Joe Swifka Is Now Behind The Bar at ink. in WeHo

Meet Joe Swifka. He's newish to LA, been in town about a year by way of New York (Elettaria, Flatiron Lounge), and most recently tended bar downtown at Bar + Kitchen in the O Hotel. As one might recollect, Dave Kaplan and Alex Day of NYC's Death & Co. and Proprietors LLC elevated Bar + Kitchen's liquor program over a year ago. Anyway, following Devon Espinosa's departure last month, Swifka joins team ink. and has a new list of creative libations in place as of this week. Cocktails are still named by spirit, the scotch drink incorporates a toasted coconut-infused scotch plus ginger, lime, and cardamom. It is not to be missed.

Irish Whiskey calls for aquavit, honey, lemon, egg white, and a cilantro blossom is laid atop the egg white foam and Swifka encourages you to eat a bite of the flower as you sip the drink. Campari is highlighted with tequila, passion fruit, and absinthe, meanwhile vodka (hey all you non-vodka drinkers, this one's for you) comes with basil, vermouth, sherry, and lime.

Swifka expects to change his drink list as ingredients go out of season or new produce comes into play, but more so in accordance with chef/owner Michael Voltaggio's menu. Swifka says he's an especially big rum fan and has added about 40 new spirits to ink.'s bar as well.