Mixologist

THREE YEARS AND THOUSANDS of miles have passed since the last time we visited the cocktail and spirit world with you. Our move to the UK, in 2007, has given us a new perspective on the bartending world and the people that inhabit it. Ever since the profession was born, mixologists and drinks writers have travelled the globe in search of new experiences, different ingredients, and inspiring combinations. We've looked at the industry in America. Now it's time to look at the world beyond the United States to see how cocktails developed in Europe.

In this volume, the third, of Mixologist: The Journal of the European Cocktail, our intrepid travelling cocktailians take us on a tour of the path of the bartender as seen through the eyes of drinks guru Gary Regan. Sue Leckie details why the legendary master Peter Dorelli is such an inspired spirit. Albert Montserrat pays tribute to is mentor and her father, Maria Dolores and Miguel Boadas.

A charmer in his own right, Phil Duff discloses the essential secrets of cultivating bartender-right charm. Brief histories of two highly-regarded guilds, the UKBG and the IBA, are presented by Lynn Byron and Domenico Constanzo, respectively.

Master Salvatore Calabrese sets the record straight about the crystal-clear, potent Dukes Martini. Sue Leckie returns to prove that not all of Britain's best bars and bartenders reside in London.

A century of German bar culture is eloquently presented by Stefan Gab¡ny. And as a finale, a century of Spanish cocktails is presented with all the passion and ecstasy of a true aficionado by Alberto Gomez Font.

Naturally, we had to put in our two pence. This time, we uncover a few surprises in the origins and bloodline of the world's favourite morning pick-me-up, the Bloody Mary. We take you through the halls and the history of Exposition Universelle des Vins et Spiritueux, a place that is very near and dear to our hearts.

Hope you enjoy your grand tour of Europe and its cocktails.