Snackbar Bartender a ‘Young Guns’ Semi-Finalist

Jayce McConnell. Photo from Eater.com.

Self-taught 24-year-old mixologist gets notice from Eater

At the ripe old age of 24, Jayce McConnell has created quite a buzz. Known to most Snackbar patrons as The Guy With the Mustache (an achievement in its own right), McConnell’s thirst for development as a mixologist has given Snackbar an identity as a cocktail lover’s haven, not just in Oxford but in the state of Mississippi and the Southeast.

His bosses at Snackbar have been so blown away by his moxie and creativity that they submitted him for consideration by Eater.com as one of its Young Guns, and he’s now a semi-finalist.

“He learned everything he could about craft cocktails, experimenting at work and at home, and now runs the bar and produces 20 different varieties of bitters, shrubs, tinctures, and flavored liquors,” states the article on Eater.com. “McConnell runs a program that is reverent and thoughtful but also playful and fun, and he’s brought something exciting to the region. That’s why he’s an Eater Young Gun semi-finalist.”

The Eater article goes on to include correspondence from Snackbar owner John Currence, manager Drew Stevens, and chef Vishwesh Bhatt, dripping with extensive, detailed praise of McConnell’s work ethic and drinks.

— Tad Wilkes, tad.wilkes@hottytoddy.com