New Mixology Toys & Techniques

Posted on June 17, 2009
Filed Under Sonja Kassebaum | 3 Comments

Sonja Kassebaum is a Chicago-based boutique distiller (North Shore Distillery) and cocktail blogger (Thinking of Drinking).  In her spare time, she’s president and founder of the Chicago chapter of Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered Cocktails (LUPEC Chicago), and a member of the United States Bartenders Guild, Illinois Chapter.

Every day, in every great cocktail bar, mixologists are developing new techniques and ideas for making great drinks. Perhaps it’s as simple as a new way to create a garnish, or a new way to use a bar tool.  Or maybe it’s something thoroughly unique and innovative, the likes of which haven’t been seen before now. Expect to see a few of the latter at one of the sessions at Tales, called Mixologists and Their Toys.

Erin Williams, the US brand mixologist/ambassador for Cointreau, was tight lipped about exactly what we’ll see in the seminar.  Maybe it was because the Remy/Cointreau PR people were listening in on our call, but it was probably just that she didn’t want to give away any of the surprises.

Erin will of course be demonstrating the Cointreau spherification kit, which has landed in some bars in New York City and has been around for a couple of years but hasn’t gotten very far outside of NYC.  In addition, she has asked each panelist to unveil something completely new in the session.  All of the panel members  are known for their work in molecular mixology, including Don Lee from PDT in NYC; Fernando Castellon, a bar expert from Lyon, France, known for making food out of cocktails, among other techniques; and Evan Wallace (who might be talking about this, just a guess).  (Photo from New York Times)

If you want to see these great new ideas, you’ll just have to attend the seminar.  I’ll be there.  Will you?

Mixologists and Their Toys takes place Thursday, July 9,  in the La Nouvelle Orleans East & West Ballroom at the Hotel Monteleone. Tickets may be purchased here.