Online Bartenders

Probably not news to regular blog readers, but here is a short thing I had in today's Chronicle:

Cocktail experts mix it up online

Most of the bartending videos on sites like YouTube are poorly executed cocktail pouring demonstrations or useless tips like how to mix up a Scotch on the rocks. But in with all the bad advice, you can find a few experts to trust.

Robert Hess of DrinkBoy.com has a show called the Cocktail Spirit airing on SmallScreenNetwork.com that mixes his extensive knowledge of cocktail history with bartending advice, taking eight minutes to make a Champagne cocktail because of all the talking.

And if you've been missing local bartender Alberta Straub after her departure from the Orbit Room, you can find her online at CocktailsOnTheFly.tv. She brings the same kooky attitude and complicated recipes to videos that she did in person behind the bar, so you can watch her demonstrate making the hibiscus-flavored juice she prefers to cranberry, or yelling "There's no such thing as an appletini!" while repeatedly slamming the citrus press against the cutting board.

-- Camper English

Drinking with Tony

In today's Chronicle:

Mix it up with a video bartender

In the age of YouTube and other online video sites, you can find a lot of free drink mixing advice in live action form. Unfortunately, much of it is bad advice. (Google "How not to make a mint julep" for a spectacular example.) On the other hand, if you're willing to shell out twenty bucks for the new DVD "Modern Mixology," you may actually learn something useful. Tony Abou-Ganim, who spent time at Jack Slick's Balboa Cafe and helped open Harry Denton's Starlight Room before going on to host "Raising the Bar: America's Best Bar Chefs" on the Fine Living Network, leads this slick video production with a smooth jazz soundtrack. While most how-to-bartend demonstrations cite the recipe and pour the drink at a hyperspeed bartender pace, an eager Abou-Ganim takes his time and focuses on mixing styles, garnish techniques, and product education while reviewing 20-plus classic cocktails.

$19.95 at www.modernmixologydvd.com

-- C.E.

Now that's a spicy tequila!

Tommy's Mexican has a program where if you drink four shots of Julio's habanero-infused tequila and hold it for 15 minutes (without puking and only drinking beer or water) you get your name etched onto the bottle and a free membership into the tequila tasting club. Only 17 people have achieved this so far.

Here's a YouTube video of someone attempting that feat.

Whining and Dining

So far there are only two of them, but I love these Whining and Dining videos. Brenda and Brenda (Cintra Wilson and Nancy Balbrier) sample wine and cheeses, then compare them to celebrities.

Note: the audio on the second one is not safe for work.