Belly up to the bar, and get to know Shula’s legendary bartender Eric Boyce!
If you’ve enjoyed a drink and a chat at Shula’s bar, chances are you’ve had the pleasure of meeting Eric Boyce, our resident libation expert. A longtime Shula’s Steak House employee, Eric worked his way up from a breakfast server, to working lunch shifts and at special events, to dinner server and his current coveted position as bartender.
A proud Naples native, he is also a dedicated family man. With life keeping him on his toes both behind the bar and in the community, he took a rare timeout to tackle our Q&A session to share his experience serving up his superior drinks and service to our customers, and even give some insight into what makes his cocktails so irresistible.
Q: What led you to bartending?
A: I started bartending in college at the University of Florida in Gainesville, and I built experience from bartending in various bars and night clubs.
Q: If you could make any drink, what would it be and why?
A: My favorite drink to make is an Old Fashioned. I love the char from the bourbon and sweetness of the dark cherries and citrus from the orange. It’s a perfect blend of flavors.
Q: What drink do you think everyone should know how to make?
A: Everyone should know how to make a Cosmopolitan. It’s just the easiest drink ever!
Q: When you have time off to raise your own glass, what do you toast to?
A: I toast to family, health and happiness.
Q: What is the secret to a truly excellent cocktail?
A: Fresh juices are the key. They make the drink.
Q: What do you enjoy most about the Shula’s bar?
A: What I enjoy most about the Shula’s bar is the huge selection we have. From ports and cognac, to sipping rums and bourbons and scotch, there are so many options for customers to choose from. It is also without a doubt the most beautiful bar in town.
To learn more about Shula’s bar, or to peruse the perfect food pairing for your drink of choice, visit www.ShulasNaples.com.
Enjoy!