Conversations with Rachel D’Acquisto

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel D’Acquisto.

Hi Rachel, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I love all things hospitality. I’m a “lifer”. As a bartender, I like being part of a great experience for folks. I love connecting folks to a drink they enjoy.

Anything from a special wedding cocktail to a beer a traveler has never tried before, I enjoy those moments. I became obsessed with expanding on that and dove into the world of “Ready To Drink”. I’m making my dreams a reality by developing Ray Ray’s Sonoran Spirit Tea, a carbonated, caffeinated, boozy tea.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has been a curious process to find out what I don’t know. I had no background in production or sales.

I rely heavily on kind people and mentors. I struggled a lot before I realized people are generally willing to teach me. I ask a ton of questions even when I feel nervous. I keep going when it isn’t easy but especially when it is easy.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Throughout my career, I worked my way through the “front of house”, before settling in behind the bar. Eventually, I hit my stride in Hospitality Management. I enjoy leadership roles and being part of a successful team. I have played an active role on the council and board for a hospitality non-profit for the last 7 years.

The pandemic shutdown was heartbreaking to our industry, and I have since channeled my energy into helping others as a consultant and realizing my dreams of developing my own line of “Ready to Drink”, boozy teas.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Learning is important. Continue education in any form. Everything from classes or certifications, read, ask questions, take notes, and all the in between!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.CocktailLabAz.com
• Instagram: @RayRaysSonoran
• Facebook: Ray Ray’s Sonoran

Image Credits
Gino Calles, Beecher Howard, and Alison Koehler