Since 2014, I have had the privilege of working with over 100 different owners and operators to improve their businesses in one capacity or another. Over that time I have had the opportunity to learn some best practices from many operators and have also seen some common issues along the way. Here are some of the key takeaways from my experience, which I hope you’ll be able to leverage in your own business. Photo by Benjamin Zanatta via www.unsplash.com   MASTER THE BASICS BUILD REGULARS, INCREASE REVENUE AND PROFITS, REDUCE INVENTORY LOSS, AND DECREASE CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS Masterin ..read more

Happy National Bourbon Day! Did you even know this was a thing? No? Well, you’re in the right place for an awesome recipe and some good ol’ fashioned celebration of this amazing spirit (my personal favorite). Jump to Recipe Photo courtesy of Angel’s Envy Bourbon   Apparently every June 14th, whiskey enthusiasts get a chance to celebrate one of the United States’ most beloved spirits. This day is specifically dedicated to appreciating bourbon, a whiskey that has become deeply ingrained in American history and culture. And since it’s next week, we thought we’d get you ready to celebrate i ..read more

(Editor’s Note: This article has been updated from a 2013 version.) Ever wondered why James Bond likes his Martinis shaken? Today, we’re going to answer one of the classic questions in mixology: Shaken or stirred? The rule of thumb is this: When your cocktail is all spirits, it should be stirred. Still some folks (like James Bond) want them shaken. Today we’re doing a side-by-side comparison using my favorite cocktail, a Manhattan! So how’d it go? Stirred: Crystal clear, you can easily see through it.  The top is clear and doesn’t have any foam or bubbles.This cocktail tastes exac ..read more

[Editor’s Note: This article has been updated from the original 2013 version.] I don’t know about you, but since Tales this year I have been hearing about Clarified Juices on mixology blogs and craft cocktail sites all over the place. This week, my curiosity got the best of me and I decided to give it a try with lime juice. What You Will Learn: Why your bottle-carbonated cocktail program needs clarified juice Two different ways to mess up your Clarification (From experience!) How juice clarification impacts taste How it’s Done: Lime Juice weight and Preparation: Juice limes Typica ..read more

Ready to spice up your culinary journey? Then the National Restaurant Association Show 2024 is calling your name… And the best part? Chris will be there repping A Bar Above! When: May 18-21, 2024 Where: The bustling city of Chicago (McCormick Place: 2301 S. King Dr., Chicago, IL  60616) Find Us: Booth 11143   Photo by Tim Gouw via www.unsplash.com   This awesome expo promises to be an unforgettable experience for foodservice professionals and enthusiasts alike, so we hope to see you there. Curious but not sure yet? Read on for more information before booking your tickets. &nbs ..read more

Hey, friends! We’re excited to unveil our latest gem at A Bar Above: the citrus zester! This nifty tool extracts that exciting flavor of citrus easily & quickly.    What is a Lemon Zester? A zester is a kitchen tool dedicated to extracting the flavorful oils and zesty tang from citrus fruit. It’s kind of like a cheese grater but made specifically for citrus peel. (If you’ve ever tried using an actual cheese grater on an orange or lemon peel to try to get strips of zest, you know it doesn’t really work super well.)  It’s got these tiny sharp holes that work wonders in removin ..read more

Tired regular date nights? Looking for a creative idea for spending time with your significant other beyond traditional game nights, dance lessons (not for those with two left feet, let me tell ya), or ignoring each other during movie night with a bottle of wine?   Copyright A Bar Above   Look no further than our brand new Date Night Gift Box – an “inside-the-box idea” that guides you through crafting 2 delightful cocktails, all while enjoying some quality time with your loved one for a cozy night at home, where you can laugh, chat, and maybe even engage in a little friendly compet ..read more

This post may contain affiliate links. Check out this disclosure for more info. Thanks for your support! To the cocktail beginner, it might seem a bit alarming to watch your bartender crack an egg, add the whites to a shaker tin, shake away, and then serve you that drink – without any cooking whatsoever. After all, didn’t your mother tell you not to eat raw cookie dough because it has raw eggs in it? Well I can’t speak to your mother’s advice (I’ve been known to sneak some cookie dough in my day…), but I can tell you a bit about egg whites in cocktails and why it’s worth giving t ..read more

Did you know that A Bar Above offers a variety of educational courses on topics from mocktails to a becoming a better bartender? Well, we do! And we’re especially excited to share with you our Flavor Manipulation series, a trio of self-paced online courses that explore the use of essential ingredients like different types of bitters and syrups, as well as how to use various flavor profiles in alcoholic drinks.   Copyright A Bar Above   If you’re craving a way to transform your favorite cocktails into elevated creations, you’re in the right place. These courses delve into the true c ..read more

In the world of spirits, whiskey and brandy have such a rich history and timeless feel, wouldn’t you say? There’s just something about these two beloved spirits that entices connoisseurs and newcomers alike with their depth. Both cherished for their complex flavors and exceptional craftsmanship, whiskey and brandy hold a special place in the hearts of cocktail lovers worldwide. Today, we’ll delve into the realms of whiskey and brandy, exploring their origins, production methods, flavor profiles, and the distinct characteristics that set them apart. So, grab your favorite glass, and join us as ..read more