MADE TO MINGLE

Timothy Skondin’s passion for bartending stems from the way he perceives the craft as an artform. Not only does he see art in creating balanced concoctions, but he also detects it within the social aspects of tending bar. In his eyes, adapting to the specific needs of guests requires just as much creativity, ingenuity, and skill as inventing cocktails. Watching mixologists at work have always impressed Timothy and inspired him to pursue bartending as a career. He currently is behind the bar at Rob Roy Seattle, a sexy mid-century cocktail lounge that melts away your cares.

The Seattle bar community played a major role in helping Timothy develop as a bartender and shaping him into the person he is today. “There are veteran bartenders I have learned by watching and getting to know. Simultaneously, there are new bartenders who ask questions or try new things, which in turn motivates me to learn more. While taking in all this knowledge of the craft, I’m also ultimately growing as person,” he says.

Timothy believes novice bartenders should seek out a fellow mixologist that inspires them and go sit at their bar. “Watch how they bartend, watch how they carry themselves in the bar, and how they interact with guests. Ask questions when it’s appropriate, read more books, go to the meetings, the tastings, etc. You’re not going to know all the answers right away, and that’s ok. You still have to work along the way, admit when you don’t know something, write it down and research it later.”

A favorite ingredient of his currently is a blueberry turmeric shrub, which he made for a competition but didn’t quite get the chance to use. He likes it so much he uses it in his drinks at home. He says it can make anything taste great and excellently complements a bowl of ice cream!

When creating a drink, Timothy utilizes different approaches. Whether focusing on a certain menu, using a favorite flavor, or a special texture he wants to master. He notes, out of an accident, something special will be created, same with a minor tweak to a classic. One thing he always keeps in mind is to not be too rigid during the process, because he believes it can restrict his imagination or creativity.