Award-Winning Mixologist Lynnette Marrero Elevates Naples’ Cocktail Scene 

Easy Tiger, the late-night mixology lounge adjoining Tigress at The Perry Hotel Naples, sets a new standard for cocktail culture on Florida’s Gulf Coast thanks to the direction of Lynnette Marrero, one of the most respected names in the spirits world. With a bar program built around balance, boldness, and technique, Easy Tiger delivers a tightly curated cocktail list that complements the Cantonese flavors of Tigress while standing on its own as a destination for innovative drinks.

Photo Credit: The Perry Hotel Naples

Marrero’s bartending roots run deep. She started her career at New York’s Flatiron Lounge under Julie Reiner and quickly earned a reputation for precision, palate, and leadership. Her career spans stints as senior bartender at Freemans, bar program development at Elettaria, and two years working with Zacapa Rum in Guatemala, where she trained under a master blender and led trade education for Diageo.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lynnette Marrero

She went on to found Drinksat6, a consultancy focused on mentoring bartenders and elevating beverage programs across hospitality. She’s the co-founder of Speed Rack, a national bartending competition supporting women in the industry and raising funds for breast cancer charities. Her work has earned wide acclaim: Wine Enthusiast’s Mixologist of the Year (2016), Food & Wine and Fortune’s Most Innovative Women in Food & Drink, and World’s Best Bar Mentor by Tales of the Cocktail. In 2021, she was named Bartender’s Bartender by The World’s 50 Best Bars—a peer-voted honor reserved for industry leaders.

Photo Credit: Aplós

Today, she’s shaping the future of spirits as Liquid Creative Director for Aplós, a non-alcoholic functional spirit brand, and as co-founder of Delola, a line of premium bottled spritzes launched with Jennifer Lopez in 2023. Haute Living sits down with award-winning mixologist Marrero to explore the inspiration, precision, and global perspective she brings to every pour at Easy Tiger and beyond.

Photo Credit: The Perry Hotel Naples

Haute Living: What was the inspiration behind Easy Tiger’s concept, and how did you craft its unique identity?
Lynnette Marrero: Easy Tiger is all about capturing the energy of a vibrant, rooftop lounge while embracing a playful yet refined cocktail experience to match the restaurant menu. The concept was inspired by my love for bold culinary flavors and my travels to Asia. When designing the cocktail program, I wanted to bring a sense of fun and surprise while maintaining balance and elegance in every drink. I felt this would complement Chef Dale Talde’s dynamic culinary style.

HL: How does Easy Tiger reflect the vibrant cocktail culture of Naples?
LM: Naples has a growing appreciation for craft cocktails and Easy Tiger contributes to that culture by offering drinks that are both innovative and deeply rooted in classic techniques. We bring together global influences, high-quality ingredients and a bit of unique flavor combinations to the city. It’s about blending sophistication with an easygoing vibe.

Photo Credit: The Perry Hotel Naples

HL: How did you approach curating the cocktail menu to complement Chef Talde’s culinary creations?
LM: Chef Talde’s dishes are full of bold flavors, umami and global influences, so I wanted the cocktails to enhance that experience. I played with acid, salinity and spice to create a menu that harmonizes with his cuisine. Whether it’s our signature paloma, the Fujian Paloma with bright citrus notes and floral oolong notes to cut through richness of the duck or our Tigresso Martini, a Hong Kong inspired espresso martini riff that echoes the depth of his sauces, every drink is crafted to be a seamless part of the dining journey.

HL: The Fung-Tini and Hong Kong Old-Fashioned are standout drinks. Can you share the inspiration behind these cocktails?
LM: The Tigress-Tini is our playful take on the classic Gibson Martini, with layered umami, a hint of salinity, and peppercorn. Served with an in-house pickled shiitake mushroom. The rise of classic martini drinking and the many savory variations were my inspiration. It’s meant to be refined, and a bit fierce and fun – a different kind of dirty martini. The Hong Kong Old-Fashioned draws from South East Asian flavors, incorporating elements like tamarind, black vinegar, Demerara sugar and always a touch of umami. It’s a tribute to the balance of tradition and innovation that defines our approach at Easy Tiger.

