By Tine Roycroft

KJ Baaron’s liquor store and Mixologist Corey Bunnewith are giving Worcester a reason to actually look forward to Mondays.  “Cocktails With Corey” is a fascinating demo/tasting/educational event that takes place on the first Monday of each month.  Guests can try featured brands of alcohol, and watch and learn as Bunnewith utilizes the alcohol in a few cocktails and fields questions about the spirits in front of them.

Bunnewith may be 22, but his education and experience is that of someone twice his age.  He attended the Culinary Institute of America where he focused on Baking and Pastry Arts.  Meanwhile, Bunnewith was getting bar experience at Block Five Bistro Bar where he worked his way up from barback to bartender. His interest in wine and spirits led him to the International Wine Center in New York City where he received his certificate in Wine and Spirits from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust.  But we had to ask ~ what exactly does a mixologist do?

“The difference between a bartender and a mixologist,” Bunnewith explains, “is that a mixologist tends to focus a little more on product and education.  A bartender needs to focus much more on customer service and actually tending the bar.”

“Cocktails with Corey” has already sparked a committed fanbase at KJ Baaron’s, with some people actually reserving spaces on their calendars to attend the events; each night features new topics, new drinks and tons of fun.  Bunnewith is an admitted seasonal fanatic so is constantly looking to incorporate seasonal berries, locally grown mint, or fresh-picked apples in the drinks he makes.  But he isn’t afraid to also put a new twist on an old favorite drink.

“I like to keep the format of the event free-flowing,” says Bunnewith.  “I’ll generally start around 5 o’clock with a little informal product tasting and a little talking about technique.  People will come up and ask me questions, talk about the specifics of the product.  Then around 6, I gather everybody up and start mixing the first three cocktails.  I love to have people come up and give a little shake or a taste.  It’s hands-on.  We usually end off at about 8 o’clock.”

Bunnewith lives a busy life ~ when he’s not running around in Worcester doing research and reviewing inventory for KJ Baaron’s events, he’s in Boston, preparing for the upcoming opening of Coppa in Boston’s South End where he will serve as Bar Manager.  He also has even bigger plans for the future.

“I’d love to open my own place within the next three years and I have some concepts that I’d really like to see worked into Worcester as soon as City Square starts to develop,” he says, “and of course continue on with KJ Barron’s ~ build up their education programs and build up a cocktail catering program.”

Despite an ever-growing agenda, Bunnewith still has time to enjoy his own favorite drink ~ a properly executed Mai Tai.

See “Cocktails with Corey” at KJ Baaron’s the first Monday of each month.  Visit www.kjbaarons.com for more information.