The Liquid Muse

World Cocktail Week Begins Today

If ever there was a time to raise a glass in honor of raising a glass, its now!

As decribed by The Museum of the American Cocktail, "World Cocktail Week was established to celebrate the rich history of the cocktail and recognize the craftsmanship and skill of the bartenders who have been mixing them for over 200 years." Bartenders, Mixologists, and otherwise described Cocktail-Enthusiasts around the world kick off celebrations over the next couple of weeks to pay homage to their profession and passion.

San Francisco
San Francisco Cocktail Week is back for its second year. I went up north with my photographer pal, Claire Barrett, last year, and covered the parties at Rye, Jardiniere, and the wrap up party at Absinthe (the site of this year's grand finale, too).

Also in San Fran, this year, Tony Abou Ganim is going to be honored for his contributions to local Mixology, namely his infamous Cable Car cocktail which he created at Harry Denton's Starlight Lounge.

Washington DC
Meanwhile, in our Nation's Capital, the city's top bartenders are gathering at Proof on May 12. Tickets cost $135 with some proceeds going to support The Museum of the American Cocktail. The swanky soiree includes passed hors d'oeuvres and five specialty cocktails created by each of the mixologists involved.

Los Angeles
We're no shlumps down here in So-Cal, either, although being part of our celebration may cost more than the price of a drink. This evening, uber-hip members-only drinking club The Doheny in downtown LA is featuring Brand Ambassador/Mixologist, Jamie Terrell, who will showcase Sagatiba cachaca and several Brazilian cocktails. Additionally, The Doheny's Head Barman Vincenzo Marianella will present his own cachaca creation, the Rio. Plymouth Gin Brand Ambassador/Mixologist, Simon Ford, will also be on hand highlighting classic cocktails such as the Corpse Reviver #2, Hanky-Panky, Positano, and Vincenzo’s Spring Collins. (I know where I'm drinking tonight...)

Where Else?

Please let me know if your bar / city / country is doing something unusual and fun for cocktail week. I'd love to post it here!

Continue the Party in New Orleans!

And if all this hullabaloo feels like a warm up for Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans, July 16-20... it is. The Museum of the American Cocktail is also re-opening its doors in the Big Easy around the same time. There is just so much dang cocktailian fun down there, you won't be able to contain yourself! Buy your tickets for that before they are gone, like the last sip of the last drink at last call. Boo-hoo.


Happy Cocktail Week, Everyone!