ABOUT THE CURATOR

In the spring of 2020, I was set to graduate college with degrees in violin and graphic design. If you had told me that just 5 years later, I'd have gone through a pandemic and moved 7 times? I'd have believed you (I mean, I've always had an open mind), but I sure wouldn't have seen it coming.

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I was known as 'the violin kid' growing up. Most kids didn't even know my name— the instrument was my identity. I finally let that go after my final college solo recital: an hour of my best work, beautiful red dress, surrounded by friends. It was perfect.

 

Now what?

 

I'd had an itch to learn mixology. I knew absolutely nothing about it, and now I finally had the time to dive into a new study. I rushed to the liquor store, bought all the ingredients for a Tequila Sunrise, and served them to some friends.

 

They couldn't take a second sip. My friends bluntly admitted to me that they were some of the worst drinks they'd ever had.

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Sure, I was embarrassed cleaning up after they left, pouring full lukewarm glasses down the sink. But I didn't give up trying.

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I found the most peculiar joy in genuinely being bad at something again. It wasn't violin, where I decades of practice in without a single excuse to mess up. I was finally allowing myself to make mistakes.

 

Without a teacher, it took my own determination to keep asking, 'why does it work this way?' 'Where does that come from?' 'How did someone come up with this?'

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If you've read this far, you've likely figured out I was quite the nerd growing up. Therefore it may be no surprise that I had a nonexistent relationship to alcohol. My parents kept its presence far away from me growing up, and I don't blame them. It can ruin people's lives if used improperly. To this day, I juggle the morality of writing about cocktails and spirits.

 

In college, I worked as a resident advisor and took care of floors of freshman students: I saw just a glimpse of the terrible things it can do. By my 21st birthday, alcohol made me so nervous that I took one sip of my first martini, greyed out, and threw directly up the restaurant stairs.

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But I believe that we fear and misuse what we don't understand. Today, I love making cocktails. I love building flavors, textures, and colors to create beautiful experiences. I love pairing a bottle of wine for a dinner party, sipping a cold, smooth draft beer over burgers and fries (or I did until I learned about my gluten intolerance). The world of alcohol can be flavorful and fun, so long as it's enjoyed in moderation and we strive to take the best care of ourselves.

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That's ultimately why I decided to build this lexicon: I wanted a centralized place to access everything I've learned so far, and to share it with other passionate people. I can't wait to see where this new world of discovery takes me, and I hope you'll join me for the adventure!