Master Mixologist: Baylea Morgan of HOWL AT THE MOON in NYC

Howl at the Moon's head mixologist, Baylea Morgan has worked with the brand for the last 8 years. With the opening of Howl at the Moon's newest location in NYC, Morgan created a fun-filled and fruity cocktail menu including signatures like a Honey Mango Margarita, Apricot Ginger Smash and St. Germaine Lemonade. Instead of a pricy bottle list, Howl boasts a shot list with options like Pineapple Upside Down Cake, Cinnamon Toast Shooter and Angry Balls in addition to super-sized 86-ounce Hurricane, Painkiller and Fruit Roll Up buckets, perfect for larger parties. Howl also serves up 13 rotating specialty beers and 17 classic favorites by the draft and bottle.

Broadwayworld.com had the opportunity to interview Baylea Morgan of Howl at the Moon.

When did you first become interested in the cocktail culture?

I started becoming interested when I was about 10. My dad brewed his own beer from home, and growing up and I started to help him. I became interested in the process and in understanding the chemistry behind alcohol. I started working in a bar about 8 years ago and loved how fun the culture was. I really love the feeling of creating something exciting for someone that they would never have thought to order themselves.

What innovations in mixology and bartending do you find fascinating?

I am very into the pairing of old styles with a new twist. Taking a classic recipe and altering it for the seasons is something I am very intrigued by. I love the use of all spice dram for the winter in a whiskey or bourbon cocktail, and a scotch/dark rum cocktail with a smooth fruit puree for the summer. I am really into fee brothers products especially their orgeat. I love the use of green chartreuse.

How do restaurant and bar guests encourage your creativity?

I know some bartenders feel it is difficult when a costumer approaches the bar with the statement "I don't know what I want..." I see it as a challenge and I love that moment. I try to see what they have a taste for and create something new and special for them right there. I find this is when I do my best work, on the spot.

What are your preferred "classic cocktails" and why?

I have always been drawn to rum cocktails. Some of my favorites would be the Chartreuse Swizzle because it's not your typical pairing with rum, and the Zombie because of its complex flavor combination.

What are some of your favorite infusions and how you like to use them in drinks?

I recently just tried a candied pineapple infused dark rum. I would say that would be excellent as a whiskey substitute for an Old Fashioned.

Tell us about a few of your signature cocktails and why they are distinctive.

One of the house favorites that I created on the Howl at the Moon menu is the St Germain Lemonade. I love the use of cordials. I think that St Germain has a nice balance about it with the floral attributes and the sweetness. I paired it with a lemon infused vodka, a strawberry puree and soda because I wanted to gear it towards people who are interested in trying something new, but are unsure about leaving their comfort zone. I think it is a great gate way drink into more of our complex cocktail recipes. Howl was looking for whiskey drink to add to the menu and I came up with the Sunglasses at Night. It is Tin Cup whiskey with orange bitters and a peach puree. The combination of a strong base such as whiskey and a smooth finish with a peach puree adds a more gentle favor for someone who is just getting into whiskey and wants to try something new.

Give us your perfect pairing for a cocktail and a culinary selection.

Jamaican jerk chicken wings with a classic hurricane.

Tell us a little about your company or restaurant.

Part bar and part concert, Howl creates a non-stop party with live music performed in a high-energy setting. Get on the dance floor and join our talented musicians in rocking out to your favorite songs while trying our signature 86oz buckets of booze! You'll hear everything from classic rock to hip-hop to pop. It's the best nightlife New York City has to offer!

Howl at the Moon's energetic and interactive setting creates the perfect atmosphere for any type of special events in New York City. It doesn't matter if you're celebrating a bachelorette party, birthday party, or planning a corporate event, any group event at Howl at the Moon is guaranteed to make for a memorable night. It's the most fun you'll have dancing and singing in Midtown!

In New York City, Howl at the Moon is located at 240 West 52nd Street, convenient to the Broadway and Times Square. Call them at 212.399.4695, contact them at newyork@howlatthemoon.com and visit their website at www.howlatthemoon.com.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Baylea Morgan

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