Sam Cumbest blends art and science to mix cocktails at C-Level

Name, Age: Samuel Cumbest, 38

Years bartending: On and off for 17 years.

Bar location: C-Level, 8014 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach

Favorite Drink to make: "The Drink My Blues Away. It's one of our signature craft cocktails."

What’s the most sold drink in the bar? "Smokey Old Fashioned."

When someone says “surprise me,” what’s your go-to drink? "I try to feel them out a little bit. I need to know what their preferred base liquor is, if they like sweet or bitter, something dry... There's nothing more that I love than when someone says, 'Make me something good.' I love fresh herbs and fruits. [Sam pulls out a vintage sewing box filled with bottles and jars containing bitters, herbs and more.] I love fresh ingredients and we hope to have a garden here so we can be more self sufficient with fresh ingredients. I also love to blend art and science when I am making drinks."

Have you created your own concoction? "The first drink I added to our drink menu before we opened was the Ruby Rose Fizz made with Deep Eddy Ruby Red vodka. It was the second best seller after the prime rib, which we are known for."

What is the strangest drink a customer has ever ordered? "Someone a few weeks ago ordered a sugar free margarita. So I was like, 'So you want a shot of tequila?' I don't use sour mix, only fresh fruit which is still technically sugar. Good sugar, but sugar nonetheless. She was insistent that I make her a sugar free margarita, so I said, 'Shot of tequila coming up!' "

When do you know when a customer has had too much? "It's like playing poker, if you watch people long enough you pick up on subtle differences. I pay attention to what they say and how they say it."

What do you think makes this bar special? "The owners are my brothers, my friends. They are like family. When they offered me the job, I put in my notice at the other job and I treat this job with a lot of pride."

Are there any new products you are interested in working with or are currently working with? "I make my own bitters and simple syrups, so I love trying different combinations. I have new toy coming in called a hydrometer. It measures the amount of dissolved sugar in a drink. I can use it to make sure that my simple syrups are consistent."

What activities do you enjoy outside the bar? "I like to go to the and Cypress Springs for paddle boarding. I do a lot of art. I love live music. I miss the music scene."

What is your personal drink of choice? "I drink Deep Eddy Grapefruit vodka a lot, so I honestly will drink the Ruby Rose Fizz at home. And I love good bourbon."

DRINK SPECIALS? "Happy Hour is Sunday through Thursday from 4-6 p.m. and includes ½-off liquor (including Johnny Walker Blue), beer and wine. There also will eventually be a Drink of the Week special."

• Stoli Blueberry Vodka
• Fresh Blueberries
• Lemon slices
• Ice
• Simple Syrup

HOW DOES IT TASTE? "It reminds me of a much more sophisticated version of a blueberry lemon drop, which is honestly my favorite drink. It's not near as sweet and has a mild bitter taste, but it's light and perfectly balanced. It's also very pretty to look at!" — Kristy Lynne Smith

Log on to newsherald.com to see how Sam mixes this tasty drink.

Drink My Blues Away

4915644007