New Mexico bartender named top 15 in the nation

SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – Among the finest bartenders within the nation is true right here in New Mexico. After being topped one of many high 15 within the nation, a Santa Fe bartender is competing this weekend to hopefully be topped the perfect within the nation and transfer on to world competitors.

If it has to do with a drink, chances are high Weston Simons is aware of it effectively. “My first job after I was 15 was a soda jerk at a malt store in Albuquerque,” mentioned Simons. “I’ve been a barista, I’ve been a soda jerk, I’ve been a server, I’ve been a cocktail waiter, I’ve been a busser, a bar again, a line cook dinner, a bartender, head mixologist, like when you title it, I’ve performed it.”

He’s now a bartender at Tonic in Santa Fe. “Bartending is sort of this magical place the place science meets artwork in a very enjoyable approach,” mentioned Simons. “However you’re additionally a performer and also you get to fulfill folks and work together with folks from all world wide. and it’s sort of the nice equalizer you understand? Everyone seems to be welcome on the bar high.”

All that pouring into the trade is now paying off. After beating 10,000 entrants, Simons made it by means of regionals and was named among the many 15 high bartenders within the nation in USBG’s World Class Competitors Sponsored By Diageo.

“It’s wonderful. It’s humbling being round these unimaginable bartenders however it’s additionally a very good feeling to be acknowledged for my very own skills as effectively,” mentioned Simons.

This weekend he’ll journey to Nashville to compete to be the perfect within the nation, and hopefully transfer on to the worldwide competitors in September. “It’s such an honor to be right here. It’s such an honor to be on this competitors with all these unimaginable folks,” mentioned Simons. “I’m tremendous grateful for the chance to indicate off myself and my course of.”

He hopes to serve the judges like he does his regulars. “There’s one thing actually particular when somebody takes a sip of that drink and their eyes widen, like wow, that is the perfect factor I’ve ever had,” mentioned Simons.

Folks can observe his journey on his Instagram, @westondrinks, or on his web site.