Pain Killers, Integrity, & Developing New Business | J.R. Starkus | Pouring Stories S2 EP4

<p>J.R. Starkus joins us at the Pouring Stories bar for a masterclass in hospitality, bar management, and opening successful venues. A true legend in Las Vegas for decades, J.R. went from leading mixologist to the face of Southern Glazer’s Wine &amp; Spirits. He’s mentored countless industry professionals and continues to set the standard for what a career in beverage and hospitality can look like.</p><p>This episode delivers an honest, intelligent breakdown of what bars get right and wrong - and why integrity should always come first.00:00 J.R. Starkus Intro Teaser</p><p>00:25 Nickel, Dime, Quarter.</p><p>02:15 Director Of Business Development For New Accounts</p><p>03:40 Southern Glazers Beverage Company</p><p>06:28 RX Boiler Room built for J.R.</p><p>07:54 Rookie Move</p><p>09:20 The Pain Killer</p><p>09:45 The Soggy Dollar Bar</p><p>11:47 J.R.’s Integrity </p><p>15:37 Expectations &amp; Mise En Place </p><p>20:47 Opening bars… Initial plan vs reality</p><p>27:08 Cocktails trends - The Espresso Martini</p><p>29:26 Mental tricks on menus</p><p>31:07 Cognac - (Remy Martin)</p><p>34:39 Las Vegas not respected</p><p>36:55 I know it probably doesn’t work like that.</p><p>36:05 The Arts District </p><p>38:04 Sidecar - Dry Curaçao’s crucial role</p><p>42:07 Cognac - Most underrated spirit</p><p>43:10 J.R. Makes Drinks</p><p>45:14 Patron Cristalino - Margarita</p><p>47:33 Barrel Aged Spirits</p><p>52:05 Weber Ranch Vodka</p><p>54:30 “Gluten Free” spirits</p><p>57:03 Bars have evolved </p><p>59:38 Collecting Mentors</p><p>1:01:13 The Costs and Rewards of a career in “Beverage”</p><p>Special Thanks to J.R. Starkus for years of mentorship and being a leader in the Las Vegas and global beverage industry. </p><p>Pusser’s Painkiller Recipe:</p><p>Ingredients:</p><p>2 oz Pusser’s Rum</p><p>4 oz Pineapple Juice</p><p>1 oz Orange Juice</p><p>1 oz Cream of Coconut</p><p>Fresh grated nutmeg (for garnish)</p><p>Build:</p><p>Shake all ingredients with ice. Pour into a tall glass filled with ice. Top with freshly grated nutmeg.</p><p>Recipes:</p><p><u>The Side Car</u></p><p>1.50oz Remy Martin VSOP</p><p>1.00oz Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao</p><p>0.75oz Fresh Lemon Juice</p><p>Garnish half sugar rimmed coupe glass &amp; Lemon Peel.</p><p>Build:</p><p>Add all ingredients into a shaker tin, add ice, shake vigorously, and double strain into a Half sugar rimmed coupe glass. Garnish with expressed lemon peel.</p><p><br><br></p>