Bartender Showcase
Meet the Bar Meisters from across the nation
Nina Calame
Welcome to Bartender Showcase featuring Danina Calame (Nina), a talented bartender from Cleveland. Bartender Showcase brings the best bartending talent from across the country. These passionate and gifted artists are leaders within the industry and are educating and inspiring through their shaker tins.
- Press Play on Nina's Spotify Playlist & Enjoy the Tunes.
- Learn About Nina's Cleveland Inspired Cocktail.
- Scroll Down to Get to Know Nina.
Nina's Spotify Playlist & Inspiration
The inspiration for my Cocktail Rock of Ages Spotify list is Rock music that spans several decades and is recognized as true Rock Anthems that people of this city can easily recall or remember. They are played readily at sporting events and celebrations of all kinds. They can invoke memories, bring energy to a crowd, and get you up and moving in the gym. In other words, these songs ROCK!!! (Pun intended)
Nina Calame
Rock Of Ages
Created by Nina Calame
Cocktail Name: Rock Of Ages
Name & Title: Danina Calame (Nina)
Cocktail Name: Rock of Ages
Recipe:
- 1 ½ parts Jägermeister Cold Brew
- 1 part Aged Rum
- 1 part Banana Cinnamon syrup* (See Recipe below in Tips & Tricks)
- 1 part Fresh Lime Juice
- 3 dashes Fee Brothers Black Walnut Bitters
Glass: Footed collins
Garnish: Fresh mint
Method: Shake and strain over ice
Inspiration: Music. Nothing more, nothing less. I live in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame city. I love metal music, alternative, rock, and so much in between. It pumps you up and soothes the soul. Music is universal; it can bring you back to any time or place. Much like music, aromas, textures, and tastes can do the same. This cocktail reminds me of places I’ve been and places I have yet to see while listening to my favorite music in the background.
Over the past 20+ years, Danina has worked her way through many bars and clubs in Cleveland to gain experience in hospitality. In 2012 she landed at Cleveland’s premier cocktail lounge, where she truly fell in love with everything the industry had to offer. Over the last 10 years, she has continued to grow in the field, truly embracing education and all it has to offer. Moving forward, she plans to get back to learning and exploring other fields within hospitality. Danina travels frequently and has visited other cities cocktail weeks to learn and explore how trends, culture, music, and location can influence how we eat and drink.
Tips & Tricks
Nina, what are some tips & tricks regarding the cocktail you created?
- Tips and tricks for the Banana cinnamon syrup.
- 1:1 ratio of sugar to water
- Once at a boil, add sliced frozen bananas
- Add cinnamon sticks
- Let cool to room temperature
- Once cooled, remove cinnamon sticks and run the mixture through a mill, crushing bananas (2 times)
- Strain out large pieces of banana and enjoy cocktails.
What do you love most about your city?
What do I love about Cleveland? Its diversity. The fact that Cleveland has always been held together by our love of music, food, and drink. The arts drive us here. Our passion for all things sports, good and bad. The people. They are blended and beautiful. I can go to a craft cocktail bar, a tiki bar, and a dive bar, all within walking distance. The cocktail, culinary, and music scenes work together here to bring about the best experiences for our guests.
