Professional Mixology

He has also spearheaded YouTube’s very first bartender training series, "Art of the Drink," and garnered rave reviews for his off-Broadway show, "The Imbible: A Spirited History of Drinking." In his most recent project with ICE, he teamed up with Food & Wine magazine's former editor in chief Dana Cowin to explore the fundamentals behind making the perfect martini in a four part video series.

Today, Anthony’s multidisciplinary talents have made beverage management one of the most dynamic elements of ICE’s career programs: “Being a great bar or beverage manager used to be a bonus for front-of-house professionals, because all the cocktails were standardized. But today, with the renaissance of cocktail culture, it’s expected that restaurants put as much thought and expertise into their bar as their food menu — otherwise, every single reviewer will destroy you.”

As part of his curriculum, Anthony performs the role of mixology myth buster, exposing the economic and human resources issues that can sink even the most exciting bar program. “People always say you make all your money behind the bar in restaurants. It’s laughable because you’re literally tracking liquid, which is much, much harder than noticing the disappearance of silverware or chicken breasts. In fact, most restaurants are losing money behind the bar because they haven’t properly trained and motivated their staff.”

For ICE students and bar professionals alike, Anthony’s no-nonsense take on the industry is as refreshing as a summertime gin and tonic: “Good bartenders always remember that the craft is not about making the drink, it’s about serving the drink. People will forgive a mediocre drink if the service is amazing, but they won’t come back for an amazing drink served by a messy or rude bartender.”