Meet PCG Member – Bob Peters: Hometown Charlotte Mixologist with International Reach

One of Bob’s known strengths is his ability to utilize North Carolina Spirits.

“Carolina distillers are dedicated craftsmen and craftswomen who are making some extraordinary booze. I think it truly is world class, so I use it as much as possible wherever I can. I want to share these with the rest of the country, and world for that matter.”

One of his favorite drinks to make right now is a take on the Paloma, traditionally a tequila-based cocktail, using fellow PCG Member Andrew Porter’s Doc Porter’s Bourbon.

With COVID-closures, Bob had to learn how to rub two nickels together to make a quarter. He has hosted a large number of virtual cocktail classes with clients ranging from huge corporations to people celebrating birthdays. Although the virus closures were not ideal for his original business model, he has enjoyed getting creative in new ways to generate income.

Another unique venture of Bob’s is his new video series via Caskers. As we all had to make changes for the pandemic, one of Bob’s favorite pre-COVID events was his monthly classes at Earl’s Grocery. These were free to the public, monthly classes that sadly had to be cancelled due to pandemic, and one of Bob’s favorite things to do.

However, he still wanted to reproduce that piece of his community, and yet do it safely (and still free).

With Caskers, Bob has found something he and the public can do together even long after the pandemic is a thing of the past.

“Piedmont Culinary Guild has worked hard to connect our local food chain, to bring attention to the amazing ingredients and products we have at our fingertips regionally. Not only does this work include chefs and farmers, it includes food and beverage artisans across the spectrum. Having Bob Peters in the membership has highlighted the important role mixologist professionals play in building regional recognition for our craft beverage scene. He is a true steward in the local movement, and PCG couldn’t be what it is without members like him,” said Kris Reid, Executive Director of the Piedmont Culinary Guild.

“I joined the PCG as soon as they were created. I believe I might have been the first bartender in the Guild! I joined the PCG in order to network and get to know my culinary community as a whole. It has been amazing to do events with some of the area’s best chefs. In addition to the chefs of the PCG, I have also got to know some more of the farmers in the Guild as well. A true honor.”

Since joining PCG, Bob’s career has benefited tremendously. In addition to having participated in many high-profile events, he’s had the even better benefit of making lifelong friends.

Fellow PCG Member and friend, Paul Verica, has worked many events with Bob throughout the years. “I love Bob. He is not only a great friend, but a great craftsman. He entertained us many evenings at the The Punch Room (Ritz-Carlton) and at Queen & Glass. I first met Bob several years ago when we worked together my first time cooking at The (James) Beard House. He bailed me out of the weeds that day and I am forever grateful. He was a prep machine that day, taking care of so many things to make sure that my part of the meal was executed the best we could. Since then, we have participated in multiple events together and remain good friends. He is always the guy that you get the random text from just saying hi and checking on you, always there for advice about cocktails, and the world of beverages in general. He is a real asset to our hospitality community and I am happy to call him my friend.”

“My philosophy on cocktails echoes some of the philosophies that many of the chefs in the PCG have. I feel it is my job to pick out the best local ingredients possible to work with, then not to mess them up,” said Bob about his cocktail consultation program.

Kris Reid continued about Bob’s use of local products and him as a PCG member, “Bob has always done an amazing job showcasing not just local fruits and vegetables in his cocktails but also using local spirits, beer, shrubs and kombuchas to tell the story about what makes our region so special. PCG could never be what it is without members like Bob! I love me some Bob Peters!”

So what does this bartender make for himself when he’s at home?

“I love using Lenny Boy Good Ol’ Ginger Kombucha with a variety of spirits.”

Profile written by Kate Anderson