Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/97133
COVER STORY MIAMI NEW YORK Meaghan Dorman Head Bartender, Raines Law Room and Lantern���s Keep ���I PHOTO: TOM CLARK n the past few years we���ve seen guests come around from seeing rum as a cheap vacation drink and see the differences in the category, says ��� Meaghan Dorman, a shining star of Big Apple mixology. ���When we explain Zacapa���s barrel aging process to guests, it makes them very interested; the quality of the product is implied in all the time and effort its takes to make and age it. ��� Tending bars at both Raines Law Room and Lantern���s Keep allows Dorman to not only survey the tippling trends of New York City, but also to introduce her customers to great spirits like Zacapa in such enticing cocktails as the Islay Daiquiri, which also includes lime juice, simple syrup, and Compass Box Peat Monster. ���I���ve met Lorena, the Master Blender, and her enthusiasm for the rum is very contagious. We love elegant cocktails that one can sip and enjoy the whole way through, and Zacapa lends itself to that. ��� David Mokha, Fontainebleau Hotel. David Mokha Director of Beverage, Fontainebleau Hotel�� E PHOTO: DOUG YOUNG ach of the bars at the legendary Fontainebleau puts its own twist on the overall cocktail culture of the hotel. But they all use the very best spirits, fresh fruits, and juices to craft unique cocktails and modern variations on classic cocktails. They also offer an extensive selection of the ���nest spirits available. ���Overall, we are known for our signature cocktails and extensive spirits and wine selections from around the world, says David ��� Mokha, adding that Zacapa is one of his favorite rums to enjoy neat. He also knows how to enhance the spirit with an enticing cocktail, such as the Old Cuban, made with Zacapa 23, simple syrup, lime juice, Angostura Bitters, mint and champagne. ���Zacapa is known to most of my guests as one of the best rums on the market, Mokha ��� says. ���We don���t often have to educate them on Zacapa. ��� Meaghan Dorman, Head Bartender, Raines Law Room and Lantern Keep. 48 / the tasting panel / december 2012 MAT-2012