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Dale DeGroff          

James Beard Award-Winning Mixologist & Author of "The Craft of the Cocktail"

Celebrated for being the first to revive the great classic cocktails of the nineteenth-century with simple fresh ingredients from his helm at the Rainbow Room in the 1980s, Dale DeGroff reinvented the bartending profession, setting off a cocktail revival that continues to flourish to this day.

Winner of two James Beard Awards, a Tales of the Cocktail Lifetime Achievement Award, and Wine Enthusiast 2018 Cocktail Legend Award, DeGroff is also a founder of the Museum of the American Cocktail in New Orleans.

A leading trainer and sought-after authority in the beverage industry, DeGroff is a founding partner of the award-winning Beverage Alcohol Resource (BAR) and author of "The Craft of the Cocktail." Published in 2002 and regarded as the “essential bartending guide” by the New York Times, his book has influenced the entire cocktail and hospitality industry. He released a thoroughly updated edition in 2020, collecting his 40 years of expertise and creativity into "The New Craft of the Cocktail: Everything You Need to Know to Think Like a Master Mixologist."

Speech Topics

I'll Take Manhattan

A tasting of five aromatic bitters (as opposed to single flavor bitters) first on their own, then each paired with 1 oz of a Rye (or bourbon if the client prefers) Manhattan. During the session we speak about the bitters, their history and ingredients, and the proliferation of commercial brands in the new Millennium. Optional, after the tasting a cocktail party with snacks featuriong a Manhattan are served with a choice of each individuals favorite bitters.

The Godfathers of Tiki

An introduction to Don the Beachcomber, aka Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt and Trader Vic aka Victor Bergeron. We taste through drinks from these two influential, post-Prohibition geniuses who made millions happy with their fantasy tropical oasis in cities around the country and eventually around the world.

The Evolution of the Martini

A journey beginning in 1888, with the first Martini recipe in print through the new millennium, documenting the changing recipes. Tastes from each era are offered through the session.

On the Town

A history of the cocktail through stories, songs and five drinks.

News

Try the Reverse Manhattan By Dale DeGroff Bartenders At Home
Watch legendary bartender Dale DeGroff mix up this spin on the classic Manhattan cocktail.
Communal Table Podcast: Dale DeGroff and Julie Reiner | Food ...
The veteran bartenders talk about what it takes to stick around for the long haul.
Meet Dale DeGroff, the Father of the Rebirth of the Cocktail The Life ...
This episode of the podcast Life Behind Bars features the influential bartender Dale DeGroff, who just published the second edition of his book, 'The Craft of the  ...

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