Drinking Rye is an occasional feature to meet the bartenders and other professionals running the good times in bars across Rye and its neighboring towns. When you are relaxing, these folks are working hard for you, your friends & family and your taste buds.
Do you have a suggestion for who we should profile on Drinking Rye? Tell us.
Today meet Head Bartender Victor Miranda of Frankie and Johnnie’s Steakhouse on Purchase Street.
Your Name: Victor Miranda
Your Role: Head Bartender
Your bar (or restaurant): Frankie and Johnnie’s Steakhouse
MyRye.com: How long have you been a bartender at Frankie and Johnnies’s Steakhouse? Previously, where did you work?
Miranda: I have been a bartender at Frankie and Johnnie’s for three years and previously worked at Via Garibaldi and Gaucho Gill.
What and when was your first paid job?
Miranda: A busboy, 10 years ago.
Describe your path to bartending:
Miranda: I studied tourism administration in college, and one of my classes was cocktails. I started as a busboy, later I was promoted as a barback. The owner of the restaurant offered me the opportunity to become a bartender and I took it. She also offered to pay for the professional mixology course and my license.
What are three attributes that make someone a good bartender?
- Professionalism
- Charisma
- Maintains cleanliness
Describe your bar’s clientele:
Miranda: Our customers are loyal and regular. They have become more than just customers. They are customers who like good quality and good service.
Describe the atmosphere of your bar:
Miranda: Our bar has a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere for clients and for those of us who work there. It is a comfortable space for everyone whether it is a group of people, a couple or just one person.
Describe the physical attributes of your bar:
Miranda: It is a very practical, efficient, and easy bar to work at and have everything in perfect order for the time of service.
What’s your favorite drink and why?
Miranda: I can say that my favorite drink to make is the Cosmopolitan, since it was the first drink I learned to make and it’s a classic and popular drink that everyone likes, especially women. It’s refreshing, delicate and perfect for many occasions.
Match a recommended drink with each occasion:
| Occasion | Recommended Drink |
| Warm summer evening | Mojito/Margarita |
| Crisp fall afternoon | Apple cider bourbon |
| Cold winter day | Hot Toddy |
| Muddy wet spring night | Red Sangria / Aperol Spritz |
| First date | Cosmopolitan / Old Fashion |
| Date night | Manhattan / Negroni |
| Anniversary | Champagne |
| Breakup | Tequila shots |
| Favorite sports team wins | Beer |
| Hated sports team loses | Beer |
| Good bonus | Tom Collins |
| Bad bonus | Dirty Martini |
| Promotion | Champagne |
| Birthday | Champagne / Tequila shots |
| Everyday | Glass of wine |
What is your favorite bar food and why?
Miranda: Filet and toast, they’re delicious, made with a nice piece of filet mignon, and they’re easy to eat because you don’t need silverware.
What’s the most underrated day of week and time of day to enjoy your bar?
Miranda: Monday is the day that you will surely need a drink to start your week with all the good attitude and energy.
Thanks, Victor!
