Ivy Mix is one of the most prominent names in the cocktail world. She’s the co-owner of Leyenda, Brooklyn’s ‘pan-Latin inspired cocktail bar’, founder of Speed Rack, the all-female high-speed bartending competition, and co-owner of Fiasco! Wine and Spirits. She’s also a James Beard Award-nominated bartender, the winner of numerous industry accolades and author of Spirits of Latin America. When the pandemic hit, Mix added activist to her resume, fighting for the future of bars and restaurants across the country alongside the Independent Restaurant Coalition (more on that here).
For our second installment of the Bar & Restaurant Book Club, we speak with Mix about the most impactful books she’s read, and why reading is important to her. Reading not only boosts empathy, but it reduces stress, fights depression and helps you sleep better, and can help you become a better leader, too. If you need some book inspiration, read on.
Why is reading important to you?
Reading is an escape, and also a deep dive. I read and listen to many, many books on all things but honestly, I focus a lot of my time on reading fiction. I turn off the screen and escape into a different story that isn't my own.
READ MORE: Bar & Restaurant Book Club: Jack McGarry on the Books That Changed His Life
Have you always been a reader, or is it a habit that you’ve developed over time?
I have always been a reader, ever since I was a child. I was a philosophy major in college and being a big reader is basically a requirement for that. It is a skill and a muscle that needs to be kept in shape. I notice if I don't read consistently, because it's hard to dive back into a new book.
With so much going on in your world, how do you find the time to read?
Being "busy" is relative. It's honestly an answer to "how are you" that I think is just the worst. Work hard to rest hard and play hard; reading is part of what balances me. I also have a firm no screens in bed or near the bed policy, so pages it is.
What are you reading right now?
I am reading The Body Keeps the Score. It’s extremely interesting
There’s so much applicable knowledge for operators outside of cookbooks and cocktail compendiums. Which non-F&B-related books have had the most impact on you as an operator, and why?
The first one that comes to mind is a rather morbid book called There's Nothing to be Frightened Of, by Julian Barnes. It's basically about death and dying but really teaches compassion for the common soul.
READ MORE: Ivy Mix is on a Mission to Save the Industry
What’s an F&B-related title you think everyone should read, whether that’s a cookbook, a cocktail book or something else?
The Flavor Bible, it's a must.
Do you have any advice for operators who want to keep learning?
Don't make excuses! Life is so boring without knowledge.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Do you want to be featured in our series, or know someone who would be a good fit? Email [email protected] and tell us what you’re reading for a chance to be featured. You can find Ivy Mix on Instagram.
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