This cocktail hour comes courtesy of Derek Jeffries and Jack Daniel’s Culture Shakers Program.

Derek Jeffries wasn’t playing around when he decided to become a bartender nearly a decade ago after years in the industry. He has delighted guests with libations at The Tin Table, Tavern Law, The Whisky Bar and most recently at the now closed Branchwater.

I first had the pleasure of meeting him waiting at a ferry dock in West Seattle. At the time, we were en route to Vashon Island-based Seattle Distilling. Still in its pint sized digs, a visit there felt more like a moonshine house party than a visit to a business.

Sander Rav and others were officially on tap to ply us with libations at the small private event. At some point in the afternoon, other trained industry folks started riffing behind the bar and Derek was up for the challenge.

The evening ended with a number of us who were newly acquainted crammed into a private vehicle. Perched almost in each others laps, we made our way to a friend of a friends set at The Comedy Underground.

That’s how it started, but there is a lot more to the story. For now, let’s leap forward to 2021 Covid times. 

Brown Forman and Noble Oak started a dynamite Industry book club. I was lucky enough to join along for their February read and talk with NY Times Best selling author Alice Randall. Her book, ‘Black Bottom Saints,’ is a terrific page turner and a fitting tribute to Detroit.

Alice is an articulate, charming dynamo who certainly knows her cocktail and black history. She favored us with tales of OGs and GOATs in Detroit and shared cocktail recipes inspired by them, while we enjoyed one of Derek’s latest cocktail creations – a Jack Daniel’s based Two Gentlemen in Verona.

Give it a try. You’ll be glad you did!

Cocktail Hour with Derek Jeffries

Two Gentlemen in Verona

1½ ounces Gentleman Jack
3/4 ounce Vincenzi Rosso Vermouth
1/4 oz. Bonal
4 dashes of Jack Daniel’s Bitters

Stir all of the ingredients into a mixing glass with ice for 8-10 seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon peel expressed and discard peel afterwards.

If you are looking for another inspired cocktail check out Cocktail Hour with Jermaine Whitehead.