Seth Benhaim CEO, INFUSE SPIRITS Q: If you could drink one thing in Orange County for the rest of your life (not utilizing Infuse) what would it be? Seth Benhaim: If it's not Infuse Spirits, it’s most likely bourbon. I enjoy the Mason's Manhattan at H.H. Cottons in San Clemente. I have a love for bourbon cocktails, and the Mason's Manhattan at H.H. Cottons takes the cake—even though I'm an old-fashioned drinker.
THE LINCOLN 2536 Lincoln Blvd Venice, CA 90291 310.822.1715 www.thelincolnvenice.com
Alexandra Costa HEAD BARTENDER/AGM, THE LINCOLN
Photos - Infuse Spirits: Natasha Lee
Q: If you could drink one thing in Los Angeles for the rest of your life (not from your bar) what would it be? Alexandra Costa: Does bourbon count? I'm actually not kidding. My drink of choice is a great Kentucky Bourbon on a rock with a lemon twist. However, if I had to choose a cocktail it would be a Rye Manhattan up. It was my grandmother's favorite drink and holds a very special place in my heart. Q: What are your three can’t-live-without spirits to mix with? AC: Bourbon, tequila and gin. Bourbon and tequila are my favorite spirits to drink, and therefore consistently inspire me. Although vastly different in flavor, when used in the right combination with other spirits or ingredients you can create a boldness that would make anyone want to fist pump. Gin has my utmost respect. It is such a gentle spirit, yet has such an identity. What's fun with gin is finding the exact right balance between respecting the spirit, but also creating something new and different. Q: What is your favorite drink made at your establishment? AC: To sit and sip, I would say either the Boulevardier or the Mid-Autumn at 2:27 in Upstate New York. However, the drink I am most proud of is the Under My Plum. Vodka doesn't typically excite me as a spirit so it's a little harder to get inspired and really think
outside the box. By infusing the vodka with dried plums, I was able to make it my own and create a tart, yet spicy fall cocktail that really hits the spot. Q: What makes you, or your establishment stand apart from the rest? AC: I think we both stand out for the same reason. As a former athlete and now aspiring actress I have always strived for greatness and never accepted failure. When Cameron Dodge White approached me to join him in opening The Lincoln, I knew it would be a challenge but one that I accepted fully and put my heart and soul into. We stand apart from other venues because we aren't trying to be something we're not. We make great drinks, play rock n' roll, and have an incredible team. That, and a touch of Venice magic, is what makes people want to come hang out with us! Q: Where do you draw inspiration from? How do you exhibit it at work? AC: I have been told my entire life to take in my surroundings and think about how they make me feel. In my opinion, feeling is inspiration. When I am creating new drinks I take into account the time of year, the community that surrounds me and how I want people to feel while drinking my drink. I would hope that those things, combined with a beautiful and welcoming ambience, is what makes The Lincoln something special.
Q: What are your three can’t-live-without spirits to mix with? SB: Vodka is the spirit of all spirits—it is a blank canvas on which a great bartender can paint their masterpiece. For now, vodka is my canvas of choice when creating new infusions. I'm a huge fan of everything coffee, since coffee infusions tend to bitter if you don't pull the beans after a few days. It's old school, but I still love Kahlua. I've seen The Big Lebowski one too many times. I have also been using a lot of Mezcal in place of tequila lately. Q: What is your favorite drink to make at home? SB: I make a mean Bloody Mary—but I don't drink them! For myself, I drink most spirits straight or stick with the classics like an old fashioned or margarita, usually with an Infuse kick for fun.
PHOTOSHOOT LOCATION: 1317 5th St Santa Monica, CA 90401 www.infusespirits.com
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