BĀS PVD

Raised in the Spirit of Hospitality

I met mixologist Michael Silva at one of his first BĀS PVD cocktail pop-ups at the beloved, now-defunct Elmwood Diner in summer of 2018. Two years and dozens of vibrant, expertly executed pop-ups later, Michael is celebrating some big news: BĀS PVD is officially licensed for hire! We met for a round of Michael’s signature Underground Toddies to catch up and toast his recent achievements.

Willa: First line of business, what are we drinking?

Michael: The Underground Toddy. It’s boozy, a little sweet, warm and spicy, enough to make you feel cozy on the inside when outside temps go low.

W: Tell us a bit about yourself. What are the origins of BĀS?

M: BĀS is the phonetic spelling of “base,” as in “foundation,” where it all started, a word-of-mouth cocktail party in my parents’ basement in Pawtucket. Good music, solid snacks and craft cocktails with style. I invited friends who invited their friends ... That’s how it all began.

W: You say your parents are role models. How so?

M: My parents are Cape Verdean immigrants with a deep love for gathering friends and community. They’d throw epic parties [birthdays, New Year’s] while making everyone feel so welcome. BĀS is the bass note to that kind of hospitality.

W: How would you describe your bartending style?

M: It’s a life philosophy, really. It’s about bringing people together and introducing them to new things—music, friends and flavors—and sharing new perspectives on how to enjoy your favorite spirit.

W: How do you get people to try new flavors?

M: Most people know their favorite spirit, so that’s where it begins. Say you like gin & tonic. I’d suggest a gin gimlet, a little lime cordial and fresh lime. Let’s go a step further with The Land Before Time, one of my new staples: gin, simple syrup, lime and kale. That’s right, kale. One delicious recipe becomes a portal into the world of sours and classic cocktails.

W: Which comes first, the cocktail or the playlist?

M: I create parties I want to attend, so it goes both ways. Gimlets, Daiquiris, Hot Toddies . . . RnB, Neo-Soul, World Music. I am inspired by it all. There’s a serious gap in the craft cocktail world, and my pop-up events are designed for people who look, walk and talk like me, but all walks of life are welcome. My goal is to educate and empower an underrepresented demographic in the cocktail industry and encourage newcomers to feel confident in that social space. Creating the vibe through drinks, lighting and good music really helps.

W: Any new projects in the works?

M: This year, my girlfriend, Miellette McFarlane, and I launched MXR Cocktail Kits, a new drink kit brand that includes all of the elements you need to make creative craft cocktails at home. All you have to do is add the spirits.

W: Great! How can we find you?

M: Find us at @baspvd and @mxrcocktails on Instagram for our schedule and updates.

Find Michael’s recipe for Land Before Time at EdibleRhody.com

Fall in love with Willa’s autumn cocktails, The Butterfly (butterfly pea–infused gin, fresh lemon, pineapple Thai basil shrub) and The Perfect Gibson (gin, sweet vermouth, dry vermouth, Amaro di Etna and pickled onion). Find them at EdibleRhody.com.