The folks at Red Door in Bucktown are proud to announce a new and exciting addition to their team with one of the city's most up and coming mixologists, Jay Schroeder. Schroeder has spent time studying spirit based educational programs throughout the world, and has most recently worked at Double A at Mercadito, Drawing Room and more. He was named one of Zagat's "30 Under 30" in 2012, as well "Judge's Choice" and one of the last four standing at Red Eye's "Best Bartender" in Chicago competition in 2012. 

In addition to specifically creating a beverage program that will complement Red Door's acclaimed beer menu-- which was recently called one of the most "solid beer lists" in the city by Michael Nagrant-- Schroeder plans to implement a contemporary but simple cocktail list involving fresh herbs, amaro, and specific flavor pairings between base spirits and ingredients.

Ready for a new cocktail to get excited about? Prepare for Schroeder's Grapefruit Tarragon Paloma. "It's hands down the best thing I've ever created, and it's blindingly simple. I feel like I'm about to drop a bomb on the city with this one. It's a soda made with fresh grapefruit, lime, and tarragon, among a few other things. Milagro Blanco tequila is the base spirit and the pairing is sublime," says Schroeder.

More information on Schroeder below. High resolution headshot or interior/exterior photography of Red Door available by request.
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ABOUT JAY SCHROEDER: `With a straightforward approach to the art of a mixology and nearly a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, Jay Schroeder brings a new level of creativity to the cocktail program at Bucktown’s favorite neighborhood locale, Red Door.

Working in the restaurant business since 2003, Jay has garnered a worldly approach to the art of the cocktail by completing top-level, spirit based educational programs and advanced courses in Mexico, in addition to spending time perfecting his craft in Japan, Scotland, England, Puerto Rico, Canada, France and more. Most recently serving as the head bartender at Double A at Mercadito, Jay was perhaps most heavily influenced when he was immersed in the cocktail culture at the Drawing Room in 2008, which he considers the single biggest turning point in his career. Here he was inspired by nationally acclaimed bartending behemoth Charles Joly, now of Aviary fame. Constantly pushing his knowledge of interesting flavor combinations, and balanced spirit-driven cocktails, Schroeder is an upcoming force in Chicago's mixology scene, recently being named one of Zagat's "30 Under 30" in 2012, as well "Judge's Choice" and one of the last four standing at Red Eye's "Best Bartender" in Chicago competition in 2012.

His cocktails range from simple, refreshing and fun all the way to complex and thought provoking. As for technique, Jay describes his approach to the cocktail as minimalistic – no foams, no molecular gastronomy, no gimmicks. His cocktail program for Red Door will make use of the same top quality ingredients and international flavor inspirations found on the dining menu, serving as a perfect complement to Red Door's eclectic beer menu.