Bartender Submission - Julia Melucci, Sea-Guini, Florida

Julia Melucci

Sea-Guini, Clearwater Beach

Photos courtesy of Opal Sands Resort

Julia Melucci tends bar at Sea-Guini in the Opal Sands Resort, Clearwater Beach, Florida. At first, working behind the stick allowed her to stay home during the day and raise her three children while her husband was at work. What began from a scheduling convenience for Julia became more of a creative outlet as her children grew older.

What makes Sea-Guini unique is that it’s one of the few places on the beach that offers craft cocktails. The bar’s vibe is contemporary and upscale. “I always tell people that I have the best job on the island. The setup has the guests facing me while I’m facing the Gulf of Mexico for the sunset every day, which is the same view as all of the tiki bars in town.” And what makes this place special to her is that it’s the exact location as the first bar she started behind—Adam’s Mark—over 25 years ago. Talk about full circle.

There are no shortcuts in Melucci’s book. When it comes to creating cocktails, she believes shortcuts will often get a drink sent back. And for making Mojitos, cutting corners like using lime cordial instead of fresh lime juice can be fatal for the drink.

“Don’t skimp the shake! If you make a Mojito and it’s completely clear when it hits the table, you did it wrong.”

While everyone is becoming a mixologist at home, Julia has some encouraging advice for novice bartenders. “Every drink does not need to taste like straight alcohol. Making cocktails is like baking or cooking. Flavors can be blended, and ingredients can be tweaked. Find something you like and get creative with it.” The opportunity to get creative and those beautiful sunsets keep Julia in the business of bartending.

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE

INGREDIENTS 2 ½ oz. vanilla vodka 1 oz. fresh lime juice 1 oz. simple syrup 2 strawberries

PREPARATION Rim glass with honey and Graham cracker crumbs. Muddle 1 strawberry with simple and lime juice. Add vodka. Shake vigorously and strain into prepared Martini glass. Garnish with remaining berry.