Hidden Gems: Meet Matt McGee of The Cocktail Method

Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt McGee.

Hi Matt, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always loved throwing a good party. I grew up on the east coast and when the weather gets cold, it always felt like there was this extra sense of community that was created when we’d all cram into someone’s living room or basement or kitchen and entertain ourselves. When I got to SoCal the weather was always so nice and I missed that sense of gathering. Sure, there were parties, but they felt more detached. There was an ulterior motive of networking or trying to create some sort of social capital. Cocktail Method started in 2019 when I had the idea that I could recreate that sense of community and bonding through delicious and highly specialized cocktails and an intelligent, personable bartender who could feature as this kind of centerpiece to a party.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I don’t think anything in business, or anything worth doing really is smooth. There’s a million bar staffing companies in Los Angeles. People flake. Nobody wants to be adventurous with their tastebuds. I think the most difficult thing for me has been: I’m not a business person. I didn’t know the first thing about business coming in. I liked parties and I liked cocktails but knowing there is a market for something and really being able to engage that market in a meaningful way are two very, very different things.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Cocktail Method?
Like I said, The Cocktail Method was born out of genuine interest and the joy stemming from helping people have the absolute best time. We specialize in highly customizable party services which provide everything from bartenders to servers to support staff to party rentals. We can take your party all the way from scratch to the finishing touches or we can be the last piece of the puzzle.

I think what really sets us apart is 2 things. First, our cocktails. We have a menu for people to select from of highly unique cocktails. Sure anyone can get an Old Fashioned or Negroni but how about our Chicken n’ Waffles Old Fashioned or our Friendly Negroni with Aperol and Muddled Strawberries? We help create a party and a bar experience that’s going to stand out. For many people, having a bar and bartender at their party is a luxury and we want to make sure it really feels that way.

Secondly, our staff. Throw a rock in Los Angeles and you’ll hit a musician or actor or artist who is working as a bartender. Does that mean they have any clue what goes into a good cocktail? Not at all. Anyone can make a drink from a recipe. The mark of a real bartender in my opinion is the ability to craft and create based on what’s available and what the guest wants. Say the signature cocktail is a Gin Rosemary Gimlet, but a guest comes to the bar who really wants something fancy with gin, but is allergic to rosemary, how do you handle that? How do you handle someone who wants to look cool at a party but has no idea what they like? How about someone who doesn’t drink? Our staff can handle that. In fact, at The Cocktail Method, we thrive on that. That’s where the fun comes in.

In addition, I think there also has to be a lack of pretension. We love a good cocktail but cringe at the word mixologist. A good bartender is down to earth, they’re personable and fun. They love crafting a great drink but there can’t be any arrogance in the process. If you’re going to look down on someone, you probably don’t belong in service.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Consistency is key. The really is no better thing to know. You’re going to have all these dreams and they’re going to get brutally shattered and you need to have the discipline to keep going. A little bit every day is my mantra when a task seems to big or I’m feeling a lack of motivation.

Pricing:

• Bartenders – $50/hr
• Support Staff – $40/hr

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thecocktailmethod.com
• Instagram: thecocktailmethod
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-cocktail-method-los-angeles-2?osq=the+cocktail+method