Empire Mixology Announces Strategic Collaboration with Bar Necessities Co.

Empire Mixology is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with Bar Necessities Co., a brand that has swiftly risen to prominence as the new standard in premium dried garnishes. This collaboration marks a shared commitment to craftsmanship, quality, and creativity in the world of mixology.

As the cocktail culture continues to evolve, the importance of presentation has become just as essential as flavor. Enter Bar Necessities Co.; a company revolutionizing the garnish game with their expertly dehydrated citrus wheels, botanical accents, and elegant fruit embellishments. Their garnishes are not only visually striking but also carefully preserved to maintain aroma, texture, and vibrancy, making them ideal for both professional bartenders and at-home enthusiasts.

"Bar Necessities Co. understands that a garnish isn’t just decoration — it’s the final note in a cocktail’s composition," said Anthony Sgroi, Founder and Lead Mixologist at Empire Mixology. "Their products are consistent, beautiful, and refined. We couldn’t think of a better partner to help bring our cocktail creations to life."

The collaboration will include:

• Signature cocktail releases featuring curated garnish pairings

• Exclusive mixology content and educational guides

• Featured recipes showcasing the harmony between flavor and finish

Together, Empire Mixology and Bar Necessities Co. aim to raise the standard of home and professional bartending by making premium presentation more accessible, stylish, and sustainable.

Stay tuned for more details, exclusive releases, and content that bridges the art and science of a perfectly finished cocktail. This is more than a partnership, it's a movement toward excellence in every pour.

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Old Fashioned, Two Ways: Classic Elegance Meets Wisconsin Charm

Few cocktails have stood the test of time like the Old Fashioned. Revered as one of the earliest known cocktails, its simplicity and elegance have made it a staple in cocktail bars around the world. But head to Wisconsin, and you’ll quickly discover a bold reinterpretation that transforms the Old Fashioned into something entirely its own; sweeter, fruitier, and distinctly regional.

So, what’s the difference between a Classic Old Fashioned and a Wisconsin Old Fashioned? The answer lies in tradition, taste, and a splash of soda.

The Classic Old Fashioned: Spirit-Forward Sophistication

The classic version of the Old Fashioned traces its roots back to the early 1800s. It’s revered not just for its longevity, but for its elegant restraint. Designed to highlight the base spirit — traditionally bourbon or rye — this cocktail embraces minimalism with purpose.

Classic Recipe Overview

• Base Spirit: Bourbon or rye whiskey

• Sweetener: Sugar cube or simple syrup

• Bitters: Angostura bitters

• Garnish: Orange twist

• Preparation: Stirred with ice, served over a large cube in a rocks glass

This version is all about balance — a subtle sweetness, aromatic bitterness, and a spirit-forward profile. It’s clean, confident, and ideal for those who want to savor the complexity of the whiskey itself.

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The Wisconsin Old Fashioned: A Supper Club Staple

Now travel north to Wisconsin, and you’ll find a very different take. This version emerged as a staple of the state’s supper club culture — a place where the community gathered for prime rib, old-school charm, and brandy-based cocktails.

Yes, brandy. The Wisconsin Old Fashioned replaces whiskey with Korbel brandy, adds muddled orange slices and maraschino cherries, and tops the drink with soda; typically 7UP, Squirt, or cola depending on your style.

Wisconsin Recipe Overview

• Base Spirit: Brandy (usually Korbel)

• Sweetener: Sugar cube, muddled with fruit

• Bitters: Angostura bitters

• Fruit: Muddled orange and cherry, with additional garnish

• Topper: Your choice of soda

• Preparation: Built in-glass, muddled and topped

Common Variations

• Sweet: Topped with 7UP or Sprite

• Sour: Topped with Squirt or sour mix

• Press: Half soda, half 7UP

• Cola: Topped with Coca-Cola or Pepsi

• Soda: Topped only with club soda

The result is a cocktail that’s festive, fruity, and unmistakably Midwestern — less about spirit-forward sipping and more about flavor, tradition, and good company.

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Which One Should You Try?

Try the Classic if you enjoy spirit-forward cocktails, appreciate nuance in whiskey, or want to experience one of the most foundational drinks in mixology history.

Try the Wisconsin if you’re craving something more relaxed, sweeter, and full of regional character — or if you just want to know what people in the Midwest have been sipping for generations.

Both versions are valid. Both are beloved. And both are worth mastering.

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Ready to craft them both like a pro?
Join The Empire Society for exclusive recipes, regional cocktail guides, and advanced mixology techniques, or explore our full course offerings at UMixology.com.

Raise your glass, whether it’s topped with soda or not.

Elevate Your Craft: Explore Mixology Certifications at UMixology.com

Whether you’re a passionate cocktail enthusiast or an industry professional seeking to refine your skills, Empire Mixology offers a comprehensive certification path through UMixology.com. With a curriculum designed by top-tier mixologists and educators, these self-paced, online programs provide in-depth training across the entire spectrum of mixology and spirits.

