Kenoza Hall hosts the launch of the Barker Company‘s signature espresso martinis in the Catskills.
By Camille Rubino (@camillerubino.mp4) - Fashion Editor
This past weekend, Kenoza Hall hosted the launch of The Barker Company Espresso Martini. The event brought together cocktails, boutique hospitality, and the distinctive charm of the Catskills. Photographer, filmmaker, and television personality Nigel Barker founded the Barker Company to simplify the creation of one of today's most fashionable cocktails. His goal was to deliver convenience without compromising on quality. He set out to develop a consistent, premium espresso martini that could offer the experience of a carefully crafted cocktail in a ready-to-serve format.
“The espresso martini is the most fashionable cocktail of our time,” Barker shared during the launch. He was interviewed by celebrity stylist and fashion director, Jeffrey Ampratwum - who was invited to the event to share the experience with his followers. As the two spoke, Nigel continued, “creating the perfect espresso martini, however, comes with challenges. Bartenders must balance espresso, ice, and different recipes to achieve the right flavor and consistency.”
Barker spent two years developing a solution, testing seventy-seven different types of coffee along the way. The result is a pair of signature offerings: a classic espresso martini and a cappuccino martini. The classic combines 100% Colombian espresso, six-times-distilled, corn-based vodka, and caramelized brown sugar.
The cappuccino martini offers a distinctive alternative, blending the espresso martini with a house-made. Wisconsin cream liqueur and rum. For Barker, the craftsmanship extends beyond the ingredients. “At my core, although you know me as a photographer and a filmmaker, I'm a creative. And I just make things,” he explained.
His eye for detail extends to the bottle itself, which is crafted from Italian glass imported from Florence. Barker approaches the visual elements with the same precision that has shaped his work behind the camera, recognizing that a great cocktail is as much about presentation as it is about taste.
“You first buy with your eyes,” he noted, describing how a bottle’s appearance catches a customer’s attention before the cocktail is even prepared. From the bartender’s presentation to the finished drink,
each step contributes to the overall impression (Barker).
The collaboration found a natural home at Kenoza Hall, where The Barker Company partnered with Foster Supply Hospitality to bring the launch to life. Rather than simply serving the same cocktail across every property, the collaboration invites each location to develop its own signature espresso martini. Barker’s serves as the base, with each property incorporating local ingredients and house-made additions.
At Kenoza Hall, the launch unfolded against the backdrop of the Catskills in Autumn. The changing foliage, mountain views, and tranquil lake set the scene while bringing together hospitality, cocktails, and memorable moments.
Guests could discover The Barker Company’s signature drinks while enjoying the property's distinctive culinary offerings and atmosphere.
“A great cocktail, a great moment, a great experience is exactly what everybody wants when they go out,” Barker said.
Through the collaboration, The Barker Company and Foster Supply Hospitality bring that idea to life: combining cocktail craftsmanship with the character of the Catskills. The launch was not just an
introduction to a new product, but a celebration of the people, places, and discoveries that make a weekend memorable.
Photo Credit: Daniel Hayes (@insta_hayes_)
