March 8 is International Women’s Day, and in the spirit of the holiday we're shining a spotlight on the remarkable women Beverage Innovators at Monin. Meet Angela, Melissa, and Julia, creative and talented mixologists who are behind some of Monin’s most delicious recipes. They’ve crafted six unique beverages in honor of the women who inspire them.
Angela Thompson
Senior Beverage Innovation Director
Angela has more than 35 years of hospitality experience and a career at Monin that spans well over a decade. She has developed hundreds of beverages for national account chains and local restaurant groups. She works with customers all over the globe and helps our distributor partners with training, trend research, and custom menu creation. Angela’s broad range of experience as a server, bartender, manager, and trainer is apparent in the way she can effortlessly develop mouthwatering drinks for any occasion, making it look easy.
#1 French Fizz
The French Fizz is a gin cocktail that's elegantly infused with the scent of blooming gardens, thanks to a flavorful bouquet of Monin Lavender Syrup, French Vanilla Syrup, and rose water.
Angela says, “Erin French is an American chef and author who owns an incredible restaurant called the Lost Kitchen in Freedom, Maine. I stumbled across her first book, The Lost Kitchen, and loved her story of growing up in a small town and learning to cook at her father’s diner. She always uses edible flowers in her kitchen and is a true inspiration to me.”
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#2 Funny Girl
As vibrant and unique as its namesake, the Funny Girl is a refreshing blend of chamomile tea, Monin Strawberry Rose Syrup, fresh lemon juice, and topped with coconut rose foam for an unexpected twist.
Angela says, “The legend Barbra Streisand is an inspiration to all women who want to do it all. A singer, actor, director, and producer, she was the first woman to win a Golden Globe for Best Director. She received a lifetime achievement award at the SAG Awards this year and is also one of the few people to EGOT—winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony award. Barbra, or Babs as her friends call her, is a true icon.”
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Melissa Nasits
Beverage Innovation Director
Melissa’s passion for beverage innovation started long before her more than 30-year career in the industry. Growing up, she watched her mother achieve success in the California wine business and it sparked her curiosity for hospitality. Before coming to Monin, she spent 15+ years working for popular fine dining establishments and even developed an entire beverage program from the ground up (including an extensive Italian wine list, tableside Negroni cart, and Amaro-based cocktail list) for one Michelin star chef’s new Italian restaurant. Melissa’s experience and love for unique flavor allows her to deliver exceptional beverage concepts that push the limits of creativity and imagination.
#3 Zelda Fitzgerald
The Zelda Fitzgerald adds a fiery twist to the classic Fitzgerald cocktail. This blend of gin, Monin Hot Honey Syrup, fresh lemon juice, and Angostura bitters is as complex as the woman who inspired it.
Melissa says, “Zelda Fitzgerald was a painter, writer, and socialite known as the first American flapper. A novelist in her own right, today she is largely remembered because of her husband, F. Scott Fitzgerald. This spicy version of the classic Fitzgerald takes ownership of the cocktail and shines a light on her. Sip this one in her honor and for all of history’s women whose identity was not always their own.”
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#4 I Feel Like a Woman
Let’s throw it back to the 1990s with this Shania Twain-inspired mocktail! I Feel Like a Woman! is a light and effervescent mocktail featuring Monin Sugar Free Lavender Syrup, lemon, strawberries, and club soda.
Melissa says, “Sometimes you just have to feel like a woman. Tired or strong, pushed to the limit or jumping with joy… you live every moment. In the words of Shania, ‘The best thing about bein’ a woman is the prerogative to have a little fun!’”
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Julia Melucci
Beverage Innovation Manager
Julia Melucci has been in the hospitality industry for over 30 years, with her love for robust flavors tracing back to childhood memories of her mother experimenting in the kitchen. She has won awards for her creations including the 2019 Wild Turkey Behind the Barrel Award and is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about food, wine, and spirits. As a member of the Chilled 100, Julia is known as an industry influencer with strong ties to the mixology scene in and around Tampa Bay. She appreciates the creative outlet she’s given when crafting recipes and strives to inspire others by creating something they love.
#5 The Gloria
Gloria Steinem was a leader of the women’s rights movement in the United States in the 1960s and 70s. There are layers to The Gloria cocktail, with its unexpected blend of sweet Rock Melon Cantaloupe Syrup, savory cherry tomatoes, and tangy notes of Champagne vinegar.
Julia says, “In honor of International Women’s Day and the vibrant energy of spring, I present The Gloria, inspired by the one and only Gloria Steinem. This cocktail mirrors her boldness with its unexpected fusion of juicy tomatoes and sweet cantaloupe, embodying the harmony of contrasting flavors and ideas. Much like the changing seasons, this drink reminds us of the continual evolution towards equality and empowerment. Cheers to the women who inspire us to blossom and thrive, much like the blossoming of flowers in the springtime.”
Julia says, “Inspired by the remarkable Ruth Bader Ginsberg, this non-alcoholic spring martini embodies renewal and growth, mirroring the progress championed by Ginsburg in her lifetime. With each sip, we honor the resilience and determination of women everywhere, inspired to forge ahead with strength and grace. This drink is a toast to the future, where equality and justice flourish like the flowers of spring.”
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Angela has more than 35 years of hospitality experience and a career at Monin that spans well over a decade. She has developed hundreds of beverages for national account chains and local restaurant groups.
She works with customers all over the globe and helps our distributor partners with training, trend research, and custom menu creation. Angela’s broad range of experience as a server, bartender, manager, and trainer is apparent in the way she can effortlessly develop mouthwatering drinks for any occasion, making it look easy.
Angela says, “Erin French is an American chef and author who owns an incredible restaurant called the Lost Kitchen in Freedom, Maine. I stumbled across her first book, The Lost Kitchen, and loved her story of growing up in a small town and learning to cook at her father’s diner. She always uses edible flowers in her kitchen and is a true inspiration to me.”
Melissa’s passion for beverage innovation started long before her more than 30-year career in the industry. Growing up, she watched her mother achieve success in the California wine business and it sparked her curiosity for hospitality.
Before coming to Monin, she spent 15+ years working for popular fine dining establishments and even developed an entire beverage program from the ground up (including an extensive Italian wine list, tableside Negroni cart, and Amaro-based cocktail list) for one Michelin star chef’s new Italian restaurant. Melissa’s experience and love for unique flavor allows her to deliver exceptional beverage concepts that push the limits of creativity and imagination.
Melissa says, “Zelda Fitzgerald was a painter, writer, and socialite known as the first American flapper. A novelist in her own right, today she is largely remembered because of her husband, F. Scott Fitzgerald. This spicy version of the classic Fitzgerald takes ownership of the cocktail and shines a light on her. Sip this one in her honor and for all of history’s women whose identity was not always their own.”
Melissa says, “Sometimes you just have to feel like a woman. Tired or strong, pushed to the limit or jumping with joy… you live every moment. In the words of Shania, ‘The best thing about bein’ a woman is the prerogative to have a little fun!’”
Julia Melucci has been in the hospitality industry for over 30 years, with her love for robust flavors tracing back to childhood memories of her mother experimenting in the kitchen. She has won awards for her creations including the 2019 Wild Turkey Behind the Barrel Award and is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about food, wine, and spirits.
As a member of the Chilled 100, Julia is known as an industry influencer with strong ties to the mixology scene in and around Tampa Bay. She appreciates the creative outlet she’s given when crafting recipes and strives to inspire others by creating something they love.
