WEST LOOP — Bartender Griffin Elliot will make you like gin whether you want to or not.
“A lot of people will say they don’t like gin just because of their perception. To them, gin is pine trees, and gin and tonics from their parents’ liquor cabinets. I like to open their minds a little bit,” Elliot said.
And changing people’s perceptions is just what Elliot hopes to do in his new post as Sepia restaurant’s head bartender.
The 29-year-old got his start after apprenticing for Boka mixologist Ben Schiller back in 2011. After bartending at Boka, Elliot moved on to the fast-paced Scofflaw gin bar, where weekends meant crafting hundreds of mixed drinks.
Now Elliot said he’s looking forward slowing it down and being able to customize drinks for patrons at Sepia at 123 N. Jefferson St.
“Some people will put St. Germain into a cocktail because they think that will work. But really understanding the format and balance of a cocktail goes a long way. I’ve had a sound training,” he said.
May 27 marks Elliot’s first day at Sepia. And if you’re lucky, he’ll make you drink gin like it’s going out of style.
“I just really like blowing people away and surprising them with drinks. People are at a bar to come relax so it’s a great environment to be in,” he said.
