Hogan attempts to control the atmosphere with music. “I would think if we were a little louder and a little darker, then maybe people would drink faster and different drinks. But when you come in here, I’d like to think that the guests would want to relax.” The place is flanked with wide windows, and the bar is vast. There are also tables and booths scattered about the place to encourage more intimate groupings. “The atmosphere definitely plays a role, and also, my staff plays a massive role, because I want them to be engaging and friendly. That way, if you’re here by yourself, you’ll want to stay and have another cocktail, and learn a little about us or learn a little about Memphis,” Hogan says.

            Hogan is the creator of the Kiwi Herman. She admired the Kirk & Sweeney rum bottle, due to its unique shape and pleasant aesthetic. The rum itself tastes buttery, and is surprisingly smooth on its own. After deciding she wanted to incorporate the rum in a drink, she thought the complementing flavors of kiwi and strawberry would enhance its already sweet undertones. When Seymour was in town, he added the bitters, and Hogan got her staff to try the drink. A staff member, after tasting it, surprised everyone by saying, “It’s the Kiwi Herman!” Hogan liked the name so much that she dubbed her drink as that. Hogan worked at the Hard Rock Café in Nashville, TN, for close to twelve years, before making the move to Memphis. She then worked at a number of places around town. After being hired at Alchemy as a bar tender, she soon began to long for more responsibility, which in turn landed her in the managerial role.

            On working at Alchemy, Hogan posits that her favorite part is working with and for the people. “I love the owners and the staff that I work with. Our guests are also fun and cool—and they’re my friends now. And having the liberty to do whatever we’d like to do.” It’s places like Alchemy that give Memphis a good rep in regards to nightlife. It is inviting, but also has an upper scale aesthetic that suits its posh, downtown setting perfectly. There’s good food and good drink, all in a pleasant, centralized atmosphere that is both relaxing and urban for its customers, no matter the time of day.