From foundational knowledge to mastery-level expertise, each certification is crafted to elevate your understanding, technique, and confidence behind the bar.

Why Choose Empire Mixology Certifications?

• Self-paced and 100% online: Learn on your schedule, from anywhere in the world.

• Structured curriculum: Courses are thoughtfully divided into clear, progressive modules.

• Expert-level instruction: Designed by professionals for serious learners.

• Certification upon completion: Ideal for résumes, bar programs, or personal mastery.

These aren’t surface-level classes. Every course digs deep into history, science, culture, and innovation, with no fluff, no gimmicks, and no hands-on requirements. It's serious mixology, made accessible.

Available Certification Tracks

Empire Mixology offers a progressive certification path designed to take you from foundational knowledge to true mastery. Each level builds upon the last, guiding you through the complete journey of mixology education.

1. Basic Certification

A perfect starting point for cocktail enthusiasts and aspiring bartenders. This introductory course covers essential terminology, tools, spirits, and cocktail-building techniques. No prior experience required.

2. Apprentice Certification

The next step for those ready to expand their knowledge. This program dives deeper into other spirits, mixology history, and the beer, wine, and champagne categories, laying the groundwork for professional-level understanding.

3. Certified Mixologist

This certification delivers a full, advanced education in bartending theory and mixology principles. Ideal for those working behind the bar or building toward expert specialization. Topics include a wide range of cocktail recipes. The first two certifications lay the foundation; this one builds the know-how.

4. Expert Mixologist Certification

A prestigious program consisting of 10 specialized expert tracks, each focused on a specific category of spirits or mixology expertise. These in-depth courses are designed for professionals or serious enthusiasts looking to master:

• Whiskey

• Gin

• Tequila & Mezcal

• Vodka

• Rum

• Wine

• Beer

• Liqueurs

• Champagne & Sparkling Wine

• Cognacs & Brandy

Each track includes a full curriculum with detailed modules, industry insights, and a digital certification upon completion.

5. Master Mixologist Certification

The highest level of achievement offered by Empire Mixology. This capstone certification is reserved for those who complete all prior certifications and three expert certification curricula and wish to take their skills to the elite level. The Master Mixologist program focuses on leadership, advanced bar program design, innovation, aesthetics, entrepreneurship, and industry influence.

Who Should Enroll?

• Home enthusiasts ready to build professional-grade knowledge

• Aspiring bartenders and bar managers

• Industry professionals seeking formal recognition of expertise

• Hospitality educators and culinary instructors

• Beverage brand ambassadors, marketers, and developers

Whether you're building a career or building a bar at home, these certifications will equip you with the confidence, clarity, and credibility to succeed.

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Ready to Raise the Bar?

Explore the full curriculum, read detailed course outlines, and begin your certification journey today at UMixology.com. For exclusive access to resources, downloads, and continuing education, consider joining The Empire Society — our members-only community for dedicated professionals and passionate enthusiasts.

Shaking Things Up in Ocean City: A Mixologist’s Guide to Coastal Cocktails

If you're a cocktail enthusiast planning a trip to Ocean City, Maryland, you’re in for more than just beach days and boardwalk bites. This vibrant seaside town has quietly become a destination for creative cocktails, locally inspired spirits, and waterfront bars that offer more than just a view.

Whether you're packing your shaker or just your sandals, Ocean City offers plenty of opportunities to explore mixology in a coastal setting that’s as refreshing as the drinks themselves.

Coastal Flavors: What Makes OCMD Cocktails Unique

The best cocktails tell a story, and in Ocean City, the narrative is steeped in salt air, fresh seafood, and laid-back luxury. Local bars and restaurants often lean into beachy, tropical profiles, but with a regional twist.

Look out for:

• Fresh-squeezed citrus and Eastern Shore honey in house-made syrups

• Blue crab seasoning used creatively on glass rims

• Locally distilled spirits from Maryland craft distilleries, often with Chesapeake Bay influences

• Seasonal specials that incorporate beach-grown herbs like mint and basil

You’ll find the classics, of course, think piña coladas, mojitos, and crushes, but Ocean City bartenders aren’t afraid to experiment, often blending tiki elements with Mid-Atlantic ingredients for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Top Spots for the Cocktail Curious

If you’re on the hunt for exceptional drinks and skilled bartenders, make time for these local highlights:

1. Seacrets Distilling Company

Home to Maryland’s first post-Prohibition distillery, Seacrets crafts rum, vodka, gin, and bourbon on-site. Book a tour, sample a flight, and take home a bottle of their Caribbean-style spiced rum for your own beachside mixing.

2. The Hobbit Restaurant

Not just known for its upscale dining and bayfront views, The Hobbit also boasts an elevated cocktail menu featuring classics and coastal originals. Try their Lavender Lemon Drop or a smoked Old Fashioned with Maryland bourbon.

