Ektoras Binikos has been at the forefront of New York’s cocktail culture for three decades. Originally from the Greek island of Icaria, Binikos studied filmmaking and visual arts. His approach to mixology is deeply informed by his role as a fine artist whereby he strives to make each cocktail a work of art, imbued with the potential to
Ektoras Binikos has been at the forefront of New York’s cocktail culture for three decades. Originally from the Greek island of Icaria, Binikos studied filmmaking and visual arts. His approach to mixology is deeply informed by his role as a fine artist whereby he strives to make each cocktail a work of art, imbued with the potential to transport to new places and evoke an emotional response.
Forever pushing the boundaries of innovation, during the pandemic when Sugar Monk was forced to severely limit its hours of operation, Binikos created several lines of Sugar Monk house-made products including bitters, Carmelite Water, Eaux de Liqueurs, and Amari. Bartenders throughout New York City utilize his various bitters and Carmelite Water in their cocktail programs and Bloomberg Pursuits named the Ahkenaten Amaro one of the 16 Best New Spirits of 2021 alongside major global brands.
Prior to opening Sugar Monk in 2019, with co-founder/partner Simon Jutras, Binikos managed the bar programs at numerous fine-dining establishments in New York City including Aureole, Oceana and the two-Michelin star restaurant, Gabriel Kreuther. He was also the managing partner and head mixologist of the now-closed 2nd Floor on Clinton, an exclusive cocktail bar on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, that received critical acclaim, including being named one of New York’s Best Speakeasy Bars by Business Insider and Thrillist New York.
He was the founder/owner of Art & Spirit Mixology, a consulting company that focused on brand development, cocktail seminars and custom-designed specialty cocktails for corporate & private events. The focus was to push the boundaries of mixology towards the ideas of “liquid art” and concept mixology. He introduced the notion of creating cocktails after artists (living or dead) for various art institutions. Specifically, he developed personalized cocktails for artist Marina Abramovic’s 60th birthday celebration gala at The Guggenheim Museum and for the inauguration of Sean Kelly Gallery’s new space in Hudson Yards. For that project he collaborated with the Art Department of Absolut; the resulting cocktail, called The Absolute Kelly.
“I wish there were more bartenders like him,” noted the late writer and cocktail pioneer Gary Regan. “He’s one of a kind, we are lucky to witness his genius.” In his revised and updated edition of The Joy of Mixology, Regan references Binikos and Sugar Monk as a prime example of the “Art Meets the Barroom phenomenon” taking place in mixology. “In my opinion, minds like this have had the most impact on our craft [and] it’s artists like Binikos who have been chiefly responsible for the diversity in the cocktail revolution we have witnessed in recent years.”
Simon Jutras was born in Montreal, Canada. He has a diverse creative background including architecture, interior design and furniture design for private clients. Also, a professional photographer, with a focus on both commercial work and fine art, Jutras ran Simon Jutras Photography for over 20 years with clients including Calvin Klein, N
Simon Jutras was born in Montreal, Canada. He has a diverse creative background including architecture, interior design and furniture design for private clients. Also, a professional photographer, with a focus on both commercial work and fine art, Jutras ran Simon Jutras Photography for over 20 years with clients including Calvin Klein, Nine West, Tod’s, Mark Fisher, Coach, and Guess, among others. His work has been published in numerous books and magazines. Jutras is currently working on a book of fine art photography with Binikos that centers on mixology inspired by world-renowned artists.
Rima was born in Beirut, Lebanon and is of Palestinian descent. She studied at Parsons School of Design and worked as a fashion model early in her career. Her extensive experience in the hospitality industry includes bartending, front of house roles, and management. She recently relocated to New York City from Provincetown, Massachusetts,
Rima was born in Beirut, Lebanon and is of Palestinian descent. She studied at Parsons School of Design and worked as a fashion model early in her career. Her extensive experience in the hospitality industry includes bartending, front of house roles, and management. She recently relocated to New York City from Provincetown, Massachusetts, where she occupied various positions in the hospitality industry. Rima is very proud to have joined the Sugar Monk team.
Krista was raised in the Pacific Northwest and moved to NYC to pursue a bachelor’s degree in art at The City College of New York. Her experience in hospitality spans over ten years in various roles including bartender, server, and manager. Krista has a passion for painting, horticulture and travel and is happy to have joined the Sugar Mo
Krista was raised in the Pacific Northwest and moved to NYC to pursue a bachelor’s degree in art at The City College of New York. Her experience in hospitality spans over ten years in various roles including bartender, server, and manager. Krista has a passion for painting, horticulture and travel and is happy to have joined the Sugar Monk team. We are equally happy for her contribution and tremendous commitment to running the floor at night.
Ryan was born in Oklahoma. His vast experience in the hospitality industry includes bartending at The Smith (Lincoln Square), as well as Arts on Site NYC, Inc. (Residency and Retreat). He was also a partner/mixologist at QCocks, a weekly delivery cocktail service (2020-2021). He holds a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from Oklahoma City University.
