Since joining Manhattan’s West Chelsea neighborhood in 2015, Union Square Hospitality Group’s (USHG) Porchlight has added a touch of Southern charm to the city’s bustling bar scene. On the heels of its ninth anniversary, the cocktail den names Trevor Langer, most recently of Jac’s on Bond, as its new Beverage Director. Langer brings with him bartending and leadership experience from some of New York’s most exciting drink destinations, and at the helm of Porchlight’s beverage team, he will imbue each forthcoming menu with his signature blend of refined technique and playfulness.
Langer’s creative approach to bar programming is greatly informed by his extensive career. A Brooklyn resident by way of suburban Illinois, his interest in hospitality began at Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Pump Room in the former PUBLIC Hotel Chicago. He parlayed his growing role into a move to New York City, joining the PUBLIC’s Nolita outpost as Food and Beverage Manager and serving on the opening team for Major Food Group’s The Polynesian soon after. After a stint with the lauded Dear Irving on Hudson, he spent 2020 preparing to-go cocktails at the Happiest Hour and Slowly Shirley in West Village. Most recently, Langer held Head Bartender roles with Authentic Hospitality’s Bar Calico, sister venue the Georgia Room, and buzzy NoHo hangout Jac’s on Bond, where he notably conceived of the headline-making Caprese Martini.
As Beverage Director, Langer will oversee Porchlight’s bar team and cocktail program development alongside Food & Beverage Director Samantha Reiner, beginning with the seasonal spring/summer menu. With a knack for bringing unconventional ideas to life, Langer will employ unexpected uses for aromatized wines, new textures and consistencies, and vegetal flavors that are typically found on the plate rather than the glass. His debut menu includes:
Dill With It / Blended dill vodka, rhubarb aperitif, velvet falernum, lemon juice, orgeat, aquafaba
Plum Tuckered / Japanese gin, American rye, Ume Plum, Spanish blanco vermouth, Framboise, orange bitters
Southern Bell / Blended yellow bell pepper tequila, elote liqueur, pineapple juice, lime juice, agave, pickled fresno chili brine
This July, Langer will roll out the inaugural Summer Camp Porchlight menu, during which the bar will re-emerge as a sleep-away camp-themed cocktail haven. Additionally, Langer will curate special menus for Porchlight’s Book Club, the regular event series that provides writers in the beverage space a platform to celebrate their new books and connect with readers. Past featured authors include Toni Tipton-Martin, Ivy Mix, Robert Simsonson, and John deBary.
“Keeping the fun in bartending is a huge part of my ethos. The Porchlight team’s penchant for creative, playful takes on seriously good drinks makes me feel right at home.“ says Porchlight Beverage Director Trevor Langer. “I’ve been fortunate enough to hone my skills at some of the city’s best bars, and I’m eager to share my ideas with Porchlight regulars and new guests alike.”
Interviews available upon request. For more information, visit www.porchlightbar.com and @porchlightbar on Instagram.
About Porchlight:
Union Square Hospitality Group’s West Chelsea cocktail staple has been bringing down-home hospitality to the busy New York scene for almost ten years. Creative cocktails made using unique ingredients and Southern-inspired light bites comprise a menu that appeals to after-work groups, weekend parties, and solo drinkers alike. Porchlight is also home to the industry-favorite Book Club series, a monthly platform for writers in the beverage space to celebrate their new books and connect with readers.
