Did you know that JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa – located just outside of Disney Springs at Walt Disney World- has over 153 different gins & specialized gin cocktails from all over the world – AND is the largest gin offering in Florida?
They also recently launched a brand new “Gin on Wheels” cart in their Lobby Bar and Sear + Sea Woodfire Grill.
Manned by the resort’s talented “Gin Experts,” the cart roves around serving up original takes on Gin & Tonics, with fun tableside prep perfect for Instagram.
The cart features the following:
- New Gin + Tonic specials:
- Mindful Moment: Rosemary infused Nikka Coffey Gin, Housemade Sear + Sea Tonic, Wild Moon Liqueur, Cucumber Juice and edible flowers
- Rosa G & T: Malfy Rosa Grapefruit, Grapefruit Fever Tree Tonic, Dried Grapefruit and Rosemary Sprig
- Florida Sunset: Old St. Pete Sunset Gin, Sear + Sea Tonic, Fresh Orange Peel, Star anise & Cinnamon Spice, and Thyme Sprigs
- House-made tonic water in a classy old-fashioned perfume bottle
- Aromatics such as star anise, rosemary and dried fruit
On the culinary side, the resort even integrates this beloved spirit into the dishes at Sear + Sea with a Gin-infused pepper that’s offered tableside in the restaurant.
We spoke with Heliana Bartlett, Restaurant General Manager of Sear + Sea Restaurant and Lobby Bar at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa about the new Gin offerings at the resort – read on below!
Tasty Chomps Interview with Heliana Bartlett, Restaurant General Manager of Sear + Sea Restaurant and Lobby Bar at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa
Ricky Ly: How did this all come to be?
Heliana Bartlett: This idea came to be during the pre-opening phase of the Sear + Sea Lobby Bar. The vison was to have instinctive differentiation amongst all our bars at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek, creating a journey of different beverages between the outlets. Each bar has a special focus on a distinctive spirit and the Lobby Bar quickly became the target for gin. The original idea was to feature a large spectrum of craft gins from all over the world and involve them in a special cocktail program. After the vision took form, we enhanced the idea to also include gin tastings and the development of a customized ‘gin + tonic on wheels’ offering.
Biggest challenges?
Some of the biggest challenges with our gin program is training the staff on the 150+ different bottles, and being able to reach the top shelf gins – we need a very large ladder as the high back bar is 15 feet!
Is this Orlando’s only specialty gin themed menu?
The JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek is the only gin bar with 153 different gins and specialized craft gin cocktails in Orlando.
Why gin?
In our concept discussion, gin was always a hot topic as we researched and noticed a trend of many gin companies creating unique types of the spirit, especially in Europe. Gin can also be considered a healthier alcohol option for the way it is produced and its lower sugar content.
Tell us about your role and background and how it relates to this project
I am the Sear + Sea GM and responsible for the Sear + Sea Lobby Bar as well. As part of the opening team, my heart is connected to this project and I am very excited to put this sophisticated and trendy experience out into the market, introducing resort guests and locals to new types of gin.
How does this fit in with Marriott Bonnet Creek’s overall food and beverage program?
Our gin program fits into the JW Bonnet Creek’s F&B program very well. It differentiates Sear + Sea and the Lobby Bar from our other outlets, like the local rum selection at Palm Cove, the Japanese whiskey selection at our rooftop bar illume, and our craft beer focus at UnReserved. There is something for all tastes at the JW Marriot Orlando Bonnet Creek.
Thank you, Heliana!
JW MARRIOTT® ORLANDO BONNET CREEK RESORT & SPA
14900 CHELONIA PARKWAY,
ORLANDO, FLORIDA, USA, 32821
About JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa
The full-service, five-star JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa opened in July 2020 and has everything guests need for a luxurious Orlando getaway, from 516 plush guestrooms to fun-filled amenities. Situated conveniently right outside the gates of Disney World, the resort boasts a 10,000 square foot spa with treatments unique to the resort; an outdoor pool with swanky cabanas; seven onsite restaurants and bars, including the chic steak and seafood restaurant Sear + Sea and the new illume rooftop bar; a rooftop miniature golf course and rock-climbing wall; and a complimentary shuttle service to the theme parks.
