Name: Ryan Bearden (“RB”)
Title: Lead Mixologist
Instagram: @rbizzz3
Find me mixing drinks at Kelly’s at SouthBridge in Old Town Scottsdale.
Favorite drink to make: I enjoy making all drinks — especially with tequila. My focus is to make a drink the patron will actually enjoy, whether it’s something they know they like, or by broadening their horizons to something new!
I’d most like to mix a drink for Santa Clause and his reindeer.
If I could have one superpower while working, it’d be the ability to dictate people’s tips.
If I were a flavor, I’d be ghost pepper.
My biggest bartending fail: There are plenty, but that’s part of the learning experience. I would probably say shattering a bottle of Jagermeister on the bar, and subsequently dousing two businessmen about to put on a presentation. Whoops!
My top drink and food recommendation to guests: I always ask a few questions to get a feel for what they like. I don’t like pushing things which people are not going to enjoy. At the end of the day, I want them to be satisfied and leave with a great taste in their mouth — literally.
When I’m not working, I enjoy sipping on… it’s a toss-up between red wine and tequila, I have a strong passion for both of them. I would say it depends on what I’m doing and where I’m drinking.
My favorite place in town for drinks is obviously, Kelly’s at Southbridge! If not at the home base I like to explore new places and see how other professionals practice their craft. I like to continuously diversify my drinking establishment portfolio.
