All five cocktails in the Spring Menu come from a single source, Anders Erickson. He is a former bartender based in the Chicago area, who began a YouTube channel a while back and he has become my “Gandalf” of sorts over the past 6 months.
I follow several “cocktail making” channels on YouTube (basically the only use I have for YouTube aside from Honest Trailers and SNL clips). Anders has a solid format that has lifted him up to the top of my list.
He breaks down the ingredients and the building process, as every channel does. But he also shares the history of the featured cocktail, with clever editing from Az. Since I began consuming his content I have learned so much about where things came from, how cocktails have changed over time, and how to modify things to your liking. I never thought to “tweak” recipes before I started watching his channel, and now I do it all the time.
Anders also got me into syrup making. I no longer buy simple syrup (or other sugar intensities), grenadine, or cream of coconut. I make them all myself. I am excited to try other syrups this summer too, as orgeat is a crucial element of many tiki drinks.
I can’t recommend this channel enough. If you’re new to cocktails, or if you just want to learn more about cocktails, you have to check it out. Anders hits all the genres, from classic to tiki, without doing anything really cheeky or over-the-top. His setup is solid, his format is tight, and the videos are a treat to watch.
I’ve made at least 40 of the cocktails he has featured over the years (most recently the “Mexican Firing Squad” just this weekend). Another favorite, and one of his original recipes, is “The Tartan“, which is great for people like me who enjoy scotch.
Check out his YouTube Channel. He also has a budding website featuring easier access to many of his recipes that you should check out too.
Lastly, there is a merch store. I got the hoodie.
Cheers!
**the views expressed in this review are my own, and I have no affiliation with Anders personally. I just dig his channel and wanted to share my thoughts. 🙂