One of the Most Creative Mixologists in New York City’s Nightlife
Kedwin Zapata is one of New York’s most creative mixologists and bartenders working in the nightlife community, at Hush Bar and both Boxers bars. The fact that he’s vivacious and hot doesn’t hurt, but he’s a lot more than that. He stays fit, loves music, as evidenced by his playlists, and is constantly creating new drinks for Hennessy.com.
Kedwin helps with events and parties and has even branched out to soirées on the water.
Stop in and join Kedwin for the holidays. In a conversation with Get Out magazine, he explains what he’s all about and exactly what he’s up to.
Since we last spoke last year, what has changed and what has remained the same in your life?
Woah! Can’t believe it’s been a whole year! What has not changed! Haha. Well, for starters, I’m now a father of two. Meaning both my parents now live with me, lol. It’s been challenging, to say the least, but it’s a huge blessing–one that I’m very fortunate and grateful to have. As far as my professional life, it’s been hectic but amazing!
Where and when are you mixing drinks?
When I’m not home conjuring new cocktails for Hennessy.com, I’m serving it up every week. Tuesday – Thursday @ HUSH. Fridays @ Boxers HK & Saturdays @ Boxers in Chelsea.
What are the latest events you are currently involved in?
I’ve teamed up with NYCgayparties and nightlife promoter Yamil X these past couple of years. But this past year was the first time we actually branched out, outside the venues we currently work in, to bring something different but exciting to our clientele. Our first boat party was this year, and it was beyond anything we could’ve imagined. We launched CHUPA, a new POC event. Our next is aimed for MLK weekend and the boat party for summer 2025.
Last year, you celebrated Xmas at home. Will you be doing the same this time?
I’ll actually be at HUSH both Xmas eve and Xmas day! So come get jolly with me. Please, lol.
Last year, you had a five-year plan. How’s that going and have you made any changes to it this year?
I mean, life is all meant for changes. And the five-year plan is up and running, lol. Some minor changes have been made. New goals added, etc. Just trying to make the most of my time here, while still enjoying and finding things that bring me a sense of joy and peace within all the crazy. Because we all know things have been and will get crazy.
What’s up for NewYears Eve?
For right now, WORK! I’ll be at HUSH! On NYE on a Tuesday! Lord, lol.
You are known for playing the top 100 greatest songs at happy hour. The music is so great that patrons tend to stay a little longer than planned, just for the music. What are some of the new artists that you have on rotation?
Thank you! I do love music like Oprah loves bread!
R/N, hate to admit it, but I’m a Sabrina Carpenter fan, lol. Chappelle Roan, Charli XCX, the
Tate girl (Tate McRae) that everyone compares to Britney. I’ve had the Wicked soundtrack on repeat, so I tend to mix that in with current hits, and customers are always like “WTH”. But I love it, lol. Kendrick, FLO, Rockwell (‘90/s) lol, omg, Tyla!
What would your personal top 10 songs be on your playlist?
Anything Mariah Carey, for sure! I try to mix it up every day during happy hour. I like to throw in some throwback gems like Gloria Estefan, Paula Abdul and Janet with current–Ariana, Jojo, Normani etc. Not a repeated playlist, for sure. Love me some disco, so Miss Donna Summer is in there. Every day.
You opened up Hush bar on a Monday night for a post-concert event of Charli XCX that was packed, Are any future post-concert parties planned for the upcoming 2025 season as yet? The Dua Lipa tour was planned so far in advance, that should be a crowd pleaser.
As for now, we have our third annual Mariah Carey concert after party planned for Tuesday, December 17th! I always look forward to this one. It’s so much fun seeing so many lambs come together and SANG they asses off for five hours straight. DJ Dawson goes beyond with his way of mixing MC’s catalog. We also have a live MC-inspired showcase this year by NYC’s own Castrata! Festive! As for any other artist(s), it all depends 😉
You being one of the hardest working mixologists: What inspires you to go to work every day?
I love what I do. I love what I can bring to people’s lives. That’s enough fuel for me. I mean I be tired, don’t get me wrong, lol. But I genuinely love it .
The parties that you’ve been involved with that you just mentioned…Give the readers a little preview of each of these long-running weekly parties and what they can expect on an extended long weekend out in those venues.
Well, Tuesday -Thursday, I work happy hour at Hush.
Tuesday is solo with my playlist, cheap drinks, great vibes. Thursday is one of the busiest nights for our weekly LECHE Latin party w/ Dj Alex and EFE. Fridays and Saturdays are also huge nights in our POC community. Both great Blatino parties to start and close out the week.
Are there any new and exciting drinks on your menu for 2025?
So many! That’s the best part about being able to create new and refreshing flavors. It never ends. I can’t say too much, but Hennessy always keeps me on my toes, lol. As for the bar, please feel free to ask me “Make me something”. I’m more than happy to get creative with you and your taste buds 😉
What is your secret regimen to keeping in shape and is there any advice you can give to others looking to start a new program for 2025?
I feel like now at 36 Y.0….Well, when the magazine comes out, I’ll be 36, lol..there’s no playing games with my health and fitness. I want to live a long and good life so I can continue being a support system for my family and loved ones. I can’t do that if I’m weak or sick. No secret, you just have to show up day in, day out. Put in the work. Not magic, it takes time and effort. Eat what u like, but in small portions. Try to eat Whole Foods 90% of the time. Track your macros. Take those progress pics! ;)….My advice. Just start, babe.
Anything you want to add that we haven’t spoken of? Maybe thank customers and co-workers?
Thank you, Mike, Jeff and Eileen. I love this annual festive thing we have going on, lol. Cheers to a new year, teamwork and most importantly, YALL! Love y’all for real xo.