Photo Credit: The Perry Hotel Naples

HL: How do you balance creativity and tradition when designing a cocktail list?
LM: For me, creativity always starts with a respect for the classics. You need to understand the foundations of a great cocktail—balance, texture, and technique—before you can start pushing boundaries. I love to take those time-honored principles and introduce unexpected ingredients, cultural influences, or presentation styles to make each drink feel exciting and new while still grounded in tradition.

HL: What is the process for pairing cocktails with bold and flavorful dishes?
LM: I think about contrast, complement and the role of the cocktail during the meal. Some cocktails are designed to cut through richness with acidity and effervescence, while others mirror the spices and depth of a dish to enhance the experience. Texture also plays a big role—some pairings work best when the drink is light and refreshing, while others need a velvety, spirit-forward cocktail to stand up to intense flavors.

Photo Credit: The Perry Hotel Naples

HL: Easy Tiger is described as a late-night, open-air lounge. How does the setting influence the drink experience?
LM: The setting shapes everything! Being an open-air lounge, we wanted cocktails that feel transportive—drinks that are vibrant, refreshing and perfect for sipping under the stars. The menu includes low and no-ABV options that allow guests to enjoy the late-night atmosphere while staying engaged in the experience. The bar is in the center of the rooftop in the “round”, so you can see all of the other guests. The experience creates a community setting. Because of this I designed the cocktails to feel effortless yet elevated.

HL: How do you hope guests will engage with the cocktails and the overall atmosphere?
LM: I want guests to feel a sense of discovery—whether that’s through trying an unexpected ingredient, experiencing a unique presentation, or simply enjoying the way a cocktail enhances the moment. We have a unique spirits and Sake collection inspired by the regions of the culinary experience. So you can try a yuzu gin, a lemongrass shochu, or check out our curated agave selection. Easy Tiger is about bringing people together in a setting that feels intimate yet energetic. It’s a place where cocktails become part of the storytelling, the mood and the night’s adventure.

Photo Credit: The Perry Hotel Naples

HL: What cocktail trends are you excited to explore, and how might they influence future menus?
LM: I’m really excited about the continued evolution of low- and no-ABV cocktails, as well as the push toward more sustainable and ingredient-driven drinks. Fermentation, clarified cocktails and a focus on hyper-local ingredients are all areas I love exploring. I also see a resurgence of playfulness—drinks that have a strong visual and experiential component while still delivering on flavor and craftsmanship.

HL: You’ve been a trailblazer in the mixology world. How has the craft cocktail scene evolved since you started?
LM: The industry has come so far since I started—there’s been a shift toward more inclusivity, innovation and respect for the craft. We’ve moved beyond just reviving the classics to truly pushing the boundaries of what a cocktail can be. There’s also been an increased appreciation for spirits education, sustainability and the role of the bartender as both a curator and a storyteller. It’s an exciting time to be in this space.

HL: Can you talk about your brand Aplós offering zero-proof wine and spirits, and what’s next for your brand?
LM: Aplós is about creating an elevated drinking experience for those who want complexity, depth and ritual without alcohol. Our offerings focus on functional, botanical-forward, thoughtfully crafted spirits and ready to drink cocktails, designed for mindful sipping. Right now, we’re expanding our lineup with new expressions that push the boundaries of non-alcoholic beverages, incorporating innovative ingredients and techniques to create something truly unique.

Photo Credit: The Perry Hotel Naples

HL: What advice would you give to aspiring mixologists looking to innovate while honoring classic techniques?
LM: Master the basics first. A great cocktail starts with balance and technique, so really understand the classics before you start experimenting. From there, be curious—explore different cuisines, ingredients and cultural influences to develop your own perspective. Most importantly, connect with people. Cocktails aren’t just about what’s in the glass; they’re about the experience, the hospitality and the way they make people feel. 

The post Award-Winning Mixologist Lynnette Marrero Elevates Naples’ Cocktail Scene  appeared first on Haute Living.