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.
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.
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.
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.
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?…