Bartenders

Sarah Parniak

Type

Bartenders

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

Toronto, Canada

WHERE DO YOU/HAVE YOU WORKED?

I moonlight behind the stick at Cold Tea and I teach and consult at the Toronto Institute of Bartending. Occasionally, I like to write about my favourite topic: booze. I am also Brand Ambassador for Seedlip.

FAVORITE BARS?

416 Snackbar, my beloved local. 69 Colebrooke Row blows my mind. My favourite bars are ones with friendly faces, strong drinks and good tunes.

FAVOURITE DRINK?

Depends on my mood and the situation, but whiskey, wine, tequila and Guinness are serious contenders. I love a good Old Fashioned or Negroni, Champagne when I'm feeling fancy.

Bad ass barman/rock n roll moment?

I prefer subtle badass moves that let me explore the role of an underpaid psychotherapist. One time I tenderly took a girl's hand, looked earnestly into her eyes and had a little heart to heart with her about why it's offensive to leave pennies scattered on the bar. She actually seemed grateful, and I guarantee she never pulled that shit again. I'm also particularly adept at emasculating men who overindulge in objectifying me. I pity the fool.

Ever done it on a bar?

Ha!

What's next for you?

World domination. If not, I'd settle for my own little spot where I can facilitate whiskey swilling and tell tall tales. I definitely want to continue in spirits education because it fuels my inner nerd.

Best/worst chat up lines you've heard at a bar?

Too many and they're all the worst.

Tell us a secret or something we don't know?

A fire fighter. Ironically, now I mess around with flammable materials and call it a job.

If you were to make a barchick cocktail, what would you put in it?

Hmmm, something simple and delicious. Let's call it the Dusty Dove... 2 oz Olmeca Altos reposado, 1 oz pear nectar, 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice, 3/4 oz vanilla syrup. Shake all ingredients and strain into coupe half-rimmed with cinnamon/sugar/salt mixture. Finish with grated cinnamon.

How do you like your Martini?

Christmas Eve at the Parniak residence consists of a few too many Wyborowa Exquisite martinis (with olives) while "decorating" the tree and blasting my dad's old classic rock collection. That's pretty much the only time I drink them. You can't mess with tradition.

What did you want to be as a kid?

My impossible dream is to become an honorary member of the Wu Tang Clan.