The Mischievous Mixologist: A Hardcore Hospitality Handbook

by Curtis W McMillan, Joseph Collins (editor), Warren Bobrow (foreword)

The Mischievous Mixologist is a memoir, a guide, and a love letter to the bartending industry. It’s a reflection of my life behind the bar. I never saw myself as the guy behind the bar, like some character in a western, wiping down glasses and slinging drinks. Bartending wasn’t in my childhood fantasies. But here I am, two and a half decades deep, ensnared by its gritty allure, its wild chaos, its rich culture.

Imagine what happens when you raise a kid on Henry Rollins and mix in a healthy dose of Dale DeGroff. I'm the Hatebreed with a half-ounce of Chartreuse. This book is a reflection of who I am. It chronicles my accidental journey, a tale of stumbling into the industry, finding passion in its beats, and humbly soaking up wisdom from those who've truly mastered the craft. It's a narrative of my screw-ups over the years, peppered with insights on how to navigate this world, as I see it, with integrity.

It's a testament to the lessons learned and a celebration of the craft. Whether you’re a seasoned bartender, a newcomer, or simply a lover of good stories and great drinks, I hope this book offers you something valuable—a glimpse into the world of bartending through the eyes of someone who never imagined he’d be here but wouldn’t trade it for anything else.

265 pages, Paperback

Published July 28, 2024