Master Mixologist: Carl Maguire of MICHAEL JORDANS THE STEAK HOUSE N.Y.C.

Carl Maguire is the Mixologist for Michael Jordan's The Steak House N.Y.C., located on the balcony of Grand Central Station Terminal. It is the one spot in the city where you can enjoy artisanal cocktails while overlooking the main concourse, the famous clock, and gazing at the stars of the terminal's spectacular constellation-embellished cerulean blue ceiling.

Maguire is now presenting one of his newest creations, "The Glitter Beet Martini" made with a house made beet puree, fresh ginger, a dash of simple syrup, sweet vermouth and a secret sparkly ingredient.

We had the pleasure of interviewing Carl Maguire for our "Master Mixologist" feature.

When did you first become interested in the cocktail culture?

Most drinks are simple and clean and that's fine if that is what the guest wants but it always pays to have a few aces up your sleeve. When you have someone who is unsure of what they are looking for, I enjoy whipping up something they have never heard of and seeing the smiles on their faces.

What innovations in mixology and bartending do you find fascinating?

Right now, the sky is the limit when it comes to innovations at the bar. There are countless fresh ingredients to choose from including fruits, syrups, and spices. We are limited only by our imaginations and you will find a large audience out there who are open to experimenting.

How do restaurant and bar guests encourage your creativity?

We are located right in Grand Central Terminal which means our clientele consists of both die hard New Yorkers and visitors from all around the world. The energy is amazing and we try to match it.

What are your preferred "classic cocktails" and why?

You cannot go wrong ordering a dry martini and having it served ice cold. We pour it out in that Y-shaped martini glass and it makes the perfect silhouette to enjoy on the balcony of Grand Central looking out at the hub of Manhattan as tens of thousands of people wish they were you.

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

We currently do a Smoked Rosemary Manhattan. We take a sprig of dried rosemary, light it on fire, and then extinguish it in the whiskey. We then place a pint glass upside down over the glass the cocktail is served in sealing in the smoke for a minute before we slowly raise the pint glass and let the smoke drift out. It gives a wonderful warm, smoky flavor to the Manhattan.

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

Our Glitter Cosmopolitan brings a fresh twist to the traditional Cosmo, along with our Glitter Beet Martini, made with fresh beet puree. For both next-level cocktails, we add a powdery glitter to the mixing tin before pouring it out, to illuminate the cocktail so it has glitter swirls as you sip the martini glass. We do a rum based Caribbean Cocktail now that summer is fast approaching. It is a drink we created one night by just experimenting. Everyone one loves it but it is not known anywhere else.

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

For a NY strip steak, we always suggest a bold red such as cabernet sauvignon. You want something that will stand up to the flavor of your steak. Now with our Smoked Rosemary Manhattan we have a cocktail that can do just that. If you order a steak with au poivre sauce, the smoky flavor of that cocktail is the marriage you are looking for.

Tell us a little about your restaurant.

Michael Jordan's The Steak House N.Y.C. has been located on the balcony overlooking the main concourse of iconic Grand Central Terminal for 20 years. It's the only restaurant with a dining room on the balcony. We host fundraisers, charity events, weddings, bar mitzvahs, baby namings, you name it. I've seen many celebrities dine with us - they usually phone ahead and request to be seated in Michael's private dining room - which is wood-paneled, and seats 8. Amy Schumer was in there the other day - she used to waitress here before becoming famous. We can accommodate a total of 700 guests between our bar seating area, the main dining room and the semi-private area, which holds 40.

Michael Jordan's The Steak House N.Y.C. is located in the Grand Central Terminal at 23 Vanderbilt Avenue, New York, NY 10017. Call them at 212.655.2300 or visit http://www.michaeljordansnyc.com/.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Michael Jordan's The Steak House N.Y.C.

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