Hi, I’m Laurel, and I’m excited to welcome you to my corner of the internet dedicated to cocktails. For over 15 years, I worked as a bartender in Houston, Texas, where I had the chance to shake, stir, and serve just about every type of drink you can imagine. From the busiest Friday nights behind the bar to the quieter afternoons prepping syrups and garnishes, my time in the industry gave me a deep knowledge of what makes a good cocktail work.

Over those years, I poured classics that never go out of style—martinis, mojitos, margaritas—as well as countless variations that regulars would request again and again. Bartending in Houston meant working with a diverse crowd, each with different tastes, and that pushed me to keep experimenting. It wasn’t unusual for me to try a new twist on a familiar drink, or to develop something entirely from scratch, just to see the look on a guest’s face when it hit the right balance. Those moments taught me that cocktails aren’t just recipes, they’re a craft worthy of sharing.