Stay tuned for more interviews with leading women in the hospitality industry, and be sure to view all of our previous entries in the Women in Hospitality series.
There are many adjectives that can be used to describe Lynnette Marrero—bartending guru, women’s industry champion, educator, inclusivity advocate, mentor, philanthropist, and craft cocktail savant. Lynnette co-created Speed Rack, the international women+ bartending competition, and she is a MasterClass Mixology teacher. Most recently, you can find her in the role of chief mixologist for Jennifer Lopez's new line of ready-to-drink beverages, Delola.
We spoke with Lynnette about cocktail trends, RTDs in the on-premise, and her role at Delola. Read on for the full Q&A!
How did you get involved with Jennifer Lopez and Delola? What is your role in the brand?
I am the chief mixologist at Delola. I have worked with Ken Austin and Jenna Fagnan for many years as they are spirits industry vets and co-founders of Delola with Jennifer Lopez. They were working with Jennifer to develop Delola and introduced us as she wanted to create delicious cocktails that could be served right out of the bottle at a mixologist quality. I worked closely with Jennifer to bring her vision to life. Jennifer and I really connected as we share Nuyorican heritage and both love delicious, fresh fruit flavors!
We played with different fruits, herbs, and spices to create balanced, full-flavored cocktails that were made with all natural botanicals and premium spirits. She wanted Delola to be sessionable, so we made the cocktails at a lower proof than typical full-strength cocktails. They are also gluten free.
What role do you think ready to drink (RTDs) beverages have in the on-premise?
I think ready-to-enjoy cocktails have an opportunity to open up the craft cocktail world to an even broader audience. I believe travel and leisure venues are a huge opportunity to elevate the beverage offerings.
I know that post-pandemic many beverage outlets have struggled to maintain staffing levels to meet the consumer demand. I think Delola is a great solution to solve for moments, such as offering consistent craft cocktails with speed to service, to amplify and expand the offerings for on-premise locations to have a larger selection of crafted cocktails, especially where there are restraints for prep, storage, or being able to maintain an on-staff craft cocktail program.
I have worked many programs that had to maintain large prep and so the thought and craft that goes into Delola is to do the work for you.
Have you observed any recent cocktail trends?
I see consumers really enjoying a mindful lifestyle and really incorporating it more broadly than they have in previous years. Delola reflects the modern drinker’s desire for lower proof but full-flavored cocktails. We are excited to offer something that also uses all natural botanicals and is thoughtful about the ingredients.
We bring this to the spritz culture, which has exploded in the past couple of years.
Any advice for other women in the industry?
Dream big and support each other. Let’s continue to celebrate each other’s successes. There are plenty of seats at the table, and I am so fortunate to work with an incredible team of women who are all trailblazers in their industries. So cheers to Jenna Fagnan, Nicole Portwood, Nicole Austin, Christina Bueno, and of course, Jennifer Lopez.
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Plan to Attend or Participate in the 2024 Bar & Restaurant Expo, March 18-20, 2024
To learn about the latest trends, issues and hot topics, and to experience and taste the best products within the bar, restaurant and hospitality industry, plan to attend Bar & Restaurant Expo 2024 in Las Vegas. Visit BarandRestaurantExpo.com.
To book your sponsorship or exhibit space at the 2024 Bar & Restaurant Expo, contact:
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