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A Spontaneous Libation for your Consideration

From the Knowledge Vault

In Memoriam: Sasha Petraske (1973-2015)

August 21, 2015. I'm sure most of you have heard of the untimely death today of Sasha Petraske, founder of Milk and Honey in the Lower East Side and eventually London, The Varnish in Los Angeles, Dutch Kills on Long Island, and a few other important bars around the world.

Though I never got to meet the man, or even, I’m ashamed to say, drink in one of his bars, I feel a great deal of sadness at his passing. Sasha was one of the earliest adopters of modern craft cocktails in this country, and we all owe him a debt. He advocated for so many things that drinkers around the world take for granted: good ice, attention to detail, measuring pours, and professional demeanor as a standard for bartenders.

When Milk and Honey opened, no one else was doing what he did. The entrance was hidden to the public. He did no advertising. There was a code of conduct, mainly for gentlemen. He enforced the dictates of polite society and a time long gone by on a crowd of people more used to Alabama Slammers as the pinnacle of the drinking experience - yes, Dale DeGroff has a contemporary recipe in The Craft of the Cocktail.

Here’s a great video  with a short interview and a drink – the Bee’s Knees.

Sasha was just married a few months ago to Georgette Moger. He had moved to Hudson, New York to work as a consultant. If you’re out tonight, or feel like a cocktail at home, please join me in raising a glass to Sasha Petraske.

Zachary Pearson, Editor

Recent Additions

  • Mills Ave Manhattan — Overproof bourbon, Sweet vermouth, Cherry Liqueur, Orange liqueur, Orange bitters, Bitters
  • Pelican Swizzle — Trinidad rum, Cynar, Mezcal, Falernum, Lime juice, Salt
  • Willa Brown — Bourbon, Maraschino Liqueur, Crème de Violette, Lemon juice, Lime
  • Last Vow — Gin, Herbal liqueur, Ginger liqueur, Islay Scotch, Absinthe, Lemon juice, Salt Solution
  • Tequila Sour — Reposado Tequila, Bitters, Lime juice, Simple syrup, Egg white

Recent Discussion

  • Re Marianito, 2 hours ago randallr commented:

    Yes, indeed, Shawn is right - that’s why I noted the recipe is “infinitely malleable,” and that it’s frequently made without citrus. All that said, Kindred Cocktails needed a Marianito recipe up here to spark this vital cultural conversation! (By the way, Txurrut is a fabulous Basque vermouth!)

  • Re Shabash, 2 hours ago Biff Malibu commented:

    Lime dominant

  • Re North by Northwest (Sweet Afton), 8 hours ago yarm commented:

    Half would be more reasonable and close to 3 ounces (1, 1, 3/8, 3/8, 1/8 = 2 7/8 oz).

  • Re North by Northwest (Sweet Afton), 15 hours 28 minutes ago Shawn C commented:

    Waaay oversized drink for the spirits involved. It will come in around 1.6+ oz of ethanol depending on the gins used. I would cut it back by about a third to get the serve into a more responsible pour that will also fit into a cocktail glass rather than requiring a double rocks (without the rock.)

  • Re Streets of Crocodiles, 1 day ago Mixin In Ansley commented:

    A deep scotch-like fireside drink