Dale DeGroff

West Hempstead, NY

Master Mixologist Dale DeGroff developed his extraordinary mixology techniques and talent while tending bar at great establishments, most notably, New York’s famous Rainbow Room. It was there in the late 1980’s where he pioneered a gourmet approach to recreating the great classic cocktails, with an accent on utilizing only fresh ingredients and top marque spirits. Universally acknowledged as one of the world’s premier mixologists, Dale’s innovations have globally impacted the industry. He has been widely credited with reinventing the profession of bartending and setting off the cocktail explosion that continues to transform the industry.

Today, Dale is a leading trainer and consultant to the beverage industry. As a highly sought after authority in the beverage industry, Dale is a founding partner of Beverage Alcohol Resource (BAR), a partnership of six of the world’s leading spirits and cocktails authorities who provide training and credentialing in distilled spirits and mixology.

Dale is the author of two seminal books on cocktails, The Essential Cocktail, winner of the 2009 Spirit Awards, and The Craft of the Cocktail, winner of the 2002 IACP Julia Child Award. He is also the founding President of The Museum of the American Cocktail, a non-profit museum with an exhibit in New Orleans that celebrates 200 years of the rich history of cocktails and the personalities that are the bedrock of the cocktail culture.

Dale’s industry awards include: the 2009 James Beard Wine & Spirits Professional Award, the 2009; Lifetime Achievement Award from Nightclub & Bar Magazine; 2008 Tales of the Cocktail Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award; and the 2007 Cheers Beverage Industry Innovator of the Year with his partners, for Beverage Alcohol Resource.

You can learn more about Dale on his site – kingcocktail.com

Dale lives with his wife artist Jill DeGroff on Long Island, New York.