How to Make an Old Fashioned

Here is the first episode of Follow The Liter, a series that I am working on with the guys from Kinda Funny.  I hope that you enjoy it and have as much fun watching it as we did making it.

Why Bartender’s Weekend?

Why Bartender’s Weekend?  First let me start out by saying what Bartender’s Weekend is exactly.  Bartender’s Weekend is an excuse for amazing people in the bartender community to get together and bond without the pitfalls of non-stop networking and relentless obligations. It is a few days set aside where we can enjoy the sunshine, talk shop & eat some incredible fish tacos.

Because of this philosophy, there are no seminars, no educational tastings and also no sponsorship fees.  Bartender’s Weekend is strictly egalitarian and exists only for the people’s enjoyment.

In fact, we don’t even really have anyone in charge, as there is no hierarchy or anyone with official or unofficial titles.

It is just a bunch of bartenders having fun and asking you to do the same.

So, if you want to organize your own event or party then please go ahead and do so, because we strongly encourage it.  Naturally, we ask that you check the calendar first, but this is only because it is the cool thing to do, not because anyone will say no.

We want everyone in the community to be able to come out and enjoy themselves regardless of what brand or bar they work (or don’t) for.

With all that said, we hope that you will join us this March 2nd – 4th here for the Second Annual Bartender’s Weekend here in beautiful San Diego.  Much love & respect.

Closing Out the Tab on 2013

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No more time for excuses, bartenders.  We got a New Year in front of us and it’s time to do something with it.

Is this the year that you finally open up your own bar?  Or maybe it’s the year that you snag a position as a brand ambassador.  Or maybe it’s the year where you take action on that idea you had for a party at Tales.

Whatever it is that you want to do, it is finally the time to close out the tab on all those excuses and make something happen. 

I won’t lie.  It will probably be a lot of work, but it will not seem like work, because you will be doing something that you believe in. 

There will be naysayers who don’t think you will be able to pull it off.  Prove them wrong.

There will be supporters who know you are capable.  Make them proud.

But don’t do it for them.  Do it for yourself.  Do it for the community.  Do it because it has to be done.  Do because if you don’t, no one else will.

Cocktails Programs without Hard Liquor...Oh yes.

Cocktails Programs without Hard Liquor...Oh yes.

  Great article in the NY Times about aperitif cocktails and the cocktail program that we implement over at Northern Spy Food Co in the East Village.  The food and staff there are incredible, if you have not been I highly recommend it.
  I am very proud of what we created there, especially since plenty of people did not think we could pull off a proper cocktail program in a house that did not have hard alcohol.
  Which is a shame, because sherry lemonades, vermouth cocktails and wine punches have been a part of the cocktail world for ages, so this was an incredible opportunity to help continue that legacy.

  Here is the launch menu to sample:

Northern Spy Fruit Cup

Fruit Cup Seasonal House Blend, Fresh Lime Juice, Ginger Beer, Bitters and Seasonal Fruit

Spanish Castle Magic

Manzanilla Sherry, Fresh Lemon Juice, Grapefruit Bitters, Sparkling Water and a Pinch of Sea Salt

Italian Mistress

Prosecco, Punt e Mes and Angostura Bitters

Bamboo

Olorosso Sherry, Dry Vermouth, Angostura and Orange Bitters

Madiera Maple Eggnog

 Madeira, Organic Cream, Grade B Maple Syrup, Free Range Egg, Whiskey Barrel Aged Bitters and Fresh Grated Cinnamon

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