DALE DeGROFF

Master Mixologist Dale DeGroff developed his extraordinary techniques and talent tending bar at the legendary Rainbow Room, where in the 1980’s, he pioneered a gourmet approach to recreating the classic cocktails. DeGroff has since been credited with reviving the profession of bartending and setting off a cocktail explosion that continues to transform the industry.

A leading trainer and sought after authority in the beverage industry, DeGroff is a founding partner of the award-winning 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. He is also the beverage consultant for Holland America Lines, creating new menus of innovative drinks for the MS Eurodam.

AWARDS: 2019 Wine Enthusiast WINE STAR AWARD, 2019 Vibe Industry Innovator Award, awarded the 2009 Wine & Spirits Professional from James Beard Foundation and in 2015, inducted into the Who’s Who of Food & Beverage, 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award from Nightclub & Bar Magazine, 2008 Tales of the Cocktail Lifetime Achievement Award, 2007 Cheers Beverage Industry Innovator of the Year with his partners, for Beverage Alcohol Resource.

DeGroff is the author two best-selling cocktail books: The Essential Cocktail (Random House), winner of the 2009 TOTC Spirit Awards, and his seminal classic: The Craft of the Cocktail (Penguin Random House), winner of 2002 IACP Julia Child Award. His newly released twentieth anniversary edition, THE NEW CRAFT OF THE COCKTAIL: Everything You Need to Know to Think Like a Master Mixologist is now available at Amazon.

DeGroff is the founding President of The Museum of the American Cocktail, (now part of the National Food & Beverage Institute in New Orleans.) The museum provides education in mixology and boasts one of the most eclectic collections of cocktail artifacts, books, and memorabilia in the world.

A notorious raconteur, storyteller, and saloon singer, DeGroff’s entertaining presentations are featured on the cruise lines as well as at spirits festivals around the country. He has given performances in over 80 cities here in the US and overseas.