Fort Wayne is home to a blossoming craft cocktail scene—with local bartenders competing in (and winning) contests on the national level. In this series, we’ll be highlighting some of the bartenders who are making a splash, and who have helped put Downtown Fort Wayne on the mixology map.
For this installment of our Bartender Spotlight series, we head to Conner’s Rooftop—the perfect retreat for those looking to enjoy some views with their vermouth. We chatted with Ryce Warren about some of her favorite spirits, cocktails, and more.
Meet Ryce Warren of Conner’s Rooftop!
Molly: Tell me about the beginning. What drew you to the world of artisanal cocktails?
Ryce: I was a barista for a couple of years prior to bartending, and I loved to learn about the different blends, origins of coffee, and flavors that could be added to customize drinks. As soon as I turned old enough to bartend, I found myself wanting to learn these same things about different liquors and how each of them can come together to make unique cocktails.
Molly: That seems to be a trend. I’ve interviewed a few bartenders who started out as baristas. It’s definitely a similar skillset. So, you’re at Conner’s Rooftop now. What are some of your favorite cocktails on the menu at the moment?
Ryce: Currently, I’m really enjoying our Rooftop Rizz Fizz. It has gin and St-Germain, lemon and a lavender champagne simple syrup. The Blueberry Lavender Lemondrop is also a good choice—with blueberry, citrus vodka, lemon, and the same lavender champagne simple syrup. They’re so refreshing!
Molly: Sounds delicious! I love floral cocktails. Can you describe your personal style when it comes to mixology? Are there any flavors you gravitate towards?
Ryce: I don’t really think I have a dedicated style when it comes down to it. I feel like I tend to be pretty open to different flavors and just enjoy trying new ideas to see what works together. And then I build from there.
Molly: What, in your opinion, makes for a well-crafted cocktail?
Ryce: I think balance plays a huge part. Finding flavors that either blend together or compliment each other can be key to a good, balanced cocktail.
Molly: What’s your favorite spirit right now and why?
Ryce: I’d say, right now, my favorite is tequila. I used to not care for it, but over time, as I experiment and create new cocktails for our menu here, it’s grown on me. I find myself leaning towards it more and more.
Molly: Which spirit do you think is most underrated and why?
Ryce: I think gin is pretty underrated. I know plenty of people get gin and tonics or gin and sodas, but I’d love to see more bars offering more innovative gin cocktails besides the classics.
Molly: What’s the most unique or most memorable cocktail you’ve ever tasted, and what about it stood out to you?
Ryce: It’s hard to choose just one, but I think any kind of twist on an old fashioned has been a hit with me—especially this blackberry old fashioned I tried a while back. I love seeing different twists on classic cocktails.
Molly: Sounds amazing! When you have a night off, where are some of your favorite cocktail spots—and what do you order?
Ryce: I don’t really go out much due to my other job as a nail tech. I tend to either be doing nails or at Conner’s, but if I do get a rare night out, I like to go to Penny Drip or The Deck. I order anything that happens to catch my eye at the time.
Molly: Nail tech by day, and bartender by night? Sounds like you could use a night off. Okay, last question—can you share one of your personal recipes, so that readers can experiment at home? What‘s special to you about this recipe, and why should people try it?
Ryce: I happen to be really basic and lean towards an Amaretto Sour. The way I like to make it is 2 ounces of Amaretto, 1 ounce of simple syrup, 1 ounce of lemon juice, and a ¼ ounce of orange juice. Combine it all in a shaker and shake until chilled, then pour it over ice in a rocks glass. Simple, but delicious!
Ryce Warren’s Amaretto Sour
2 ounces of Amaretto
1 ounce of simple syrup
1 ounce of lemon juice
¼ ounce of orange juice
Combine it all in a shaker and shake until chilled. Pour it over ice in a rocks glass and enjoy!
About the writer
Molly Conner is a Fort Wayne native, freelance writer, and digital marketer. Having lived in Downtown Fort Wayne throughout her twenties, she loves watching her stomping grounds grow. Passionate about storytelling and community, she’s eager to tell Downtown Fort Wayne’s story piece-by-piece—exploring the people and places that make it unique.
Have a story to share? Shoot her an email!