JAMES LEE, mixologist

"My inspiration comes from choice ingredients and my passion for innovation.  The key to a great cocktail is the perfect balance between sweet and tart.  And the only way to achieve that is with the freshest fruits and vegetables, and the finest spirits in the world."

Mixologist and Big Red F Beverage Director James Lee has led the way for the Big Red F philosophy of the handcrafted culinary cocktail.  Growing up in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, James began bartending in 1990.  In 1998 he started with the Big Red F Restaurant Group at Zolo Southwestern Grill and fell in love with tequila and the art of the margarita.  From there his expertise and enthusiasm grew as he moved over to be bar manager at The West End Tavern in 2004, and consequently acquired a passion for whiskey, specifically bourbon. 

James has made his mark at The Big Red F Restaurants after receiving the accolades of “Best Tequila Bar” 6 years in a row while at Zolo Southwestern Grill as well as “Best Bar” in 2007 from the Daily Camera and “Best Rooftop Patio” from Sunset Magazine while at The West End Tavern.  In addition, his recipe for the “Mayan Mocha Martini” was featured in “Food & Wine” Cocktails 2008 and and in April 2009 he was named "Top Ten Mixologists" in the country by Playboy.   

Want to learn from the expert?  Join James Lee for a Bitter Bar cocktail class, click for details.