KJ Williams

Originally from: New York City
Profession: Head Bartender
At: New York City

KJ has been in the hospitality business his whole life. Starting as an under-age dishwasher, he worked his way up through the ranks of restaurant and bar positions, and has been bartending for over 20 years now.

After attending a seminar, co-hosted by Julie Reiner, over ten years ago in Colorado, KJ dove headfirst into the growing craft cocktail movement. Immediately he started utilizing fresh juices, fruits and herbs, discovering forgotten spirits, and making his own bitters, brandied cherries, falernum and ginger beer. As well as constantly reading and attending seminars to learn more ‘’classic or forgotten” cocktails, KJ’s inspiration was further fuelled by frequent trips to San Francisco and New York City, where he’d watch, ask and learn at all these new places that cared so much about cocktails. Ultimately, in 2010, KJ and his wife Christine, who also happens to be in the bar business, left beautiful Colorado after 20 years and moved to NYC. Ironically, he quickly landed at Julie Reiners' Flatiron Lounge, where he's still as passionate as ever about hospitality and the craft of the cocktail. He has been the head bartender of that iconic cocktail bar since 2013.

“…and a hearty dose of Cherry Heering in the Singapore Sling. It’s a tested cocktail you must try”

KJ’s Classic Singapore Sling

Glass: Collins
Garnish: Pineapple and cherry
Method: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into ice-filled glass.

• 1½ oz Gin
• ½ oz Cherry Heering
• ¼ oz Bénédictine
• ¼ oz Triple sec
• 1½ oz Pineapple juice
• 1 oz Lemon juice
• 2 dash Angostura Aromatic Bitters

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