Today we’d like to introduce you to John Apodaca.
Daddy-O’s Martinis craft cocktail mobile bartending service was founded in 2008 by John Apodaca. Being the grandson of a bootlegger from Albuquerque, New Mexico, who made his own whiskey, beer and wine, you might say working with classic spirits runs in John’s blood.
Involved in the swing dance scene in Los Angeles since the swing resurgence back in 1998, John and his friend Scott Girodano would volunteer to make craft cocktails for guests at the various swing dance house parties they attended. During this period, John started learning the fundamentals of making classic, craft cocktails as well as researching vintage cocktail recipes. He quickly learned that the secret to making great tasting drinks is to use high quality spirits and ingredients.
John specializes in making classic craft cocktails from the nineteenth and first half of the twentieth century. He utilizes top shelf spirits and mixers along with fresh herbs and juices, as opposed to bottled sweet & sour and pre-mixes. John has a passion for connecting with customers, and serves them great craft cocktails as well as his own creations, making even the most finicky drinker happy.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s not always been a smooth road. There are a lot of catering companies that offer less expensive, and very mediocre bar service with low grade spirits, and surprisingly most have not upped their game even with the current popularity of the craft cocktail scene. People have to remember: you get what you pay for!
Please tell us about Daddy O’s Martinis.
Daddy-O’s Martinis is a mobile bartending service, specializes in making classic craft cocktails from the nineteenth and first half of the twentieth century. I also teach classes, and have taught at Sur La Table in Los Angeles. I utilize top shelf spirits, and mixers along with fresh herbs and juices, as opposed to bottled sweet & sour, and pre-mixes. I have a passion for connecting with customers, and serve them great craft cocktails as well as my own creations. If I’m asked to make a customized drink for say a wedding or certain theme, I can do it.
My Nueva Ventura Cooler created for a wedding reception, or Johnny’s Irish Coffee created for a private party.
Daddy-O’s Martinis has also been the guest mixologist on the internet based radio station ‘Martini in the Morning’ for 4.5 years. I made sure the get the host Brad “martini” Chambers, and hostess of the show plastered by 10:30 in the morning. I also produce Cocktail Television, interviewing up and coming craft cocktail bartenders, spirit reps, and new bars. I’m most proud of coming up with new creations on the fly with available spirits on hand at parties. After a few tries, it tastes just right, and helps make a party or event a success. What sets Daddy-O’s Martinis apart: it’s about having an appearance of style, and class similar to in an elegant scene in the classic films from the 1940’s.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I wouldn’t do anything differently.
Pricing:
- Up to 15 guests $150.00, 16 – 35 guests $200.00, 36 – 45 guests $275.00, 46 – 75 guests, $400.00,
- 76 – 120 guests $625.00
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.daddyosmartinis.com/
- Phone: 562-773-2293
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daddyosmartinis/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Daddyosmartinis/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/daddyosmartinis
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/daddy-os-martinis-long-beach
- Other: https://www.yellowpages.com/long-beach-ca/mip/daddy-os-martinis-492085989
Image Credit:
John Apodaca, Daddy-O’s Martinis
