Originally from: Detroit
Profession: Head bartender
At: Ferndale, Michigan
Kyle Thousand is the co-head bartender and bar manager of the Oakland Art Novelty Company in Ferndale, Michigan. He has spent time working in various bars around the metro-Detroit area before finding a love of craft cocktails in one of Michigan's first craft cocktail bars wherein he learnt the craft from some of the most talented bartenders in the industry. Paying close attention to fellow industry professionals he began crafting his own signature cocktails and competing in both local, national, and global competitions, as well as working with the industry community to create astounding drinks to pair with food prepared by the area’s top chefs.
Focused intensely on providing top notch service to guests while amazing them with cocktails carefully built with obscure, fresh ingredients to keep up with the rapidly changing food and drink environment that now exists in and around Detroit. You can find him on any given night behind the bar at the Oakland or drinking the night away in one of Detroit's bars.
“Cherry Heering, curbs the tartness of the fresh squeeze juices, brings out the natural sweetness of the juices. Cherry Heering brings out the flavors of the drink”
Kyle’s The Bengal Sling
Glass: Sling
Garnish: Grapefruit zest twist
Method: Shake first 6 ingredients with ice and strain into chilled glass. Top with soda.
• 1 oz Gin
• 1 oz Grapefruit Juice
• ½ oz Freshly squeezed lime juice
• ½ oz Cherry Heering
• ½ oz Sweet Vermouth
• ¼ oz Campari
• Top with Soda
Kyle says, “A twist on the traditional Singapore Sling with elements of the Negroni Cocktail to create a balanced, refreshingly citrus and tart gin drink with a nice bite.”
Kyle was a Finalist in the Peter F. Heering Sling Awards 2015