3. Dry Dock 28

This nautical-themed bar embraces playful presentation and big flavor. Expect creative takes on frozen cocktails and rotating craft specials — many of which use house infusions or locally sourced ingredients.

4. Winder Beer & Wine Bar

While primarily known for its extensive wine and craft beer list, this hidden gem also offers expertly made cocktails. Their seasonal menu highlights fresh ingredients and classic techniques.

Mixologist Travel Tips: Making the Most of Your Ocean City Visit

If you’re traveling as a cocktail enthusiast, here are a few ideas to blend mixology into your vacation:

• Pack Smart: A travel-sized bar kit with a shaker, jigger, and bar spoon can turn any rental kitchen into your own cocktail lab.

• Shop Local: Visit farmers' markets or roadside stands for fresh peaches, herbs, or even sweet corn — all of which can enhance summer cocktails.

• Bring the Beach Home: Pick up a local spirit, like a bottle of Seacrets coconut rum, and recreate your favorite drink once the trip is over.

• Ask Questions: Ocean City bartenders are passionate and knowledgeable. Ask about their ingredients or techniques — you might learn a trick or two.

Every Getaway Deserves a Great Cocktail

Ocean City, Maryland, is more than just a summer vacation spot. For those who love a well-crafted drink, it’s a destination filled with discovery, creativity, and flavor. Whether you’re sipping on the sand or toasting under the stars, let your passion for mixology follow you all the way to the shore.

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Ready to master your mixology game before you travel?

Explore expert-level certifications and cocktail resources at UMixology.com or become a member of The Empire Society for exclusive access to recipes, travel tips, and mixology guides.

The Art of Ice: Elevating Cocktails Through Precision and Purpose

In the world of mixology, ingredients such as premium spirits, fresh juices, and handcrafted syrups often take center stage. Yet one crucial component, ice, is frequently overlooked. For the discerning cocktail enthusiast, understanding the role of ice is not just a detail, it is a defining factor in the quality and character of a drink.

Far from being a passive element, ice plays an active role in shaping the final balance, texture, and presentation of a cocktail. Its impact is both functional and aesthetic, transforming good drinks into exceptional experiences.

The Functions of Ice in Mixology

Ice serves three primary purposes in cocktail creation:

1. Chilling: Rapidly lowers the temperature of ingredients to create a refreshing and palatable beverage.

2. Dilution: Introduces water into the mix, softening the intensity of high-proof spirits and enhancing balance.

3. Aeration and Texture: Particularly during shaking, ice adds volume and a refined mouthfeel to the final drink.

The precision with which a bartender selects and applies ice is as vital as their choice of spirits. Proper dilution and temperature control can distinguish a masterfully executed cocktail from an amateur pour.

Types of Ice and Their Ideal Applications

Standard Cubes

• Use: Everyday shaking and stirring

• Benefit: Versatile and easy to produce

• Tip: Use fresh, odor-free water and dedicated trays to avoid unwanted flavors

Large Format Ice (Cubes or Spheres)

• Use: Neat pours and spirit-forward cocktails such as the Old Fashioned or Negroni

• Benefit: Slow melting rate minimizes dilution while maintaining chill

• Best For: Showcasing premium aged spirits with minimal interference

Crushed Ice

• Use: Tiki cocktails, juleps, and other high-sugar drinks

• Benefit: Quick dilution balances rich or syrupy ingredients

• Visual Appeal: Creates a frosty, crystalline aesthetic ideal for presentation

Ice Spears

• Use: Tall glass cocktails such as the Tom Collins or Mojito

• Benefit: Fills the glass evenly, providing consistent cooling without over-dilution

• Note: Custom molds ensure an elegant, tailored fit

Clear Ice

• Use: High-end presentation and professional-grade service

• Benefit: Free from air bubbles and impurities, it melts more predictably and looks pristine

• Technique: Directional freezing methods such as using an insulated cooler can produce clear ice at home

Shaking vs. Stirring: Strategic Use of Ice

• Shaking is ideal for cocktails that contain citrus, dairy, or eggs. The vigorous motion with ice not only chills the ingredients but also introduces air, creating a light, frothy texture.

• Stirring is preferred for spirit-forward drinks. It gently chills and dilutes the ingredients without altering clarity or viscosity, preserving the integrity of the drink.

In both methods, ice serves as a dynamic tool. The size, shape, and density of the ice used directly impact the balance and texture of the final cocktail.

A Professional Approach to a Common Ingredient

For the cocktail enthusiast looking to refine their craft, elevating one’s understanding of ice is an essential step. Investing in quality molds, experimenting with clear ice techniques, and learning when to apply each type of ice can significantly improve both the flavor and visual appeal of your creations.

Ice is not merely a cooling agent. It is a fundamental part of the mixologist’s toolkit, and mastering its use is a hallmark of thoughtful and informed cocktail preparation.

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Explore more mixology insights and expert techniques at UMixology.com. For exclusive tools, downloadable resources, and advanced content, join The Empire Society, our members-only community for those who take their craft seriously! (Coming late 2025!)