Mixology Spirit: Jodi Driscoll
We first discovered Jodi Driscoll on Facebook. Fans of Litchfield Distillery started sharing her social media posts and tagging us, adding glowing reviews of Jodi’s cocktails. As we saw more and more great examples of her work, we decided we had to reach out and invite her on Mixology Spirit. As you’ll read below, Jodi is a true veteran of the craft and excels at building all the classics as well as creating her own unique recipes. If you’re a fan of delicious, family-style Italian food and great drinks, we encourage to pay a visit to Da Capo in Litchfield where you can enjoy Jodi’s craft cocktails in person. Thank you to Jodi and the entire team at Da Capo for supporting The Spirit of Hard Work®!
Batchers: Welcome to Mixology Spirit! Please introduce yourself to our readers and let everyone know what your role is at Da Capo.
Jodi: Thank you! My name is Jodi Driscoll and I am the Bar Manager, Mixologist and Cocktail menu creator here at Da Capo.
Batchers: So how did you get started in the industry? How long have you been bartending?
Jodi: I started in the industry as a hostess and a server at Saybrook Fishhouse in Canton. One busy Saturday night, the bartender had an emergency and couldn’t make it in. We were short-staffed so I offered to help out with the little knowledge that I had. It felt instantly natural to me. There may have been a broken glass, some over pouring, a few tears and a little confusion but we made it through the night. That was over 20 years ago.
Batchers: Did you ever think you’d be doing it for so long? What is it about the craft that you enjoy so much?
Jodi: Absolutely not, but I wouldn’t change it for anything. I’ve been lucky to see several different views of hospitality. I have had some great experiences and met so many incredible people through my journey in this industry. I love stepping outside of the box with creations. An idea will cross my mind and I’ll almost obsess about it until I get it just right. I’m sort of a mad scientist at times.
Batchers: For those not familiar with Da Capo in Litchfield, please tell our audience a little bit about the restaurant and what sets it apart from other eateries.
Jodi: Da Capo is a feeling of home. We want you walk in and feel as comfortable as you would be when surrounded by loved ones. The staff at Da Capo really is our small family and we all take pride in your experience when you walk into our home. The menu is filled with the best authentic Italian dishes, homemade desserts and of course some of the most delicious cocktails around! I also have to brag about our outdoor patio. The view of the gardens is amazing and we even decorate them during the holiday season so they can continue to be enjoyed on the colder days from inside.
Batchers: We’ve been impressed with all the amazing cocktails you create and share on social media. What’s your general approach to creating your own drink recipes?
Jodi: Thank you I really appreciate the compliment and the recognition. This is my passion. I enjoy the creation of taking ingredients and making it not only delicious but beautiful. I love when I see a customer snapping a picture before they have even taken a sip. Fresh is always best. The most important factor for me with creating is fresh in-season ingredients. I’m constantly researching trends and new techniques. Taking a classic cocktail and creating a new spin on it is always fun.
Batchers: What are some of the bartending tips you learned along the way that you wished someone had told you earlier?
Jodi: #1 The best lesson is experience. You won’t learn it until you are in it. #2 Always be over prepared. You never know what the night will bring. #3 Enjoy yourself. Try something new and don’t be afraid to step away from the usual.
Batchers: Got an interesting story about a hard night behind the bar?
Jodi: Whoa, how much time do you have? I’ve seen a lot of interesting situations in 20+ years but one particular night does comes to mind. At the time I was working in a local pub that I spent 11 years of my career in. It was hot and humid Friday night in August. One of our busiest nights with a well known band playing and the place was packed solid with at least 200 people. The power goes out. As a bartender you learn to work best under pressure no matter what the situation is.
It was hot, it was dark, people were yelling at us. It was complete chaos. We tied flash lights above the registers so we could see, got everyone paid up and safely out of the building. The band ended up staying with the staff to help clean up, played acoustic and we sat around laughing about how the night unfolded.
Batchers: What is your favorite Litchfield Distillery spirit to build cocktails with?
Jodi: I have to say I have to two favorites. In the warmer months, the Blueberry Vodka is a must. The flavor is incredible all on its own. I tend to use the Bourbon Whiskey the most year round. We currently have two cocktails on our menu featuring LD’s Bourbon: Da Capo Manhattan and the Da Capo Old Fashioned. Litchfield’s Bourbon has the test of comfort, warmth and smoothness.
Batchers: What does The Spirit of Hard Work® mean to you?
Jodi: The Spirit of Hard Work means finding your own capabilities. It means showing up every day. It is about consistency. It is never giving up on yourself or your dreams. It is pushing yourself until your good is better and your better is your best.
Jodi’s featured cocktail is called, “Butterfly Kiss.” It features our fan-favorite Blueberry Vodka and is deliciously refreshing drink to enjoy during the summer months. She incorporates butterfly pea flower into this recipe which adds a mild, earthy flavor that’s similar to green teas, but without the bitterness. The other cool thing about butterfly pea flower is that we you add it to an acidic liquid, like lemon juice, it change from a dark blue color to a beautiful purple.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Litchfield Distillery Blueberry Vodka
- 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 oz Butterfly Pea Flower Syrup*
- Splash of Club Soda
- Garnish: Lemon Wheel, Crushed Rose Petals
Method: Pour Blueberry Vodka and lemon juice over ice and shake to chill. Strain over ice into a rocks glass. Top with a splash of carbonated water and float the butterfly pea flower syrup slowly. Garnish with crushed rose petals, a lemon wheel and butterfly clip. Take a photo then enjoy!
* Butterfly pea flower syrup recipe: Steep 2 Tb. dried pea flowers in 3 cups of boiling water for 1 hour. Strain out flowers with a fine mesh strainer. Add 1 cup of sugar and heat stirring until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
To learn more about Da Capo restaurant, visit their website and connect with them on Facebook. The restaurant is located at 625 Torrington Road, Litchfield, CT. To contact or make a reservation, please call 860-482-6246. You can also follow Jodi on Facebook and Instagram. She’s set to a launch a new Instagram page soon at @queenofspiz.
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About Mixology Spirit:
Mixology Spirit is a Litchfield Distillery blog series dedicated to sharing the stories of creative and passionate mixologists who embody The Spirit Of Hard Work®. Think you got what it takes to be featured? Drop us a line at info@litchfielddistillery.com.
©2024 Litchfield Distillery. Photography & Editing Credits: Tony Vengrove
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