“While some may view bartending as an ‘in-between’ or ‘filler’ job, Ethan Goettsch views it as interactive art shared best with people. He pours his love and knowledge of different flavors and spirits and creates tasty, beautiful works of cocktail art.”
THE ART OF BARTENDING
ABOUT MY PHOTO ESSAY
by Katie Robb
Ethan Goettsch is a passionate man. His passion for music, good food and tattoos are some of the ways he expresses himself. But there’s one thing above all that he is most passionate about, and that’s bartending.
While some may view bartending as an “in-between” or “filler” job, Ethan views it as interactive art shared best with people. He pours his love and knowledge of different flavors and spirits and creates tasty, beautiful works of cocktail art.
Like any true artist, he draws inspiration from every day life, music, even cinema to create unique works of art that will surprise and delight any customer that has the pleasure of imbibing in his cocktails.
He draws inspiration from classic cocktails, like a margarita. Instead of a simple tequila, he uses the smokiest mezcal to add punching layers and flavor. Instead of a salt rim, he whips up a caramel sea-salt foam as the topper and garnishes with a dehydrated apple.
These distinctive creations spark curiosity and discussion among his customers, as he broadens their palates and invites in fun and unexpected flavors. Because of his talent, creativity and personality, he has brought in a large and loyal following that sit at his bar top multiple times a week.
As a bartender, Ethan serves as a host, therapist, and distraction for the customers that find their way to his brassy, copper bar top. Although it started as a simple bartender/customer relationship, it has become a community and he even considers some of them family.
Just as a painter has their brushes, paint, and canvas, Ethan has his own tools he uses to create a masterpiece for the mouth.
Like any artist, his path of growing as a mixologist will never end. It is a continuous learning path that he looks forward to embarking on each day.
If like me, you’re now craving a unique and delicious cocktail, you can follow Ethan on Instagram @maverick_cocktails for the tastiest recipes and drink inspiration.
Meet Katie Robb
Katie Robb is a journalism senior at the University of Texas at Arlington and has a passion for covering all things pop-culture, whether it be music, travel, art and especially mental health related issues. She loves to interview people from all different backgrounds and get deep.
In her free time Katie enjoys going on long walks while listening to podcasts (her free self-therapy!), attempting to learn how to cook, and watching way too much Bravo.
About AMA+UTA CreateCollab
Throughout the Spring 2023 semester, the Arlington Museum of Art is partnering with The University of Texas at Arlington and a senior-level digital storytelling class to explore a wide variety of contemporary themes inspired by the museum’s mission, values, and exhibitions.
Class projects include photo essays, one-minute documentaries, and one-minute podcasts about themes as broad as sword fighting with light sabers, fulfilling family legacies, every day heroes, and modern metalsmithing.
Associate Professor of Communication Erika Pribanic-Smith, who teaches the class, values opportunities to bring real-world experiences to her students.
“My goal is to give my students real-world experience in all of my classes, creating real stories using real sources,” said Dr. Pribanic-Smith. “Creating stories that will be published for the public to see, not just submitted for a grade, gives students extra incentive to put forth their best effort. Furthermore, working with professionals gives the students another layer of feedback to re-enforce what they’re learning in the classroom. I prefer to work with organizations like the Arlington Museum of Art who will benefit in some way from the students’ content so that we are providing a service to the community.”
