Charlotte Observer's Théoden Janes' account of Bob's story from his humble college days, his first job slinging pints, to his current role at the Ritz's Punch Room.
It's a wonderfully written article of the Tale of Bob the Bartender.
Charlotte's Ritz-Carlton describes the head mixologist at its new 15th-floor lounge as "a multi-award-winning cocktail artisan."
But Bob Peters – a college dropout who started his career as a busboy almost two decades ago – has more of a layman's view of the job he took at The Punch Room: "I'm a bartender."
"I understand the idea of a 'mixologist,' of somebody capable of making an exceptional cocktail," says Peters, a Charlotte native. "It's not like I'm a doctor, though. I make drinks for a living. It's not rocket science."
Except, when you watch Peters make a drink, it actually does feel a bit like rocket science. He'll whip out a cold smoker to put vapor into a Manhattan. He'll produce a hand-held carbonator to add a bit of bubbly to his favorite vodka. He'll set an orange twist aflame to give it extra appeal.Check It Out: Charlotte Observer | Charlotte mixologist pours his creativity into the craft cocktails at the Ritz's Punch Room
Photography: Robert Lahser