Name: Miguel Mora
Age: 29
Title: Lead Bartender at Straight Up Whiskey Bar
Married/Single: not married yet, but I’m working on it.
Kids: two furry lil’ jerks (but I love them), Nikko and JP.
City you live in: Scottsdale
A typical day in my life includes…
emails, errands, Amazon, Hobby Lobby and the Fruit section at Whole Foods.
I was born…
and raised in Arizona, shout out to John C. Lincoln for housing me when I barely got out.
My favorite thing about Arizona…
besides everything? I love the agriculture, our Fall-Spring weather and especially the growth of our food and beverage community. Along with the amazing growth of our cities.
I’m listening to…
Rockets by LION BABE ft. Moe Moks.
My family…
is amazing. They put up with me, so they’re great.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be…
Ron Swanson, hands down. For his wisdom, and dry quips.
One thing I cannot live without…
coffee, I believe I drink that more than water.
When I was younger, I wanted to be…
an Astronaut! So it was only fitting I became a bartender?
I’m inspired by…
everything around me, as cheesy as that may seem. But I find inspiration from music, photos, art, movies, etc. Sometimes when creating a cocktail menu, I’ll watch movies and listen to music that may pertain to that style of menu, just to immerse myself into the whole vibe.
The one person who motivates me is…
my wonderful girlfriend Stephanie. She’s my biggest fan and my toughest critic. She definitely motivates me to think outside of my own box, and also bought me a dehydrator so I can play with fruits.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be…
harsher punishments for parole violators, Stan. Oh, and world peace. (name that movie!)
The perfect day would be…
hit the lottery, 10 million dollars.
My first job was…
breakfast shift at McDonald’s, 16 years old.
My favorite escape…
listening to music while cruising the freeways. Especially heading westbound during the sunset.
My life…
couldn’t be better right now. I would say I’m definitely living my best life, I have a great set of people around me, and I love the bar I’m working at. My life is definitely great right now.
I’m currently working on…
two new cocktail menu’s for a couple of upcoming restaurants (that’s all I can say) and a new video series that is set to release this summer!
Always…
use a jigger.
Never…
wear white after Labor Day.
Favorite Quote…
“Put some alcohol in your mouth, to block the words from coming out.” – Ron Swanson
Biggest Dream…
is to be in a position in my career where I can create stepping stones for up and coming bartenders to share the same passion for this craft as I do.
My Pet Peeve(s)…
warm beer, skim milk, traffic and when my coffee isn’t made correctly in the drive thru (I only order black iced coffees and they STILL mess it up) #firstworldproblems.
