Al Sotack
What the Plastic Straw Controversy Means for Bars
The seemingly innocuous plastic straw has found itself at the center of a greater cultural war
After a Year of Scandal, 'Tales of the Cocktail' Tries to Get Back on Track
The world's biggest booze festival has been through a lot in the past year. We sat down with new owner Neal Bodenheimer to see what's going to be different this year.
Navigating the Craft Cocktail World As a Trans Bartender
The best service you give ends up happening after you stop giving a bunch of fucks.
When Is It OK to Talk Politics at the Bar?
For decades, "don’t talk politics or religion behind the bar" has been a common maxim for bartenders. But do these uncertain times call for a new rulebook?
In Defense of 'Craft'
I started bartending by putting expensive garbage in front of people who didn't care. The craft renaissance was a revelation.
When Is It OK to Talk Politics at the Bar?
For decades, "don’t talk politics or religion behind the bar" has been a common maxim for bartenders. But do these uncertain times call for a new rulebook?
Barbacking Is Damn Hard
Every bartender has someone who is slicing his fruit, marrying his well, passing him bottles, and trying desperately to stay the hell out of the way.
The Convoluted History of the Southside
The Southside is a cocktail classic, but even some of the most legendary living bartenders can't agree on how it's made or served.
Demon Tied to a Chair in My Brain Recipe
An homage to the Dax Riggs song of the same name, this overproof rum cocktail may not rid your mind of demons, but it'll get 'em tipsy.
Drinks Don't Have a Gender
Even after blatant sexism in advertising has kinda-sorta drifted out of fashion, booze is often still hawked with a glib nod and wink toward gender roles, and the idea that what you drink is a signifier of your masculinity or femininity is still...
Sam Hain Recipe
Made with Cognac, apple brandy, pumpkin syrup, and bitters, this cocktail is no pumpkin spice latte—but it does offer a stiffer, naughtier taste of fall.
Why Bartenders Should Probably Just Make the Mojito
I want everyone to try something weird and exciting, but I don’t want them to feel bad about wanting comfort food either.