Name: Carlos Ruiz
Title: Restaurant Operations/Property Mixologist
Instagram: @carlosfamm
Find me mixing drinks at… JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa
My favorite drink to make is… anything agave based.
I’d most like to mix a drink for… Antonio Banderas, the actor is family-oriented with a sense of humor and played one the most interesting men on the big screen. Plus, he loves tequila. Perhaps we may share one or two drinks together while we speak about past relationships from his book of life.
If I could have one superpower while working, it’d be… psychic abilities.
If I were a flavor, I’d be… spicy.
My biggest bartending fail… I remember like it was yesterday. I was conducting a tequila seminar and had prepared a special tequila infusion for a crafted cocktail to end the event. The tequila fruit was in an oversized mason jar and did not look to be vibrant in color for photos. I quickly washed a new vessel. When transferring the infused liquids into the jar filled with fresh fruit, tragedy struck. The entire bottom half of the glass vessel broke off due from the drastic temperatures cracking the container. This created quite the mess and covered the suit I was wearing with tequila.
My top drink and food recommendation to guests is… Primo has a delicious 50 oz. Tomahawk Wagyu Ribeye if you’re dining with two… field salad, potato gratin, creamed greens, sauce bordelaise paired with a Primo Fashion (tequila old fashioned), made with Maestro Dobel tequila infused with raspberries, orange and sage; agave nectar; tiki bitters; and cherry bitters with a cherry and orange twist. Make sure you leave room for a Zeppole, warm Italian doughnuts tossed in cinnamon and sugar. Plus, a few gluten-free Cannoli Siciliana hand-rolled pistachio- and chocolate-dipped tuiles, filled with sweet ricotta and Amarena cherries. Both are a must-have while at Starr Pass. The desserts pair with a 1921 Crema de Tequila on the rocks.
Click here to check out Carlos’ newest cocktail creation, The Carlito!
