Lower Alcohol Cocktails with Texas State Mixologist, Shaun Meglen
An Interview and Demonstration: Mixing the best lower ABV [Alcohol by Volume] cocktails.
The emergence of the popularity of lower alcohol cocktails has garnered quite a bit of attention among the public and mixologists. Today we have Shaun Meglen, the Texas state mixologist for Southern Wine and Spirits. Shaun discusses this popular trend low ABV [Alcohol by Volume] and gives us a demonstration of a Reverse Manhattan. Let’s welcome Shaun to Wine Wanderings. Simply click on the YouTube link above to see this demonstration or download the transcript below.
About Shaun Meglen
Shaun Meglen is the State Mixologist for Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits in Texas. He curates cocktail menus and bar programs for some of the top bars, restaurants, and hotels across the state. Shaun grew up in South Texas and, as a theater kid in school, eventually found his “stage in life” behind the bar. With that limelight came 10+ years of slinging drinks and operating bars in San Antonio and Austin. He has a passion for wine, spirits, and—naturally—cocktail creation where he routinely displays a superhuman gift for naming drinks. Indeed, his philosophy on cocktails is "simple and balanced with a spiffy garnish and a catchy name." Shaun is Bar Smarts Advanced, WSET Level 2, and CRT Award T certified, and his cocktails have been featured in GQ Magazine, Playboy, HuffPost, Food & Wine, and Bar Business Magazine. Personally, Shaun likes his cocktails bitter, strong, and fruity (in varying degrees). Outside of beverages, he enjoys exploring the outdoors, playing music, acting, thrift shopping, and spending time with his girlfriend and their two dogs.
Reverse Manhattan Cocktail Recipe
(This is a twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail.)
Ingredients:
2 oz. Sweet Vermouth
1 oz. Rye Whiskey
Note: Bourbon can also be used in place of rye, however the inherent spice of rye whiskey tends to play better with sweet vermouth, especially in these proportions. *
A Luxardo maraschino cherry
Directions:
Stir together in a mixing glass, pour into chilled couple or over large rock
Garnish with Luxardo maraschino cherry.
Spirit Recommendations: Where to Find
Sweet Vermouth (Some recommendations: Foro Vermouth di Torino Rosso (Italy), La Pivon Vermouth Rojo (Spain), Quady Vya Sweet Vermouth (USA)
Rye Whiskey (Some recommendations: Redemption Rye, Knob Creek Rye, Michter’s Rye
Download a transcript of the interview with Shaun Meglen here.
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