In the latest episode of “Hot off the Press” Chef Panini Pete and partner and HOTPpodcast producer Keith Glines sit down for a spirited conversation with Atlanta-based bartender and mixologist Tokiwa (Toki) Sears about the history of bartending and the resurgence of the craft cocktail culture.
Known to many as “Miss Libation,” Toki’s resume includes time crafting c ocktails at the world famous Holeman and Finch, as head mixologist at Southern Art and Bourbon Bar in the Intercontinental Hotel in Buckhead, as well as the renowned One Flew South in Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. During her time alongside Executive Chef Duanne Nutter at One Flew South, the restaurant was named #1 airport bar in the world by Tales of the Cocktail, a spirits and bartender convention held in New Orleans every year.
One of the top personalities in the bartending and beverage industry today, Toki’s philosophy of perfecting the art and craft of mixology is using fresh ingredients and quality spirits so that cocktails mirror the cuisine coming out of the kitchen.
The trio chatted about Toki’s recent educational excursion to Mexico where she and a dozen other bartenders were selected by Avion Tequila to study the complex process of tequila-making.
Toki recently received her BarSmarts Advanced Certification—the acclaimed, industry-leading bartender education program—and is currently studying to be a Certified Spirits Specialist.
To connect with Toki follow her on Twitter and Instagram @MissLibation.