pinpoint one exact favorite memory from my time behind the bar. What’s stuck with me the most throughout this time has been the people I’ve met. They’ve become my friends, confidants, mentors and so much more.”
Your favorite drink to order at a bar?
“My favorite drink has to be an Americano!”
Keep Up With Atticus
A big thank you to Atticus for finding time in his busy schedule to hang out at Spells of Wylde!
Atticus currently tends bar at Bar Leather Apron, and will soon be at their sister bar, Bar Maze when they open shortly.
Follow Atticus on Instagram @Atticus_Hood
You can also follow Bar Leather Apron @BarLeatherApron and Bar Maze at @Bar.Maze
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Mango-leaf infused gin
- 1 oz Chenin Blanc cordial
- .5 oz Lemon juice
- Sandalwood infusion rinse
*While the substitution of any ingredient will inevitably affect the integrity of this complex cocktail, I feel it’s unfair to leave you drooling over this concoction without at least a pared down version for those that don’t have access to the ingredients. Try a botanical gin like Uncle Val’s in place of the Mango-leaf gin, Lillet Blanc in place of the cordial, and smoke the glass with a sandalwood smudging stick before you serve your cocktail.
Preparation
Ice a Nick and Nora glass. In your shaker, build all ingredients except for the Sandalwood rinse. Shake cocktail with ice then serve in Sandalwood rinsed glass. Cheers!
