Check out the Newbie in Costa Mesa Inside SOCIAL
Written By: Ameihia Turingan
Photographed By: Mathew Martinez
Expert: Grayson Diercksmeier
Credentials: Bar Director, ThunderKing Coffee Bar in SOCIAL Costa Mesa
Q: How would you describe the atmosphere of SOCIAL?
Grayson Diercksmeier: The atmosphere here at SOCIAL is fun yet professional. We pride ourselves on being just that, ‘ourselves,’ [as well as] being able to provide an experience that is not only personal but remarkable.
Q: ThunderKing is known for its cold-brew coffee. What makes the process and the taste unique?
GD: The process is slow, very slow. And the yield is low, very low. Which in turn produces a product that is good, very good. More or less, the labor of love that goes into the ThunderKing cold-brew makes the little bit of juice totally worth the squeeze.
Q: ThunderKing Coffee Bar has been open for a few months. What can visitors expect in the upcoming year?
GD: The plan for the coffee bar concept going forward is to push the envelope as far as the ‘craft coffee’ concept goes and establish ourselves as one of the staples for the local coffee drinking scene.
Q: What is your favorite drink on the menu?
GD: The ‘Coffee is for Closers’ is one of my favorites. It’s amazingly simple yet offers a lot of nuances for cocktail and coffee drinkers alike. We’re giving 2018 the new ‘vodka redbull.’
Q: Creativity plays a huge role in your line of work. What is the most unique drink that you’ve crafted?
GD: This line of work does indeed require creativity, and I am proud of everything I’ve sent over the bar top. I always like to think that my next cocktail is more creative than the last, but the only way to find out is to come in and see for yourself!
Rewarding: Grayson’s favorite aspect of his job is being able to introduce people to new items that they’ve never tried before as well as working with an eager team that wants to get better every day.
Match Made in Foodie Heaven: SOCIAL Costa Mesa collaborated with ThunderKing Brewing Co. to create the ThunderKing Coffee Bar inside SOCIAL, which opened in August 2017.
Native Knowledge: ThunderKing Coffee Bar is open as early as 8 a.m. for you to grab your morning dose of caffeine.
ThunderKing Coffee Bar
SOCIAL Costa Mesa
512 W 19th St
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
949.642.2425
