21 June 6th-June 12th, 2024 phoenixnewtimes.com PHOENIX NEW TIMES | NEWS | FEATURE | FOOD & DRINK | ARTS & CULTURE | MUSIC | CONCERTS | CANNABIS | opposed to the ingredient,” Asher says. While Cibor credits much of her success to the teachings of both Asher and his wife, Kailee Asher, the former director of marketing and PR at Barter & Shake, she started to crave new opportunities. As luck would have it, MacMillan needed someone to take over the beverage director role at Tell Your Friends after the original candidate resigned. “It was like fate,” she says. Because Cibor was hired closer to the grand opening date — she started around one month ago — the bar menu was already in the works. MacMillan tapped Valley cocktail veteran and fellow former UnderTow bartender Keifer Gilbert as a consultant for this concept. Although Gilbert and Cibor never worked together at UnderTow, Gilbert notes that they both went through the same early-career training, which made for a seamless transition. “I come directly from Jason (Asher), in terms of learning. And she’s in the same boat,” Gilbert says. “We were speaking the same language from the get-go.” A vision for the future The cocktail menu at Tell Your Friends features nine original creations, 10 classics and a punch bowl. When asked about her favorites, Cibor mentions the One Time Thing, a play on a Manhattan. It’s a cognac-based cocktail with banana liquor, amaro and sherry. She notes that while it “sounds super dessert-y, it’s not overly sweet.” “I think it will be pretty popular,” she says. Cibor estimates that it will be “at least three to four months” before she takes the lead on any new research and develop- ment, but already has an aesthetic vision to match the bar’s sultry interior. “I envision a lot of nice glassware and beautiful, crystal-clear ice, maybe with some flowers in it,” Cibor says. Although this is her first time creating a bar program independently, Cibor’s got plenty of folks in her corner. Asher notes that she excels at asking insightful questions and is armed with the knowledge needed to “put out one of the best bar programs.” “I’m excited for what she’s going to do,” he adds. Building community, one drink at a time Outside of her working hours, Cibor is an active participant in local bar programs and competitions, stating she loves the camaraderie that stems from meeting others in the profession. She’ll often attend even if she’s not competing, especially if she has teammates competing locally. “It’s a great way to support the commu- nity,” she says. Community is central to Cibor, who credits guest interactions as one of her biggest career motivators. She savors connecting with someone over a cocktail and enjoys chatting with the diverse group of guests she encounters. “Sometimes I come home after my shift, and I’m like, ‘Wow, I had a lot of really great conversations with people tonight,’” Cibor says. “That’s just the best feeling.” Her people skills are palpable to those who know her personally. When MacMillan called Gilbert to get his thoughts on Cibor before hiring her, Gilbert was sure she was right for the job. He credits her ability to foster a good culture both in front of and behind the bar. “She can create an environment where people can come in and learn, and also where people are going to want to come back to,” he says. “I don’t think we could have found anybody better.” Tell Your Friends 17797 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale After five years at Valley hotspot UnderTow, Ashley Cibor (left) is now beverage director at the new north Scottsdale cocktail bar Tell Your Friends. The bar offers 20 cocktails with unusual flavors for customers to try. (Photos by Cassie Brucci)
