Aaron Belcher

Connect What is your favorite thing about being a bartender?

For the longest time, it was the challenge of being able to master as many recipes from memory and serving them to the delightful tune of "Wow! That's the best (whatever) I've ever had!" But over the years, it's evolved into a general relationship with the bar-going community and guest interaction. Whether they're a usual or first timer. Being the listening ear to heartache. The celebratory shot pouring. The historian of spirit origins. The human interaction is where I get my greatest joy.

What is your favorite drink to make and why?

Not to turn my back on my Kentuckian roots to deny the pleasure of whipping up a pre-prohibition old fashioned or a perfect Manhattan, but, my personal favorite would be my signature Piña Colada. The sweet yet slightly tart flavoring. The silky smooth texture. The frothy top clinging to your upper lip. The escapism you get while drinking one, no matter the season or location, transcends you to a relaxing, tropical state of mind. Not to mention the punch of all of that rum!

What would you do with the $20,000?

Honestly, I'd probably just hang on to it for some financial stability. It's not easy being in the service industry these days. But one thing I would do is take my 9-year-old daughter to Nintendo World. Being a single dad in this industry doesn't lend a lot of time or money for luxury. But if I had the capital, making a wish of hers come true would mean a lot to me.