Angie Marchionda, bar manager at Mavericks Beach Club, returns to Behind the Stick to show us how to make her favorite version of an Old Fashioned.
Angie's Old Fashioned variation is crafted with Bulleit whiskey, Fee Brothers Black Walnut Bitters, brown sugar and garnished with an orange peel.
We were able to catch up with Angie in a previous interview to chat about the experience at Mavericks and how she got into bartending.
What kind of experience can guests get at Mavericks Beach Club?
Everything you might want. If you want to relax, catch up with friends - we've got you! Want to play patio games in the sunshine? We've got you! You want a gorgeous view of the ocean and some fresh air? We've got you! Dance and get silly? We've definitely got you! Though our five bars are all the same, the VIBE of each bar is what sets them apart. You can bar-hop without ever leaving Mavericks. Unlike anything else!
What's unique about the cocktails here at Mavericks?
They are simple and delicious - something for every pallet. They're batched properly so we can have high-quality cocktails during high-volume times! Refreshing and perfect for every season.
About Angie Marchionda
Are you from San Diego?
No, I grew up in Santa Clarita but came to SD to go to school at SDSU! I have been here for 12 years now and it's definitely home.
How has your journey been leading up to your role at Mavericks?
Awesome! Started at a small microbrewery as a hostess, then moved to server, followed by bartender then eventually become a manager. I moved on from there to work at Southpaw for 6 months then took off to work at Tavern (our other Verant location) for the last 4 years. Tavern is the place that polished me. There is always more to learn but I really discovered the beauty in the details at Tavern. They deepened my bar knowledge greatly through bar smarts, extensive whiskey, beer and craft cocktail training. Joining the Mavericks family was a natural next step - helping me strengthen my speed and efficiency even further as we are extremely high-volume much of the time, which balances me out nicely!
What's your favorite cocktail on the menu?
My favorite cocktail on the menu is the Watermelon Mule – It’s extremely refreshing and delicious. I always receive a positive reaction when I serve this drink.
Define the perfect cocktail.
In my opinion the perfect cocktail is 2:1:1 ratio of Spirit, Sugar, Citrus. To me, an Old Fashioned is perfect – simple. To the Point. And delicious.
What are some cocktail trends you are noticing in San Diego?
Gin is making a comeback, but Smashes, Margaritas, Old Fashioned variations, Sours and Aperol Spritzers are huge right now.
What's your favorite drink to make behind the bar?
I love making an Old Fashioned.
What's your favorite spirit?
Whiskey (Jameson)/Bourbon/Rye
What do you do in your spare time when you're not creating cocktails?
SLEEP, Hot Yoga and hang with my dog, Cashi!
What's next for you?
Not sure really, I love this industry and feel that I’ve invested too much time, energy and passion into this craft to simply abandon it. Perhaps a career higher up or in a related field. Management? Liquor representative?
Click here for Behind the Stick articles.