MAY 19 UPDATE: When I spoke with Maybee last week, the trip was on. But he canceled it after Howard Hanna, Maybee’s partner in The Rieger/Manifesto, lost a family member. Our condolences to Hanna and his family, and apologies to readers for an off post. Still, pretty cool that Maybee’s in Gaz’s book. A deserved honor.
ORIGINAL POST: The Manhattan Cocktail Classic’s going strong in NYC right now, a five-day festival devoted to good drink, with parties, tastings, demos and who knows what else. I don’t. The event’s in its second year, and I’ve sadly missed both. But Ryan Maybee of The Rieger and Manifesto is there now, teaching the odd Hendrick’s seminar and attending the launch of Gaz Regan’s Annual Manual for Bartenders 2011.
Why does that pique my interest enough to blog about it? Because Maybee’s listed among Chapter 2’s “Fabulous Innovators.” What’s that mean? Maybee wasn’t sure when I asked him about it last week, but he’s in good company with the likes of Jamie Boudreau of Seattle, Tony Conigliaro of London and Jeffrey Morgenthaller of Portland, Ore.
And who is this Gaz guy? He’s more formally known as Gary Regan, and he and his wife, Mardee, have published some of the best cocktail books out there. The Joy of Mixology in particular is a must-read for bartenders and wannabees alike.
The Annual Manual is available online, and you can check out more of Gaz’s writing at Ardent Spirits. And, just to get you in the mood, here’s a Manhattan Cocktail Classic recipe, courtesy of Saveur.
Snake Eyes: In a cocktail shaker, muddle 1/4-inch slice of jalapeño and one basil leaf. Add 2 ounces pisco, 1 ounce passion fruit puree, 1/2 ounce mango puree, 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice (from half a lime), and 3/4 ounce agave syrup. Fill shaker with ice. Shake vigorously; strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a basil leaf.