Name: Joy Perrine
Establishment: Equus & Jack's Lounge
Recent Gigs: Anyone who knows Kentucky whiskey knows the name Joy Perrine. For those of you who are not bourbon aficionados, Joy is a bourbon legend. In fact, she co-wrote The Kentucky Bourbon Cocktail Book with Susan Reigler. Joy is also a legend amongst bartenders. She started tending bar in the ‘60s when women bartenders were scarce. Joy entering the world of bartending was truly groundbreaking, and she helped pave the way for more women to get behind the stick.
There probably isn’t anything Joy doesn’t know about bourbon, and she won’t hesitate to make a cocktail out of premium bourbon. That may make some so-called bourbon experts cringe but we find it refreshing that Joy is willing to be the bad girl of bourbon. Fifty-plus years behind the bar has taught Joy a lot, including technique, speed, making innovative cocktails with just a few ingredients, and the 7 cocktails every bartender should know: Manhattan, Mint Julep, Whiskey Sour, Margarita, Daiquiri, Martini, and Rum Punch. Be on the lookout for The Kentucky Bourbon Cocktail Book: Volume 2 which will be released either September of this year or March 2017.
Why did you become a bartender?
Couldn’t make a living being an artist.
What made you want to work at the bar/bars at which you’re currently bartending?
Worked here 30 years because of Dean Corbett. The money is okay too.
What are some fun flavors you’re working with?
Coconut, blackberry, cherry, coffee, beer, starfruit and citrus.
What are some of the unique spirits and ingredients you’re playing with?
Fruits, dried fruits, spices, moonshine, beer and sparkling wines.
What are you doing different from the norm in your beverages?
I like beer and wine cocktails, sometimes combined together or with moonshine.
What do you feel is the next hot trend in mixology?
What’s going on with Southern Comfort.
What’s in the mixing glass or shaker for your customers?
Changing original and classic cocktails depending on the season and what sells.
What are you sipping on and why?
Moonshine cocktails for my next book.
What are you dancing to while tending bar?
I’m too old to dance.
What are some quirks/quotes you are known for?
When a customer buys a drink he can drink it however he wants.
Benjamin Franklin is famous for saying "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." What's your beer mantra?
I love beer punch. “What came first, beer or bread?”