Adam Osborne was born in Dallas, Texas, and raised in Paris, France. Since 2017 Adam has been working as a fashion model. He appears in campaigns and shows in Milan, Paris, and New York. In 2018 he moved to Manhattan, where he developed a passion for the art of bartending. He is also a musician (plays piano) and is fond of Claude Debussy
Adam Osborne was born in Dallas, Texas, and raised in Paris, France. Since 2017 Adam has been working as a fashion model. He appears in campaigns and shows in Milan, Paris, and New York. In 2018 he moved to Manhattan, where he developed a passion for the art of bartending. He is also a musician (plays piano) and is fond of Claude Debussy and Charles Mingus. He continues to sharpen his talent at Sugar Monk, creating and serving fine elixirs of beautiful intoxicants.
Conner is a native of Salt Lake City, Utah. He is very popular behind the stick and his charming style of bartending only matches his solid technique. He has been a bartender for over seven years, primarily in fine dining in Salt Lake City, most notably at Hotel Monaco's Vault. He moved to NYC over a year ago and SM is his first bartendi
Conner is a native of Salt Lake City, Utah. He is very popular behind the stick and his charming style of bartending only matches his solid technique. He has been a bartender for over seven years, primarily in fine dining in Salt Lake City, most notably at Hotel Monaco's Vault. He moved to NYC over a year ago and SM is his first bartending venture in the city. He had to relearn all the classic recipe specs as Utah uses considerably less alcohol in those recipes.
He is currently enrolled in Graduate School at Fordham University, studying Philosophy.
Conner loves reading classic literature, watching foreign movies, traveling. His physical activity of choice is paddle boarding. An avid hip-hop fan, he loves going to shows in his home borough of The Bronx and around the City.
Antoinette is a Latina born and raised in the Bronx. During the day, Antoinette works as a federal prosecutor in Brooklyn. She just won her first trial against a defendant who stole over $600 million through a health care fraud scheme. Before that, Antoinette worked for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign in 2016 and spent six years
Antoinette is a Latina born and raised in the Bronx. During the day, Antoinette works as a federal prosecutor in Brooklyn. She just won her first trial against a defendant who stole over $600 million through a health care fraud scheme. Before that, Antoinette worked for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign in 2016 and spent six years in the Obama White House (2010-2016) while attending Georgetown Law at night.
But every Monday night you’ll find her behind the stick at Sugar Monk, preparing one of your favorite classic cocktails. She is honored to bartend in Harlem where her mother grew up.
She wanted to explore more deeply her passion for cocktails through bartending as a creative outlet. She is now thrilled to have joined the Sugar Monk team and we are equally happy for her contribution.
If that wasn't enough, she is also the founder of a non-profit @latinx44 where they recently awarded scholarships to eight Hispanic students to fund their unpaid public service summer internships.
Born in Chicago, raised in Houston, and seasoned in the kitchens of Columbia, SC, Caesar Stovall, a former US Army Medical Sergeant, cultivated his healing skills at Ft Sam Houston, incorporating herb and plant medicine during his oversea service in Afghanistan.
He transitioned to a successful international modeling career in NYC for t
Born in Chicago, raised in Houston, and seasoned in the kitchens of Columbia, SC, Caesar Stovall, a former US Army Medical Sergeant, cultivated his healing skills at Ft Sam Houston, incorporating herb and plant medicine during his oversea service in Afghanistan.
He transitioned to a successful international modeling career in NYC for the likes of Tom Ford and Givenchy, among others.
He soon discovered his true passion for mixology and hospitality. Today, Caesar thrives as a mixologist and tasting specialist. He has been collaborating with prestigious spirits brands like Moet-Hennessy, William H Grant and Sons, and Barbancourt.
Kellyrose is an actor and a writer, born in the Bronx, NY. She holds a graduate degree in Arts and Politics from University College of London.
She developed a taste for the theatre early on which has taken her all over America and Europe. In addition to acting, Kellyrose is also an educator and has taught theatre and play internationally
Kellyrose is an actor and a writer, born in the Bronx, NY. She holds a graduate degree in Arts and Politics from University College of London.
She developed a taste for the theatre early on which has taken her all over America and Europe. In addition to acting, Kellyrose is also an educator and has taught theatre and play internationally to both children and adults in non-traditional environments such as migrant facilities and detention centers in Europe and the USA. When she is not acting or teaching, you can find her at Sugar Monk where she has “been delighted to work for a full year and learned a great deal about the art of mixology”. We are equally delighted to have her take excellent care of our guests several nights a week. Her diverse background only enhances her attributes.
