The blog page for Smart Guy In A Tie. We explore topics from cocktail trends to creativity to branding, and everything in between.
There was a bit of a counting error, so the exploration of modern cocktails received an extra day. Who else to dedicate that to other than "King Cocktail" Dale DeGroff. He was one of the pioneers in the late 1980's and early 1990's that brought fresh ingredients and classic techniques back to a thoroughly artificial bar scene. If you are interested in craft cocktails or are working in the industry, it is probably because of this man.
How many pink cocktails have you seen? Most people go right for the Cosmopolitan when they think of a pink drink. There are a few other classics, like a Pink Lady, but pink and sweet tend to go together. Then there is the Jasmine, where pink and herbal meet. Red Campari is the reason this cocktail earns its pink hue, giving the mixture a slightly bitter flavor. Not too much, but just enough to say hello.
Early in his career, Jon Santer developed a simple recipe of bourbon, coffee liqueur, and orange bitters. It was christened The Revolver and continued on his way, pushing the world of cocktails forward one libation at a time. He helped bring back the speakeasy concept, and by and large built a following for his amazing work and the energy he gives to the industry.
Vodka, after enjoying a robust run in the 1980's and 90's, fell sharply off the radar as the millennium approached. The lack of flavor that drove its popularity became a liability as bartenders and mixologists looked to classic cocktails for inspiration. Fewer ingredients and smaller cocktails became the norm, so every piece had to pull its weight. The Celery Cider in Saveur Magazine brings some savory flavor to vodka, creating a profile that #100DaysOfCocktails is eager to try.
