Aisha Sharpe

Mixologist
www.contemporarycocktails.com

Aisha Sharpe has raised the bar for mixologists; her creativity, innovation and skill have been acclaimed by the likes of The New York Times, New York Magazine and prominent restaurant and club owners around the nation. Aisha began her career in 1996 and has since fine-tuned her skills as both a consultant and on-premise mixologist. While working throughout the country, Aisha developed a passion for researching methods and techniques that were used in an era gone by. Fascinated, Aisha incorporated these into cocktails that put her on the map. Her philosophy and respect for using true ingredients is unrelenting - even in New York City she grows her own blue agave. Her passion for spirits has fueled travel to far off places to explore the true integrity of a spirit.

"Vanilla plays so well with an array of flavor profiles that it is a frequent component in many of my cocktail creations. Right now I'm loving the combination of natural vanilla and cucumber; it's so fresh and delicate."

"I first learned of the true source of natural vanilla when introduced to NAVAN several years ago. It was so unexpected to discover that this spice I thought I knew, in fact, came from exotic origins continents away, and from a flower! Understanding the cultivation of vanilla gave me a new appreciation of a spice we all know and love."

"A current favorite is the NAVAN Manhattan. The smooth characteristics of natural vanilla perfectly complement the bourbon and bitters."