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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you wanted to know about Johnny—behind the bar and on the page.

Here are some of the questions people often ask me—about bartending, writing, or just life behind the scenes.

Take a peek!

How did you get started in bartending and writing?

Writing happened unexpectedly during my internship at a castle in Italy. I was working in vineyards and olive groves by day and translating a book from medieval Italian to modern English. Bartending was something that I wanted more than anything. I saw the exciting lifestyle and how they met new people every night. The piles of cash weren't too bad either!

What’s a typical day like for you? Do you start the day with writing or with mixing drinks—and how do you balance both?

I start the day with coffee. My path will be determined by the strength of said coffee!

How long does it take you to create something new? Whether it’s a cocktail recipe or a story idea, what’s your creative process like?

It hits me out of nowhere. Mostly when I am bartending and I meet someone who sends us both on tangents of silliness and debauchery! Then I scribble down just enough to remind me what the hell we were carrying on about.

Do your bartending and writing ever inspire each other? Have you ever created a drink based on a story—or written a scene inspired by a drink?

No, neither.

What’s your favorite cocktail to make? And is there a personal story behind it?

Pirate Dave’s Rum Runner. I learned it while bartending at Harry T’s in Destin, Florida, where we had a regular who looked exactly like a pirate from the 1800s. We called him Pirate Dave, and he taught me his recipe. There are hundreds of versions of this drink, but when you learn it from a guy who sails the Caribbean and is called Pirate Dave, it’s hard to beat!

What do you love most about your work—both behind the bar and as an author?

Meeting people and swapping travel stories, drunk stories, risque stories, etc.

What’s your best piece of advice for someone with more than one passion, especially if they want to pursue both at the same time?

Focus on the one that occupies most of your thoughts.

What’s your go-to drink when you’re off the clock? (And maybe a fun fact most people don’t know about you!)

Everybody knows. Glass of red wine and a shot of tequila.

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