Cocktails everyone needs to know according to drinks expert Livio Lauro

I recently had the chance to chat with Livio Lauro, an internationally recognized drinks expert, author, and educator whose career in hospitality began over 30 years ago in Southern Italy. His book, “The Twelve Essential Cocktails,” covers mixology techniques through twelve specific recipes that define every drink style out there.

Listen to the “Served Up” podcast with guest Livio Lauro: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music

With the “Twelve Cocktails; book, my co-author Armando Rosario and I wanted to lay out an easy resource where you could find the solid foundations of cocktail making. We were concerned that there was some confusion out there.

At the time we started writing it in 2013, there had been a surge in the use of the term “mixologist” over the use of “bartenders.” Linguistics aside, this imminent need for “mixologists” created an urge in many new bartenders to learn advanced mixology techniques from day one. We wanted to make sure readers could understand that a well-made Gin & Tonic was far more relevant than infusing gin with a tea bag.

The book’s main message is that learning the time-tested classic cocktails (and their techniques) carries more weight than jumping on the latest trend to keep up with the times.

In the book, we lay out 12 classic cocktails that work as a “category example” of many other cocktails. Basically, if two or more cocktails had similar ingredient structures, serving glass, bar tools needed, and methods of preparation then we considered them “family members.” With this, we determined that by learning these 12 cocktails, you are learning the classic techniques that are needed to learn hundreds more.  

Throughout the book, included in each of the 12 main cocktails, we discuss their history and how they came to be. We do this to honor the traditions of each drink. In a separate section, adjacent to the history, we discuss how their usage has evolved today. So, going back to the example of the Gin & Tonic; while it might have been created for medicinal reasons in the mid-1800s, today it is a piney and fizzy highball used as a refreshing thirst quencher.

By including those two sections, our intentions are to inspire readers to honor the tradition and celebrate tasteful innovation.

The back of the book offers some notions on flavor affinities that the reader can use if they wish to create a riff on these classics.  

My story: Never underestimate the importance of every drink you are making. When I was 11 years old, I was attending a family wedding and had the luck of seeing a bartender make my Shirley Temple. It was at that time I realized I wanted to make a career out of cocktails when I grew up. I would love to meet that bartender one day to thank him; he has no idea how one day in 1983 he inspired me to do what I love so much.

Armando’s Story: Never underestimate the importance of every detail when you are at work. When Armando(my co-author) moved to Las Vegas to open Wynn Resorts in 2005, he volunteered to help the Liquor Distributor Mixologist to cut some fruit to prepare garnishes. The Liquor Distributor Mixologist was there to do a training and was so impressed by Armando’s knife skills that he lobbied for his employer Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits – to hire him years later. Even preparing garnishes can advance your career.

Since "Twelve Cocktails" is all about simplicity, here is a simple toast to a life of happiness:

"May the saddest day of your future be no worse than the happiest day of your past."

-- Anonymous

Livio is a celebrated beverage professional, entrepreneur, author, and spirit educator. He is Southern Glazer’s Director of Product Education.

Purchase "The Twelve Cocktails Everyone Needs to Know"

Follow Livio on Instagram: @liviolauro 

Southern Glazer’s "Served Up" podcast has been elevating voices in the beverage alcohol industry since 2020. Now, with Eric Hemer, MW, MS, joining Bridget Albert as co-host, expect thought leadership, industry insights, exclusive interviews, and inspiring conversations that drive innovation. Join us weekly as co-hosts Bridget and Eric stir up the spirit of hospitality with lively conversations and plenty of personality.

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