There's an admirable sort of unity that's been built among bartenders and beverage professionals over the past ten years. But from time to time a disappointing strain of cocktail orthodoxy emerges among opinion-makers and shakers as well. More>>

I recently sat in on the deposition of a bar owner embroiled in a liquor liability civil suit. At issue was whether the defendant’s bartender had acted negligently when serving alcohol to the defendant who subsequently caused an accident that resulted in injuries to innocent third parties.More>>

Cocktail menus have never been so filled with so many multi-ingredient drinks, unusual components and concoctions that defy easy assumptions about taste, sweetness, potency and depth. Time for a change?More>>

To my way of thinking, a tour of duty as a bar back is the best way to become a bartender. You learn that bartending as a nightlong series of interactions and transactions interspersed with making a few hundred cocktails.More>>

Just when the cocktail scene has established that customers can get well-made Manhattans, Daiquiris and other classics in loads of places, there's a creeping belief that consistency in ingredients isn't all that important. Huh?More>>

Today, people are more predisposed to socializing without alcohol. Research reveals that only 25% of consumers who dine out at full-service restaurants order some type of beverage alcohol, be it spirits, beer or wine. More>>

Much of America is in drought, and that means those cucumbers and peaches and watermelons and herbs your drink list counts on this summer may be smaller, drier and more expensive. Time to adjust?More>>

Everyone understands the importance of social media. But the importance lays not just in being active on social media sites; it’s actually in learning to do it right and in a way that connects with your customer base.More>>

Something to ponder before the start of season two of Bar Rescue: Why haven’t you walked through your kitchen or talked with the Chef? More>>

Is it the origin of the Margarita? How to cure hiccups? What makes bourbon, bourbon? How about how to serve?More>>