From the Grove to the Glass:
Meet Chef Justin
My appreciation for real flavors didn’t start in a culinary school—it started with a flying orange.
Growing up in Orlando right across from a massive citrus grove, my brother (U.S. Army, Retired) and I spent our childhood running through the trees. Nothing teaches you to appreciate the "sweet sting of citrus" quite like your brother belting a piece of fruit directly at your head at forty miles an hour.
Once I learned to duck, I spent my youth foraging the neighborhood—eating sweet loquats, fresh figs, and grapefruits straight from the branch. I realized early on that real, raw ingredients tasted lightyears better than anything sitting on a grocery store shelf.
23 Years in the Kitchen & Behind the Bar
That childhood appreciation followed me into a 23-year career in the hospitality industry. As a professional chef and seasoned bartender, I spent over two decades in high-volume restaurants refining my craft, mastering complex flavor profiles, and learning the art of genuine guest service.
When I brought my culinary background to the Carolinas, I completely fell in love with the regional agriculture. Out here, the changing seasons dictate the menu. I realized that the incredible shift in flavors—from sweet York County summer peaches to crisp autumn apples—deserved a place at the bar, not just the table.
The Vision: Orange Blossom Bartending
I founded Orange Blossom Bartending to bring a "Farm to Flute" vision to life. Guided by a passion for sustainability, we refuse to open plastic bottles of factory-made syrups. Instead, we hand-craft seasonal cocktails using 100% fresh-squeezed juices, custom botanical infusions, and locally sourced ingredients.
Our Promise: We bring the absolute best flavors of the Carolina seasons to your celebration—and we leave the flying fruit at home.
Off The Clock
This philosophy isn’t just a job; it’s a lifestyle I love sharing with my family. As a self-proclaimed "cool dad," when I’m not behind the bar, you’ll usually find me hanging out with my son or tending to our home garden. We love growing fresh herbs, harvesting seasonal fruits, and nurturing my prized key lime tree (which I strictly protect from my brother).
Cheers,
Justin Cabrera
Founder, Orange Blossom Bartending LLC