Originally from St. Louis, MO, Brooke spent the past ten years in Los Angeles, CA, pursuing a career as a professional dancer and artist, in addition to bartending and serving in various establishments. During her time in Los Angeles, she was blessed to have both taught and danced in many shows and choreographed music videos. Also, an
Originally from St. Louis, MO, Brooke spent the past ten years in Los Angeles, CA, pursuing a career as a professional dancer and artist, in addition to bartending and serving in various establishments. During her time in Los Angeles, she was blessed to have both taught and danced in many shows and choreographed music videos. Also, an entrepreneur, she owned and operated Ritch Magic, a small business that focused on holistic self-care and specialized in handmade crystal jewelry, body oils, fragrances, and soy wax meditation candles. Brooke recently moved to NYC to further advance her career in dance, choreography and holistic health.
Jonathan Rud was born and raised in Savannah, Georgia. He developed a passionate interest in music at a young age, enrolling in piano and clarinet lessons by his middle school years. He attended Georgia Southern University pursuing a degree in Clarinet Performance. During his time at university, he began working in hospitality. In Septe
Jonathan Rud was born and raised in Savannah, Georgia. He developed a passionate interest in music at a young age, enrolling in piano and clarinet lessons by his middle school years. He attended Georgia Southern University pursuing a degree in Clarinet Performance. During his time at university, he began working in hospitality. In September of 2023, he moved to NYC to continue in that field and gather more skills in mixology and fine dining. In his free time, if he isn’t exploring the city, he can be found at home with his dog, Banana Bread, and cat, Waffles.
Lee was born and raised in the Bronx, NY. She studied photography at the Mohawk Valley College in UTICA, NY. During the day she works as a barista and staff trainer at Starbucks. At night, she is one of our kitchen chefs or bar assistant. She is very excited to be learning the craft of cocktail making and aspires to eventually become a
Lee was born and raised in the Bronx, NY. She studied photography at the Mohawk Valley College in UTICA, NY. During the day she works as a barista and staff trainer at Starbucks. At night, she is one of our kitchen chefs or bar assistant. She is very excited to be learning the craft of cocktail making and aspires to eventually become a bartender. Lee has become very fast one of our valuable family members showing passion for hospitality and proving complete dedication to the team and our establishment. On her free time, she likes to work out and going around town with friends, discovering new bars and restaurants.
Ramon was born and raised in Veracruz, Mexico and moved to New York 20 years ago to pursue his dream of becoming a chef. His vast experience in NYC includes cooking in both restaurants and in catering where he worked on television productions including Sex and the City, The Sopranos, and I am Legend. He is extremely proud to be a Chef at Sugar Monk.
Trunks is a multidisciplinary artist from New Orleans. He studied at The New Orleans Center for creative arts. He now lives in New York pursuing an education in the arts. Hailing from a gourmet background as both of his parents have degrees in the culinary arts. Trunks has been taught in traditional french cuisine and is now applying
Trunks is a multidisciplinary artist from New Orleans. He studied at The New Orleans Center for creative arts. He now lives in New York pursuing an education in the arts. Hailing from a gourmet background as both of his parents have degrees in the culinary arts. Trunks has been taught in traditional french cuisine and is now applying his talents at Sugar Monk. His mother is the Owner of a prominent catering company in New Orleans; Amaris Catering and Events. They work every major festival in New Orleans such as but not limited to Essence and Jazz fest. Feeding the likes of Jill Scott and Michelle Obama. Since loosing an eye at a young age Trunks has always had a special perspective in this world. He sees like no one else and is eager to show how he interacts with this reality!
Tama Matsuoka Wong is a forager, weed eater, meadow doctor, lawyer and mother of three. She is the author of the backyard field guide and cookbook Foraged Flavor (Clarkson Potter June 2012), nominated for a James Beard award in 2013. After more than twenty-five years as a financial-services lawyer, she launched Meadows and More to conne
Tama Matsuoka Wong is a forager, weed eater, meadow doctor, lawyer and mother of three. She is the author of the backyard field guide and cookbook Foraged Flavor (Clarkson Potter June 2012), nominated for a James Beard award in 2013. After more than twenty-five years as a financial-services lawyer, she launched Meadows and More to connect experts in the fields of meadow restoration, botany, and wildlife with people in the community. For the past three years Tama has supplied Sugar Monk with wild plants, roots, fruits, and flowers, ingredients that are often overlooked as inedible, yet full of flavors that connect us to the natural world. We utilize many of these wild ingredients in our cocktail program in the form of aromatic bitters, tinctures, infusions and syrups while others are important ingredients for our Amari and house made liqueurs. She is also the official forager for Restaurant Daniel, the pillar of haute gastronomy in Manhattan's Upper East Side. She also works with organizations including the Audubon Society and Slow Food USA. In 2007, she was named Steward of the Year by the New Jersey Forest Service.
Sugar Monk’s talented team is incredibly diverse (age, race, ethnicity and sexual orientation/identification) and is hailed from around the world. A close family, their mutual respect translates to every aspect of what they do, showing an extreme passion and desire to provide their guests the highest quality of offerings and warm hospitality. Every role, from Head Bartender, Bartender, Junior Bartender and Assistant Bartender to the servers, chefs and icemaker, contributes to what makes Sugar Monk so unique.
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