Mixology Spirit: Olivia Pogodzienski
Back in 2020, the State of Connecticut created a new craft cafe license, which among other things, enabled breweries to sell wine and spirits, in addition to their brewed beer — as long as those wines and spirits were made in Connecticut. Shortly afterwards, we began servicing many of Connecticut’s great breweries and they are mixing up great cocktails with Litchfield Distillery spirits. One of those breweries is Woodbury Brewing Company, and we decided to pay their head bartender, Olivia Pogodzienski, a visit to learn more about her approach to the craft and to learn more about what’s new at the brewery.
Batchers: Welcome to Mixology Spirit, Olivia. Why don’t you start by telling us how long have you been bartending and how you go started in the industry?
Olivia: Thank you for inviting me! I have been bartending for 6 years. I began my journey in the industry at 16, starting as a hostess and server before transitioning to bartending. This experience led me to the brewing industry, where I started as a beertender and eventually became a taproom manager. At Woodbury Brewing Co., I began as the Assistant Brewer and have since moved to the role of Taproom Lead.
Batchers: What is it about the craft that you enjoy so much?
Olivia: I love the creativity and precision involved in crafting unique cocktails. Designing our craft cocktail menu was an exciting process of experimenting with flavors and ingredients to create memorable experiences for our guests. Sharing this passion and fostering a sense of community around our craft makes it all the more fulfilling.
Batchers: For those not familiar with Woodbury Brewing Co., please share what folks can expect and enjoy when they come for a visit?
Olivia: Woodbury Brewing Co. offers a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere where guests can enjoy a diverse selection of expertly crafted beers and cocktails. Our taproom is known for its lively environment, featuring live music, trivia nights, and various events that bring the community together. Recently, we partnered with a talented chef to bring his creative kitchen to our brewery, providing delicious, freshly prepared dishes that perfectly complement our drinks. Visitors can expect friendly service, a rotating menu of innovative brews and cocktails, and a space perfect for gathering with friends and family. We also host private parties for all types of events, from birthdays and weddings to corporate gatherings. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or a cocktail lover, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Woodbury Brewing Co.
Batchers: Connecticut’s craft cafe license enables the sale and service of only Connecticut-made spirits at breweries. How has this “creative constraint” shaped your approach to building craft cocktails for the brewery?
Olivia: It has encouraged us to focus on locally-sourced ingredients and collaborate closely with local distilleries. This “constraint” has made creating cocktails both fun and interesting, as it pushes us to innovate within the boundaries and explore new flavors. The result is a cocktail menu that highlights the best of Connecticut’s spirits, making each drink a celebration of local craftsmanship. It has also deepened our connection to the local community and emphasized the importance of supporting and showcasing local producers.
Batchers: For those who enjoy making cocktails at home, what is the most important tip they should practice? What is the one mistake they should avoid?
Olivia: One of my top tips would be to use fresh ingredients. Freshly squeezed juice and herbs make a world of difference. The one mistake to avoid: don’t overcomplicate things. You don’t need to channel your inner-mad-scientist with every drink. Usually, simple is best.
Batchers: Lots of people make margaritas. Do you have a special tip for taking margaritas from good to great?
Olivia: One of the best tips for making margaritas taste amazing is to muddle fresh limes, lemons, and oranges. Start by cutting the fruit into small wedges and gently muddle them in your cocktail shaker. This releases essential oils from the citrus peels and combines with the fresh juice, adding a vibrant and aromatic flavor to your margarita. Try using all three fruits in about a 50/20/30 ratio (lime/lemon/orange).
The fresh juice from the fruit makes a world of difference compared to bottled mixes, giving your margarita a bright, zesty, and authentic taste. So, don’t skip the fresh fruit—it’s the key to an amazing margarita! Also, instead of using orange liqueur, try sweetening your margarita with agave nectar.
Batchers: What is your favorite Litchfield Distillery spirit to build cocktails with?
Olivia: Agave Spirits! It’s smooth and flavorful…great for craft cocktails or enjoying a shot. Litchfield’s Agave Spirits allows us put a local spin on classic tequila cocktails.
Batchers: When you’re not busy behind the bar, what do you do for fun outside of work?
Olivia: I enjoy relaxing with a good espresso martini alongside friends and hanging out with my two dogs. Recently, I’ve been learning to surf. I love fishing or riding dirt bikes, and live music. I’m also passionate about yoga which keeps me balanced and energized. In quieter moments, I’ll dive into a good book, or a comedy special.
Batchers: What does The Spirit of Hard Work® mean to you?
Olivia: The Spirit of Hard Work to me is about the immense dedication, long hours, and energy we pour into our craft every single day. It’s the countless late nights and early mornings spent perfecting our brews and cocktails, ensuring every detail is just right. This spirit is about the time and effort we invest in creating a welcoming atmosphere for our customers, knowing that all the hard work is worth it when we see their smiles and satisfaction. It’s about the passion that drives us, the values we uphold, and the commitment to excellence that makes everything we do worthwhile.
Olivia’s featured cocktail is a “Spicy Agave Margarita.” It features our platinum-medal-winning Agave Spirits and a delicious mix of sweet and spicy thanks to the rimmed glass made with Tajín and Mike’s Hot Honey and sliced jalapeño. If you didn’t catch Olivia’s tip above on how to make margaritas taste extra special, scroll back up and check it out!
Ingredients:
- 1 Jalapeño slice
- 2 oz Litchfield Distillery Agave Spirits
- 1 oz Triple Sec
- 0.75 oz Fresh Lime Juice (from 2 limes)
- 1 Jalapeño slice
- Lime wheel for garnish
- Tajín and Mike’s Hot Honey for rimming glass.
Method: First prepare the glass by running a lime wedge around the rim of a rocks glass. Mix the Tajín and Mike’s Hot Honey on a small plate, then dip the rim of the glass into the mixture to coat it evenly. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add Agave Spirits, Triple Sec, and fresh lime juice. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to chill and mix the ingredients. Strain into the prepared glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wheel and jalapeño slice.
To learn more about Woodbury Brewing Co, visit their website and connect with them on Facebook and Instagram. They also have a new Instagram page dedicated to the brewery’s new restaurant called, Mischief on Main. The brewery is located at 738 Main St S, Woodbury, CT. To contact please call 203-405-3811 or email info@woodburybrewingcompany.com.
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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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