
Last week I had the wonderful opportunity to sit down with
Dale DeGroff. If you've never heard of DeGroff, you'll be surprised to know that he has changed your life. Remember that basil gimlet you enjoyed at the bar last week?

When I heard the name of this cocktail, I assumed it would be a devilish drink that was either too spicy or super strong. I was pleasantly surprised when it was neither hot or potent, but rather a delightfully well-balanced, tasty cocktail.
Despite its blushing color, this mix of tequila,
Canton, and lemon juice is not a typically girlie, sweet concoction.

As bartenders raise the bar on the quality of cocktails, it's no wonder I've become interested in doing the same at home. At happy hour, I no longer want to make a simple rum and coke, instead I prefer to experiment with
exciting combinations and
fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Recently I purchased
Food and Wine Cocktails 2008, an informative, paperback full of classic and modern recipes from the nation's hippest bars and restaurants.

One of my
favorite seminars at the Food and Wine Classic was
Tony Abou-Ganim's party punches and sangria class. A pioneer in the world of classic cocktail making, Ganim is known for establishing cocktail programs at prestigious bars in San Francisco, New York, and most recently Las Vegas. Referred to as the
Modern Mixologist, Tony takes a culinary approach to cocktails and considers himself a "bar chef."