There's a great new cocktail book out by the folks behind drinkoftheweek.com. DIY Cocktails: A Simple Guide to Creating Your Own Signature Drinks not only spells out basic mixology techniques, but explores the ratios behind many classic cocktails. By using your own substitutions and sticking to the ratios, you can create your own bespoke cocktails at home. They've even included a handy flavor profile guide to let you know which spirits and ingredients play well together in the glass.
Mark your calendar for 6/12 and get ready for Speed-Rack. This national cocktail competition seeks to find the fastest female bartenders in the country and it starts here in NYC. The lovely ladies of LUPEC NYC (Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered Cocktails) and Lush Life Productions are teaming up for the inaugural event, which will be at 4pm at Astor Center. As you watch the ladies put their skills to the test and race against the clock, you can enjoy punches galore, as well as beer and small bites by Cienfuegos and Mayahuel available for purchase. Tickets are $10 and available online. All proceeds will benefit a breast cancer charity. See you there!