Andre Sykes: The Cocktail Poet

As a Black man from Detroit, the road is already lined with hazards meant to hinder success. So Andre decided to charge headfirst to destroy those barriers. He chose to write poetry to pave a different road. That road led him to study poetry in college and learn the rules before he shattered them. After college, he fell by happenstance, into the hospitality industry. Starting the old-fashioned way as a barback at WXYZ Bar inside the Aloft Hotel, Andre was mentored by a brilliant woman named Trish. She drilled into him the foundation of bartending; guest-centric experiences, proper technique, palate development, but most importantly, tending to one’s bar as if home resided there.

From there, Andre learned at the pace of a dry sponge, hungrily absorbing knowledge from mentors such as Katrell Thomas, Yani Frye, Scott Poole, Shelby Minnix, and a host of friends and family who egged him to be the best, most complete bartender he could be. That fervor led him behind the sticks at some of Detroit’s most renowned bars, pushing the envelope of what craft cocktails can be in the Midwest. At every junction, Andre learned more and more. He pushed himself harder to become something more than just a bartender or mixologist; A true agent of hospitality. His love of hospitality has garnered accolades and much recognition across America. In 2022, Andre received a nomination and was a semifinalist for the prestigious James Beard Foundation’s Outstanding Bar Program for his program at “Shelby” in Detroit, Michigan. After his successful tenure at Shelby, Andre became the Bar Director and Principal Bartender for “Willow,” which was the first Black-owned and operated craft cocktail bar in the state of Michigan.

Outside of his professional career, Andre is a published poet, an avid activist, and a doting father to his daughter Nova. He believes that working hard, especially when no one is watching, is the foundation for success in all areas of life. Andre currently resides in Detroit, MI, and is working as the Beverage Director/Sommelier at Alpino Detroit where he received his second James Beard Semifinalist Nomination in 2024.

Instagram: @DaCocktailPoet

Culinary Agents Profile: Get Inspired: Andre Sykes