The neutral news: Nominees for the second annual Spirit Awards were announced today. From the press release: “Through its annual Spirit Awards, Tales of the Cocktail provides recognition to those individuals and establishments that have shown an outstanding talent for advancing the craft of the cocktail.” Categories include Best Drink Selection; Best Classic Cocktail Bar; Mixologist/Bartender of the Year; and Best New Product.

The good news: I was nominated in the “Best Cocktail Writing” category, for my work with Imbibe and the San Francisco Chronicle (hmm, a certain online site wasn’t mentioned…)

The bad news: The other nominees include Jeff Berry, Ted Haigh, Gary Regan, Debra Argen & Edward Nesta, and David Wondrich. Ah, well, it’s nice to think I have a chance.

Awards will be presented July 19 in New Orleans, during Tales of the Cocktail. Be sure to drop by and watch the mascara streak my face as I’m handed the bouquet for umpteenth runner-up.

Tags: General by Paul
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Just a reminder — voting on the new Mixology Monday logo ends at midnight Pacific time (-7 GMT). Vote on the handy ballot if you haven’t already, or if you’re enamored with the original version, follow the example set by the second-best bartender in Seattle and chime in down in the comments section (but go ahead and vote anyway).

Tags: General by Paul
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The entries are in; now, it’s time to cast your vote for the new Mixology Monday logo.

The entries are listed in the order they were received. Peruse the images and pick your favorite, noting the letter adjacent to the graphic. Cast your vote at the bottom of the post.

The polls are upon through Friday, May 9; at midnight my time (PDT; GMT -7) I’ll tally the votes, and post the winner on Saturday, May 10.

And a huge “thank you” to each of the participants!

Now vote!

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Tags: General by Paul
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Just a reminder that if you’re working on a new Mixology Monday logo for the design contest, the deadline is today. I’ll put up the options tomorrow morning my time (probably around 9 a.m. Pacific US), so if you get it to me by then, that’s fine. There are several great candidates in the running, but there’s always room for more. See the original post for details and contact info.

Tags: General by Paul
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In case you haven’t noticed, I’m a big fan of rum. Today, the editors at the San Francisco Chronicle let me overindulge this interest; read my rum-fuelled babblings right here:

Rum’s Ship Comes In
With bartenders and consumers exploring its many facets, the previously low-rent liquor is gaining new respect

And a word to the wise — try the Coin Toss, recipe kindly provided by Phil Ward from Death & Company.

Tags: General by Paul
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