Master Mixologist: Eduardo Fernandez of AUGUST on the Upper East Side

Broadwayworld.com recently spent an evening at August, the contemporary American restaurant on Lexington Avenue at 61st Street in New York City. We were able to sample some original cocktails by expert mixologist, Eduardo Fernandez. Prior to joining the August team, he was mixologist at The Harrison and Pershing Square. Eduardo was born in Mexico and arrived in this country at the age of 17. This talented 35 year-old master of wonderful, artisanal cocktails currently resides in Brooklyn.

When did you first become interested in the cocktail culture?

I first became interested in the cocktail culture about 10-15 years ago when I was just a busser. I would look at the bartender mix spirits with juices, and it just intrigued me so much that I began learning about alcohol and wine.

What innovations in mixology and bartending do you find fascinating?

In terms of innovations in mixology, I find that discovering the right ingredients to mix with liquor is fascinating because it's so difficult. Not every pairing is going to work out, and because of that, it's challenging and keeps you at it.

How do restaurant and bar guests encourage your creativity?

What motivates me and encourages my creativity is that in one year behind the bar, I've never had a drink returned to me in dissatisfaction. When a customer orders one of my drinks, they like it. It keeps my creativity flowing because I always want to learn what's new in mixology. I want to keep them happy.

What are your preferred classic cocktails and why?

I don't have any preference when it comes to cocktails. I like to taste everything. I never order something specific because there's always going to be something new to try to expose my palate to.

What is one of your favorite infusions and how do you like to use them?

My favorite infusion is Bourbon with figs. I use it to make an Old Fashioned and I really enjoy using it throughout the winter season.

Tell us about one of your favorite signature cocktails and why it is distinctive.

My favorite cocktail is the Cucumber Cooler. It's both special and distinctive because of its story and effect. The Cucumber Cooler was my first-ever signature cocktail. I chose to create it using cucumber because it reminded me of my childhood and how my mother would feed me cucumbers all the time. It's distinctive because you can enjoy it without getting drunk. It's a drink that you can actually relax with and taste because it doesn't hit you hard.

Give us some perfect pairings for a cocktail and a culinary selection.

Some of my perfect pairings for cocktails and culinary selections would be:

-Brunch: Jalapeno Margarita paired with our Mushroom & Gruyere Omelet.

-Lunch: The Ex on Lex paired with our August Burger or Crispy Chicken Sandwich.

-Dinner: Cucumber Cooler paired with our Tuna Tartare or Beet Salad with Goat Cheese.

Tell us a little about the restaurant you work for.

August is a terrific, cozy, seasonal new American restaurant with great selections.

August is located at 791 Lexington Avenue (between 61st and 62nd Street), New York, NY 10065. Call them at 212.935.1433 and visit their web site at www.augustny.com.

Editor's Note: Stay tuned to Broadwayworld.com Food and Wine for a feature article talking about the food and drink offerings at August.

Photo Credit: Marina P. Kennedy