No one knows exactly when bartenders morphed into mixologists, but one thing is certain: The cocktail culture has exploded across America over the past decade, and now plays a major role in our social life. Mark speaks with Brian Van Flandern, former head mixologist at Per Se in Manhattan and currently a consultant specializing in cocktail menus, bar setup and staff training; they touch on a variety of issues from the importance of fresh fruit juices to the proper way to make a margarita.
On Bizarre Beverage News, Mark examines the strange case of a Burgundian winemaker on trial for refusing to spray his vines with pesticides, explores the latest revelation of the connection between drinking wine and health, and reveals the world’s top five wine-consuming countries.

LINKS:

Brian Van Flandern—Link to: http://www.mymixologist.com

Binny’s Beverage Depot—Link to: http://www.binnys.com

Iconic Spirits: An Intoxicating History—Link to:
http://www.iconicspirits.net