Master Mixologist: Jacob Andros of SOLTORO at MOHEGAN SUN in Unvasville CT

Jacob Andros is the Director of Operations of SolToro at Mohegan Sun in Unvasville, Connecticut and for SolToro's sibling restaurant, Michael Jordan's Steak House that is also located in Mohegan Sun.

Earlier this year, SolToro unveiled a total restaurant refresh complete with a redesigned space and updated menu. Jacob is committing to curating a beverage program that highlights top-quality tequila and mezcal, along with cocktails inspired by the flavors of Mexico. The restaurant is known for their margaritas and also serves top-notch versions of classic Mexican cocktails like the Paloma, as well as creative signature creations. The drinks pair with the restaurant's contemporary Mexican fare, from platters of tacos to tableside guacamole and much more.

Broadwayworld.com had the pleasure of interviewing Jacob Andros about his career and SolToro

When did you first become interested in the cocktail culture?

During my first visit to a craft cocktail bar I was inspired by the use of unique ingredients and the flair for presentation.

What innovations in mixology and bartending do you find fascinating?

I love the focus on floral-based liquors such as lavender and rosemary. I find these ingredients give depth to a cocktail that may have been otherwise one-dimensional in terms of flavor.

How do restaurant and bar guests encourage creativity in SolToro's beverage program?

Guests are looking for a fun, fresh, exciting and memorable experience, which gives our bar team the opportunity to really get creative with our cocktail list to ensure that type of experience.

What are your preferred "classic cocktails," whether classic Mexican or American, and why?

Our preferred classic cocktails are the SolToro Margarita and our Sangrias. They are approachable, fresh and delicious.

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

SolToro's Mexican Standoff cocktail is made with hibiscus-infused agave. It gives the drink a sweet and floral backbone without overpowering the reposado tequila, which has been aged in oak barrels for a smooth and balanced taste.

What are some of your favorite tequila brands to incorporate into cocktails at SolToro?

Altos is our house-tequila. It's a fantastic brand started by two bartenders who wanted to create a high-quality tequila at an approachable price. The blanco is clean and fresh, and the reposado has a lovely richness to it. It's hard to limit favorite brands because we more than 200 tequilas that are 100% blue agave that are truly unique and amazing.

Tell us about a few of the signature cocktails at SolToro and why they are distinctive.

For our SolToro Margarita, we use fresh squeezed lime juice as well as the Altos Reposado tequila. The Spicy Pina is another signature, as the flavors are balanced well between the spice of the Serrano pepper and sweetness of the pineapple and a burst of cilantro.

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

I would pair the Adobo Pork Tacos with cilantro jicama slaw, grilled pineapple and jalapeno ranch with the High Roller Margarita, which is made tableside with Don Julio Real [known as the world's first luxe tequila], Grand Marnier Centenaire, agave, and fresh squeezed lime juice.

Tell the readers more about SolToro and the inspiration for the restaurant and beverage program.

SolToro, Mohegan Sun's only Mexican restaurant, is a lively Mexican cantina-inspired restaurant blending traditional flavors with a modern flair. Earlier this year the restaurant unveiled a new look with a total restaurant refresh, including an expanded bar and lounge area, along with flavor-packed additions to the menu.

The beverage program features more than 200 types of 100 percent blue agave tequila, along with a selection of mezcal and both signature and classic cocktails.

The restaurant's goal is to brightens our guests' day with delicious Mexican food, terrific margaritas, warm hospitality and a vibrant ambiance.

SolToro at Mohegan Sun is located at 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd, Uncasville, CT 06382 Visit: https://mohegansun.com/poi/dining/soltoro.html.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of SolToro

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