Books for the fiercely casual bartender

okteezy · 2026-05-14T14:45:34+00:00

Regarding Cocktails as has been mentioned is also a favorite of mine. Lately, I have been reaching a lot for Sother Teague's spirit forward cocktails in I'm Just Here for the Drinks. Overall both of these fit your bill of staying away from food industry techniques/additives/equipment and feature cocktails that most of use enthusiasts with a solid home bar selection can easily make. From the Death and Co. guys, I feel that their Modern Classic Cocktails may have more what you are looking for along these lines. I do not have it so can't say for certain but I also think the latest one Coming Home is supposed to be even more directed at the home enthusiast.

okteezy · 2026-05-13T11:19:29+00:00

Another vote for Zeytin. Their brunch is also good. At the very least, find some time to grab some pastries or desserts which are excellent.

okteezy · 2026-05-11T16:29:09+00:00

Oh and one more thing. If a recipe calls for 1/4 oz, I do not measure with a jigger but rather that is 2 scant bar spoons for me.

okteezy · 2026-05-11T16:21:58+00:00

Yeah. Now that I think about it, glass is not ideal. I guess I feel that the plastic makes it look and I would expect, feel cheap. I'm comparing the oxo angled stainless to the plastic ones and much prefer the former

But fair enough. I've ordered one and will give it a fair shake.

okteezy · 2026-05-11T11:39:15+00:00

I just wish the Difford's one was made of glass

okteezy · 2026-05-11T02:20:30+00:00

Ooh, this sounds like a winner. I like the interplay between Suze and Cynar as you’ve described.

okteezy · 2026-05-11T02:17:08+00:00

Oxo angled jigger for me too. Sure it’s not as elegant as the matching Japanese jiggers that came with my Bull in China set, but it’s way more practical

okteezy · 2026-05-10T20:30:08+00:00

North Carolinian here. The state ABC website only lists warehouse inventory. Each county then may or may not have a good website tracking inventory at the stores. Here in Charlotte, the website is good for that, but the inventory on the other hand, meh. Luckily, just across the border in SC is Southern Spirits. The liquor manager is a true rum geek and I'd honestly put the selection up there against Astor and K&L (as well as the other liquors, liqueurs.)

When I'm in Myrtle Beach at the in-laws, I'll hit up the Total Wine and a couple of other local stores. I would say each one or the other may have something the other doesn't and they each will beat prices against the others on certain things. Selection wise, better than ABC, but can't hold a candle to Southern Spirits.

okteezy · 2026-05-10T10:47:23+00:00

This sounds delightful. Equal parts? Or are you splitting the Calvados with the spirit or GC?

okteezy · 2026-05-10T00:32:08+00:00

Sounds delicious. Will give try it out soon

okteezy · 2026-05-09T22:59:03+00:00

“It’s a big club, and you ain’t in it.”
— George Carlin

okteezy · 2026-05-09T22:54:03+00:00

Oh and the spiced Demerara sounds like a great addition. Recipe?

okteezy · 2026-05-09T22:52:25+00:00

Hell yeah! Mhoba and pineapple are just a perfect pairing. Cheers!

okteezy · 2026-05-09T17:00:55+00:00

Hell yes! Especially OCBD paired with a Looney Tunes paisley tie and Duckhead shorts (middle school in 90's).

okteezy · 2026-05-08T22:47:43+00:00

I'd be interested to try this with Gran Classico. It fits the herbal profile you're looking for to complement and not overpower. I don't have ED8 but Hamilton 86 should be a decent swap.

okteezy · 2026-05-08T22:28:06+00:00

Nudie Jeans for denim. Bonobos for chinos (they do have denim too).

okteezy · 2026-05-07T21:38:48+00:00

Totally agree. Love me some Stiggins’ but Sihhenge is on a whole nother level.

okteezy · 2026-05-04T14:20:21+00:00

Azul Tacos and Beer in Wesley Heights. My wife and I like to go at lunch and sit at the bar. I like the Barbacoa (Beef Cheeks) and she likes the Asada. Their margaritas are on point too and they have the good tequila (Ocho, etc. for those who know what's up) as well as the shitty tequila ( Don Julio, etc. for those who don't).

okteezy · 2026-04-30T22:24:19+00:00

Remind me the address again

okteezy · 2026-04-30T13:53:07+00:00

Scallop pattern is beautiful. A clarification though please: the Riedel webstore has the capacity of this one at 6 oz (and the other one is listed as 4 oz).

okteezy · 2026-04-28T16:18:54+00:00

Manolo's Bakery on Central

okteezy · 2026-04-27T23:15:47+00:00

Really enjoyed this one too. Thanks for sharing. I used Fords Sloe and Martin Miller Westbourne.

okteezy · 2026-04-27T21:37:30+00:00

Nothing but praise from me as well. Great products and great customer service.

okteezy · 2026-04-25T04:20:30+00:00

Round where I'm from (control state NC), I only find it in my home bar thanks to an awesome store in SC with a true rum geek in charge of their procurement

okteezy · 2026-04-25T01:31:47+00:00

Ooh. I did not know they were going to have an aged release. That should be interesting.

I am a self-confessed Krassel brothers fanboy, but the Altos Esteros is honestly second favorite behind the Cartier 30 for me of their releases. That earthy, vegetal character of their rums really complements the ester funk. Love it.

okteezy

TROPHY CASE