A visit to Mayflower: The Encore is a sensory experience like no other. From the vibrant, lush atmosphere to the tantalizing food and creative cocktail menu, this reimagined theater turned upscale 21+ lounge offers something new and exciting with every visit.
At the heart of the creative and unique cocktail offerings is Jake Wisecup, the General Manager & Beverage and Hospitality Director. With years of experience in the hospitality world—ranging from dive bars to fine dining—Jake brings a wealth of knowledge to his craft, using it to create something truly special at The Mayflower. Whether you’re in the mood for a refreshing mocktail or a perfectly crafted cocktail, Jake has created something for everyone.
From Dishwashing to Drink-Making
Jake’s journey into the world of hospitality started at a young age. His aunt and uncle were the previous owners of Dunaways in Troy, and as a kid, you could find him helping out in the kitchen washing dishes. From there, he worked his way up, taking on back-of-house jobs before landing a general manager position at Pies and Pints. It was at that point he got his first taste of professional beverage knowledge with Cicerone training, which deepened his understanding of beer.
Afterwards he spent some time at the Hospitalite Group in Dayton, which oversees spots like Lola, Table 33, and Tipp City Pizza. But it was at Mayflower: The Encore where he was able to flex his creative muscle and build an inspired cocktail menu.
Crafting Unique & Inspired Cocktails
Whether it’s an unexpected twist on an Old Fashioned or a tiki-inspired drink, Jake’s cocktails are all about balance—never too sweet, never too spirit-forward.
One of his most popular drinks, Fashionably Late, is a take on the Old Fashioned made with Four Roses Four Batch Bourbon, bitter barley malt syrup, Dissarono, trinity bitters, and topped with an orange wrapped Luxardo cherry. It’s balanced and bold—making it the perfect play on a classic cocktail.
“Nothing on the menu is going to be your typical cocktail.”
The Milk and Honey is Jake’s unique twist on the classic piña colada, blending barrel-aged rum with Horchata, coconut cream, pineapple, mango and blackstrap bitters. This Tiki-inspired cocktail is beautifully balanced and finished with a dehydrated mango slice for that perfect touch of visual appeal.
“Everything you can make has been made. It’s just your variation on it.”
Jake isn’t just about great cocktails—he’s also likes to pair drinks with the menu to make the experience even better. His ideal pairing? A nice steak with a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon.
Infusing Local Flavor
Jake’s constantly experimenting with new drinks and flavor profiles, especially with local alcohol brands. You can expect to find the Mayflower: The Encore bar stocked with spirits from local distilleries including Buckeye Vodka, Belle of Dayton, and Dayton Barrel Works.
This isn’t his first time working with local brands, previously, Jake collaborated with Agave and Rye as a consultant, creating the Solar Corona using Hayner Whiskey’s Path of Totality Bourbon.
Outside of local brands, he is excited to experiment with a variety of different liquors and carry the favorites that locals are always asking for, including Tito’s.
Refreshing Alcohol Free Creations
These days, there’s a growing demand for non-alcoholic options, and Jake is all in on that trend. At Mayflower: The Encore, the drink menu features several mocktails, including the Ruby Slipper, a fruity, refreshing option that’s so good it doesn’t even need alcohol.
“In a realm where non-alcoholic drinks and sober-curious options are more prevalent, it’s really good to keep non-alcoholic options on the menu.”
Another favorite is the Chai It and See, a chai latte-inspired mocktail that’s as smooth as it is delicious. No matter which mocktail you choose, you can’t go wrong with their selection.
Mayflower: The Encore
For Jake, creating drinks isn’t just about mixing ingredients but crafting an experience. Whether he’s tweaking a classic recipe or creating something brand new, Jake’s approach is rooted in creativity and passion.
“I just want to ensure people are having a great time while they’re drinking.”
This mindset pairs perfectly with Mayflower: The Encore because this is more than just a place to grab a drink—it’s a great spot for a fun night out with the girls, a date, or just to take in some live entertainment (and don’t forget the rooftop bar will be opening in a few months).
Every time you go to Mayflower: The Encore, you know you’re going to have a memorable experience, and it’s because they not only have a beautiful venue, but they have people on board who have a true passion for what they do.
