Cocktails + Culture

Brad Coburn is the founder of N8 Hospitality and creator of The Rooted Mixologist, a garden-to-glass education platform exploring the connection between growing, crafting, and sharing exceptional flavors. Guided by the philosophy “Rooted by Nature. Twisted by Spirit,” Brad believes every great cocktail begins long before the bottle is opened—starting with the ingredients, the people who cultivate them, and the stories they inspire.

With over three decades in hospitality, Brad’s journey spans roles as a chef, bartender, restaurateur, educator, consultant, and industry leader. He shaped Sarasota’s cocktail culture through his award-winning concepts, meLange and Pangea Alchemy Lab, before selling them in 2023.

After earning his Permaculture Design Certificate, Brad expanded his focus from the bar into the garden. Through The Rooted Mixologist, he teaches how to transform seasonal Florida Zone 10a backyard harvests into creative drinks by blending old-school craftsmanship with modern techniques. He also founded Corne Perm Homestead & Nursery and Bee-iesta Village Apiary to deepen the connection between plants and pollinators, and create a living connection between the garden and the glass.

A director and treasurer for the Tampa Bay Chapter of the United States Bartenders’ Guild, Brad mentors industry professionals and advocates for hospitality as a lifelong career. He continues to cultivate flavor, curiosity, and community, one seed, one ingredient, and one glass at a time.