Gregory Rodriguez, Oak & Ivy
As Oak & Ivy's lead bartender, Greg Rodriguez brings his South Beach roots and lively persona to each cocktail he crafts.
Born in Miami and raised in the Dominican Republic, Greg began bartending while attending University of West Georgia where he played collegiate football as a defensive tackle before diving into the Miami bar scene and attending Florida International University where he would receive his degree in Hospitality Management. After learning the basics of the business, Greg stumbled upon a blog post by Jeffrey Morgenthaler that inspired him to devote himself to craft cocktails and teach himself the art of mixology.
In the summer of 2014, Greg relocated to fabulous Las Vegas to work in Beverage Management at famous Strip properties like Mandalay Bay and Monte Carlo before landing himself a lead position at Oak & Ivy. Greg continuously challenges himself and his team to create innovative recipes with unique flavors in order to wow guests from all over the world. Drawing inspiration from his life, trap music and Quentin Tarantino movies, guests can expect big, bold flavors utilizing fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Throughout his tenure at Oak & Ivy, Greg has received numerous recognitions and won several national cocktail competitions including the National Restaurant Association's "Star of the Bar" mixology competition.
Tropic Hustle
Created by Gregory Rodriguez at Oak & Ivy
1 oz Italicus
1 oz Bluecoat American Dry Gin
½ oz Pineapple Juice
½ oz Lustau Sherry Amontillado
2 oz Oolong Pineapple Oleo Saccharum
Method:
Combine all ingredients, shake and strain over fresh ice. Garnish with pineapple ear and oolong tea leaves.
Inspiration:
Greg loves taking unique ingredients and combining them in a classic way. The Oolong tea is from a local Las Vegas tea shop called Tealet Tea (@tealettea). Greg loves to brings his own style to the Las Vegas Cocktail scene. Oak & Ivy is located in the Downtown area of Las Vegas. Known for Fremont Street, this venue is down the road in the Container Park offering craft cocktails in their small bar.
