Make a Ramos Gin Fizz with bartender Pedro Barriga

Pedro Barriga is the bar manager at the O’Donovans pub in Pomona, Los Angeles. He’s been in the hospitality industry for almost two decades and continues to share his craft with one aim only - to make sure people around him are having fun and enjoying the drinks. Barriga also actively creates cocktails for both BartendersPortal and The Cocktail Portal.

Today, we dove into Barriga’s experience as a bartender, and he also told us some of his at-home bar secrets.

pedro_barriga_1

Pedro Barriga, shot by Andrea H Perez

Define your current role at your establishment. What do you do on a daily basis?

You can say that I’m kind of the Renaissance Barman at the O’Donovans Pub in Pomona. I currently manage and direct everything that goes on both behind and in front of the bar. My roles include everything from bartending, inventory, cocktail curation, bar training, programming, event planning - you name it, and I’ll probably be doing it.

What’s an essential piece of barware that one should have at home?

Shaking Tins, jigger 1oz/2oz, Yari Glass, stir spoon, Hawthorne strainer, fine strainer, peeler, knife, julep strainer, tweezers, muffler, strike-anywhere matches.

What is your favorite cocktail to make? And can you share the recipe?

I would have to go with the Ramos Gin Fizz.

Ingredients:

2oz Gin
1oz citrus
1oz sugar
1 egg white
1oz heavy cream
Orange water flower
Soda water

Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker and dry shake (without ice). Then add ice and shake once again. Pour in a cocktail glass. Push some club soda back and forth in the shaker to pick up any leftover cream and egg white - then top your drink with that.

What can we expect from your bar when we visit?

You should definitely visit O’Donovans! Our bar cleans and disinfects on a daily basis. We care about our guests the most, and want nothing but for them to have a good time. We are also currently complying with all of Los Angeles County’s rules and regulations.

pedro_barriga_2

Pedro Barriga, shot by Luckeee Ngin

What has been your most bizarre client request?

This is quite interesting actually. Once, a 60-year-old lady asked for me to take her home and tuck her into bed.

Where do you like drinking when you’re not working?

I love drinking at Mezcalero, La Cita, Union on Yale, and El Carmen.

Can you tell us a funny story you’ve heard at the bar?

Ah, there are many, but my favorite one has to be of a guest being so drunk that he took a dump in a urinal.

What are your favorite TV shows/movies?

My favorite TV show would be Married With Children, and a movie would definitely be Forrest Gump.

What are some upcoming drinks trends to look out for?

Agave is very popular right now, and according to me, it’s going to keep going and make it big. I also see Amari/Amaro making a huge comeback. I’m excited about this.