Read this excerpt from top bartender Eric Alperin’s new book “Unvarnished” about his experiences working at New York’s Little Branch and navigating the world of craft cocktails.
Eric Alperin’s first experience behind the stick was at The Screening Room in New York City. He has worked at the Michelin-starred Lupa and Sasha Petraske’s Little Branch. In Los Angeles, he created Osteria Mozza’s liquor and cocktail program before opening The Varnish in 2009. The Varnish was a James Beard semifinalist for Outstanding Bar Program from 2013 to 2017 and won Best American Cocktail Bar at Tales of the Cocktail in 2012. Eric was also a finalist for Best American Bartender at the Spirited Awards. He is also a co-owner of Half Step in Austin, Texas; the acting Director of Cocktail Bars for Pouring with Heart; and a co-owner of Penny Pound Ice, The Slipper Clutch, Bar Clacson, and The Streamliner at Union Station, all in Los Angeles. He will launch the Red Dog Saloon in Pioneertown, CA in early 2020.
Deborah Stoll is a novelist, journalist, lyricist, screenwriter, short story writer and animator. Her essays and articles have appeared in the Los Angeles Times, The Economist, LA Weekly, the San Francisco Chronicle and Punch Drink. Her short stories have been published in Slake, Swivel and Fresh Yarn. Her songs have been heard on TV shows such as American Idol, Glee, CSI Miami, and Pretty Little Liars; in movies like For a Good Time, Call; and in ads for Ralph Lauren. Her film and TV scripts have been recognized at Sundance, Slamdance, and the Hollywood Screenplay Contest. She is currently at work on her first novel.