
The Curious 11 with Brenda Riepenhoff
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Time to read 2 min
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Time to read 2 min
An Ohio native with a passion for bartending, Brenda Riepenhoff first embarked on her craft upon moving to New York City as a way to supplement her income from her job in the music industry.
Quickly falling in love, she quit music and devoted herself to hospitality. Brenda currently slings cocktails overlooking the Manhattan skyline at Westlight, the buzzed-about rooftop bar located atop Brooklyn's William Vale hotel.
I was working in the music industry and realized I could justify buying new liquor and ice cube trays but not equipment for the studio!
Patience, multitasking, adaptability, work ethic, passion for the industry.
Martinis, because everyone wants it differently, you have to ask a zillion questions, and some people are extremely particular (I want people to enjoy their drink, but with Martinis, it comes with a lot of small details to remember that change with each customer).
Underrated - Rusty Nail, Overrated - Moscow Mule.
I want people to enjoy their drink, but with martinis, it comes with a lot of small details to remember that change with each customer.
Well Vodka legit takes on other flavors, you can mix it with anything and you can use it for Spirit-forward or more refreshing cocktails.
How to clean the inside of bottles easily.
My family heritage, learning German, reading classics, health foods.
I do not want to be an owner, but I do want to have more control over programs and doing more things on the business side of the industry.
If i wasn't a bartender I would probably be working in the music industry still, but now i'd like to have been a translator or a book publisher.
Micro planes..it's just so rewarding to finish a drink with grating something over it so sexy like nutmeg, chocolate, or lime zest.
I see myself still behind the bar but working fewer shifts, but also running a bar program, hopefully as bar manager. I do not want to be an owner, but I do want to have more control over programs and doing more things on the business side of the industry.
I'd love to make a drink for BILLY JOEL.
Like what you read? Keep up with Brenda on Instagram or Twitter. And don’t forget to follow @westlightnyc.
*We love fine Spirits, but it’s all about mindful tasting and refined moderation. Don’t binge and guzzle down booze excessively (not a connoisseur behavior), stick to soda before you’re of legal age—and for peat’s sake, don’t drink and drive. Thank you. As you were.