Home Food + DrinkBars Danny Torres Jr. from Jack & Co. {+ a DIY Cocktail Recipe}

Danny Torres Jr. from Jack & Co. {+ a DIY Cocktail Recipe}

by Lia
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While kicking back with a cocktail in hand is a staple weeknight or weekend in Hudson County, it’s not that often that you get to know the method to the madness {or deliciousness?} behind the cocktail. So we’ve decided to do some bartender spotlights, showcasing the various mixologists around the area in Hoboken and Jersey City. For our inaugural post, we sat down with Danny Torres Jr. from Jack & Co. in Hoboken to discuss secret cocktails, brunch, and some sweet dance moves.

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It’s been just over a year since Jack & Co. opened to fill the space of former Clinton Social and while nostalgic for some goat cheese pierogies, we are not disappointed. {Though it’d also be a lie to say Clinton Social’s Sweet Tea menu isn’t missed. Le Sigh.} Situated on the corner of 7th & Clinton, Jack & Co. offers guests a rustic-chic environment and a cocktail menu with options to suit everyone’s palate.

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Danny, one of Jack & Co.’s star bartenders, has been serving these mixes to happy customers since opening in 2016. If you have the pleasure to sit at the bar and order one drink {or many}, he definitely won’t disappoint.

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^Danny, in his element @ Jack & Co.

Fun Facts About Danny

Danny’s drinks are on fire and garnished with his up-beat attitude. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch him singing and dancing and shaking those hips while shaking those cocktails. Visit Danny on Monday, Wednesday & Saturday. {Psst – ask Danny for his off-the-menu Manmosa special — more below.}

AXIS School of Dance

How long have you been a bartender?

For about six years now, started when I was 21 when I started and I’m 26 years young!

How long have you been working at Jack & Co?

I’ve been here since the very start, so just over a year. We celebrated our one-year anniversary in March.

Where did you get your start?

I first started working at the Fitzpatrick Hotel as a bellman and worked my way up to the kitchen as a food runner and then to a barback under a 30+ bartending veteran from Ireland, he taught me everything I know. I later moved on to join the team at NYC’s Il Bastardo where I helped to launch their popular daytime brunch party {you should make a reservation ASAP and thanks us later}.

What is your favorite drink to drink? 

Honestly, when I am home, surprisingly I am more of a wine guy! But, I love a good old fashioned, which is also one of my favorite drinks to make. It was the first classic cocktail that I learned how to make when I was starting out and still one of my favorites.

What drink do you get asked to make the most?

The Strawberry Basil Mule for sure! {See below!} Second runner up would be our Bite the Bulleit.

Do you have a specialty cocktail?

Here at Jack & Co., I love to make my version of the Manmosa. That has Fat Tire Ale, Stoli O, OJ and of course, Champagne.

…Can we try it?!

Yes! Come in and order one this Saturday {or any Saturday} for brunch!

Favorite Cocktails from Jack & Co.

Whether its GNO {hello ½ off bottles on #WineWednesday} or date night, all of Jack & Co.’s libations make for easy to sipping. Toast one of these delicious drinks to your friends and lovers!

Strawberry Basil Mule: {we promised!} light & refreshing with muddled strawberry, basil, elderflower liqueur, lime juice, ginger beer.
Peach Prosecco Mojito: bright and bubbly made with rum, limoncello, peach pureé, mint, lime juice and topped with Prosecco.
Bite the Bulleit: {a seriously YUM whiskey drink} warm and spicy crafted with bourbon, apple brandy {aka Calvados}, lemon juice and cinnamon simple syrup.

That Strawberry Basil Mule though {muddled strawberry, basil, elderflower liqueur, lime juice, ginger beer} proves to be the #1 seller on the menu and with seriously good reason. If you don’t believe us, we dare you to stop in and try one. Our bet? You won’t leave having had just one. Oh, and we forgot to mention, they’re also served in mason jars, because things are always cuter {and tastier} in mason jars, amiright?

After our chat with Danny, we tried our hand at making our very own DIY Ms. Meyer Mule. Yum and YUM. Can’t make it to Jack & Co. but dying for a tasty indulgence? Try our at home version of this pink-hued drink below. You’re welcome.  

DIY MS. MEYER MULE

1 1/2 oz. Vodka
1/2 oz. Elderflower Liqueur
3/4 oz. Fresh Meyer Lemon Juice {meyer lemons are still in season, but not for much longer, regular lemons will work just fine, too! order online HERE or stop in Sobsey’s produce!}
1/4 oz. Basil Syrup*
2-3 Strawberries, quartered
4 Basil Leaves
Fever Tree Ginger Beer (or preferred brand!)

Add basil syrup, strawberries & basil leaves to cocktail shaker and muddle to release juices. Add vodka, elderflower, lemon juice, ice and shake. Double strain over fresh ice into Mason Jar. Top with ginger beer and garnish with sliced strawberry skewer and fresh basil sprigs.

*Basil Syrup: add ¾ c. water and ¾ c. sugar to a boil in a small pot, stirring to dissolve sugar. Once sugar fully dissolves, reduce heat to simmer and add 6-7 fresh basil leaves. Cover and let steep up to 30 minutes. Strain into sealable container and refrigerate until use, keeps up to 1 month, makes 10 oz.

Cheers!  

For more original recipes and cocktailing adventures, share a drink with Lia on IG at @jerseydrinks and toast to us @HobokenGirlBlog!

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