Julie Reiner and Ivy Mix Open Leyenda Cocktail Bar

By Chilled Magazine

Protégé and Mentor Unite to Create Legendary Bar.

Leyenda, a pan-Latin cocktail bar, opening soon, was made possible by cocktail legend Julie Reiner of Clover Club and her protégé, Ivy Mix. The bar, which Reiner and her partners at Clover Club are backing, is the first for Mix to conceptualize and lead. Leyenda celebrates spirits and imbibing traditions from across the Spanish-speaking world and beyond in creative cocktails. The drinks are complemented by authentic fare by Chef Sue Torres, a noted Latin culinary authority.

While Latin America is the cocktail menu’s primary inspiration, there are nods to Europe and the U.S. as well. Classic drinks are available for the asking. The bar itself seats 12, with table seating for 50 inside, as well as 15 to 20 at an outdoor patio.

Julie Reiner and Ivy Mix Open Leyenda Cocktail Bar

Julie Reiner and Ivy Mix Open Leyenda Cocktail Bar

Photo Courtesy of Hanna Lee

The bar’s name pays homage to Latin culture that is enriched by legends, fables, myths and lore. It also communicates the bar’s ambition to be the best of class in its market, namely legendary. Leyenda’s cocktail menu, developed by Mix, consists of about 15 drinks that are her original creations. They salute tequila, mezcal, rum, pisco, cachaça, sotol, raicilla and more.

“Ivy has been one of my standout mentees over the years and an invaluable bartender at Clover Club. She is highly motivated, fearless and a true powerhouse. When a space became available right across the street from Clover Club, it was the perfect match. I’m delighted to help construct a stage for her to enjoy the spotlight and have her deep expertise and artistic vision really shine.”
– Julie Reiner, Co-Owner, Leyenda

clover-club
Photo Courtesy of Hanna Lee

Signature drinks include the Tia Mia (mezcal, rum, lime juice, orgeat syrup and Curaçao liqueur), a Mai Tai variation; the Palo Negro (reposado tequila, Palo Cortado sherry, blackstrap rum, Grand Marnier and Demerara syrup), a robust stirred drink bridging the gap between Spain and Mexico; and, the Stir Key (featuring rums from Jamaica, Bermuda and St. Croix, macadamia nut orgeat and aromatic bitters).

“Having lived and tended bar in Guatemala for years and traveled extensively throughout Central and South America, I always dreamed of opening a bar that expresses my personal passion for this part of the world. When Julie approached me and offered her full support and backing, I jumped at the opportunity. She’s been my mentor for many years and she supports her staff to help them fulfill their own dreams. I feel truly honored and humbled to ‘graduate’ from being her employee to her business partner.”
– Ivy Mix, Head Bartender/Cantinera and Co-Owner, Leyenda

About Leyenda: Leyenda is a pan-Latin cocktail bar by drinks doyenne Julie Reiner of Clover Club and Flatiron Lounge and her protégé, star bartender Ivy Mix. It celebrates the spirits and imbibing traditions of Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe and the U.S. in creative and classic cocktails, with accompanying dishes by Chef Sue Torres. Located at 221 Smith St. in the heart of Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, Leyenda is open daily: Monday to Thursday, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 3 a.m.; and, Sunday, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.

For more information, please call (347) 987-3260 or visit LeyendaBK.com, “like” on Facebook at www.facebook.com/leyendabk and follow on Twitter at @leyendabk.

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