Episode 6

Beyond the Drink: Ross Simon’s Slap n Tickle and Joe Brooke of Fords Gin (S9/Ep.06)

Published on: 23rd August, 2023

Ross and Joe are accomplished bar industry veterans representing the west coast. 

Ross Simon is a globally renowned bartender based in Arizona. He’s worked with numerous bars, hosted cocktail seminars and produced cocktail competitions. He now owns and operates two award-winning cocktail bars.

Joe Brooke is the west coast trade advocacy manager for Fords Gin. He is entrenched in the world of LA mixology having worked in some of the most famous cocktail venues and alongside some of the biggest names in the global cocktail scene.

Ross and Joe discuss how they give back to their communities; Joe in partnership with Fords Gin via their support for the bartending community, and Ross through his cocktail event, “Arizona Cocktail Weekend,” which donates proceeds to various organizations such as Another Round Another Rally. Enjoy this episode as we go Beyond the Drink… with Ross Simon and Joe Brooke. (cocktail recipes below)


Slap n Tickle (Ross)

Makes 1 cocktail


1.25 oz House Coconut rum

1.25 oz Fords Sloe gin

.4 oz Lemon juice

.4 oz Lime Juice

.75 oz mango monin syrup


Shake and strain over cubed ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with lemon & lime & mint sprig.



This season is brought to you by Fords Gin, a gin created to cocktail.


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About the Podcast

Beyond the Plate
Social Impact in the Culinary World
Join Andrew “Kappy” Kaplan as he sits down in-person with the world’s culinary elite to explore their journey into the food industry and the social impact they have made in their community. Every episode will share inspiring stories of what it means to be in today’s hospitality industry.

About your host

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Andrew Kaplan