Today we’d like to introduce you to Jose Pereiro. Them and their team share their story with us below:
He began working as a bartender at Maranello, an Italian restaurant in Barquisimeto, Venezuela at the age of 17. After two years there, moved to Atlanta, landing a job as a bar-back at Rosa Mexicano in Atlantic Station in 2006. Before long, the manager noticed his passion and knowledge about spirits, and He became a bartender, Pereiro recounts. In 2008, relocated to Miami to Rosa Mexicano location on South Miami Avenue. It was in Miami that he began taking his career and the love for cocktails to the next level. Joined the United States Bartenders Guild and became involved in the city’s craft cocktail scene. At that point started competing in bartending competitions, learning more about bartending techniques and craft cocktails.
Upon returning to Atlanta, met chef Doug Turbush and continued honing his craft as a bartender at Seed Kitchen & Bar, while also continuing to participate in competitions, He also helped to open Gypsy kitchen in Buckhead where he shared his craft for two years. In 2016 he was honored to get the role of bar manager at the new restaurant concept of Turbush company Drift Fish house & oyster bar, where took the cocktail scene of East Cobb in Atlanta to next level. In 2018 he left Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar to explore the other side of the bar as he was offered to represent a rum brand from his country Venezuela that he took the job as Brand Ambassador of Santa Teresa 1796 rum which he still represents Currently at Forza Storico, Storico Fresco, And Storico Vino as Beverage Director where he created the cocktail program and it’s already between top cocktail bars in Atlanta. He is also an industry photographer, mentored by Anthony Nader of 52Chefs. Jose’s Instagram account shows his passion for the industry.
@thecocktailshaker_
1st Place Remy V cocktail competition, Atlanta 2012.
1st Place Fernet Branca Cocktail competition, Miami 2014
1st Place Ketle one Master of the mule, Atlanta, 2015
People choice award Highball competition, Atlanta, 2017
1st Place Luxardo Competition, Atlanta, 2017
1st Place Egan’s Irish whiskey, Atlanta, 2017
1st Place Legends of Herradura, Atlanta, 2018
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
As an immigrant, there is always a little of difficulties to get to the right place. I was able to get through them by learning new things every day and working hard with passion and determination. Being Latino could probably had made it a little harder because of some racist issues we have in our society these days but that didn’t stop me from keep moving forward and always doing my best.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m the beverage director for Storico group (Forza Storico, Storico Fresco, Storico Vino) I developed the cocktail programs at these restaurants, elevating the craft using classic and modern techniques.
I’m also an industry photographer, I fell in love with photography four years ago and was mentored by Anthony Nader of 52chefs from Miami. I photograph bartenders to support them and help them show in social media who they are and what they do, I socialize in food, cocktail and product photography. I have worked with big brands like Grey Goose, Bacardi, Gentleman Jack, Slane Irish, Cincoro, Tip Top, Scofflaw brewing and more.
Last but not least I’m also the Brand Ambassador of Santa Teresa 1796 rum, that I’m proud of working for a company from my home country and represent one of the best rum brands in the world.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
The diversity is what I like the most about this city, having the pleasure to work and be around with people from different countries, races, etc. has helped me to grow personally and professionally. It’s like when you travel to other countries you come back with more culture.
What I like the least about our city is probably what most people don’t like and that is the traffic. Lol.
Contact Info:
- Website: Thecocktailshakerco.com
- Instagram: Thecocktailshaker_
Image Credits
The photos of me holding the Camera photo credit to @52chefs and all the others are my very own @thecocktailshaker_
