Add
Private Notes
A leader in the New York City–based craft cocktail movement, Lynnette Marrero is the bar director at the Llama Inn in Brooklyn. Nicknamed “Mr Lyan,” Ryan Chetiyawardana has opened award-winning bars around the world.
English
Lynnette shares the origins of the craft cocktail movement and how her experience working in the restaurant industry informs her drink-making style. She also discusses the importance of mentorship and empowering women in the industry.
Ryan believes cocktails can boost your mood by bringing people together. World class cocktails aren’t about obscure ingredients or fancy equipment, he says—they’re about the people and the occasions you’re making them for.
Lynnette and Ryan discuss the essentials for a home bar. Ryan encourages you to work with the spirits you love, Lynnette covers which spirits are the most versatile, and they agree that it’s best to make use of what you have.
Your individual palate should guide you in building cocktails that balance sour and sweet flavors. Lynnette and Ryan demonstrate their preferred lemonades and then add seasonal ingredients, resulting in perfectly balanced non-alcoholic drinks.
Ryan and Lynnette demonstrate some cocktails to relax with on your own after a long day.
Lynnette teaches you her riff on the Fancy Free, a quicker version of an Old Fashioned. Ryan demonstrates a more advanced version by infusing bourbon with beeswax and bottling it for a fun gift.
Sours are a favorite of Lynnette’s, and she explains what they involve and demonstrates three different drinks. Ryan shares his recipe for the often-misunderstood Cosmopolitan.
Egg whites make for silky-smooth sours. Lynnette and Ryan show you how to incorporate egg whites into drinks using citrus (which "cooks" the whites), with whiskey and pisco as base spirits.
Learn a new take on the vodka Martini from Ryan, who also demonstrates a classic gin Martini. Lynnette makes a Bond-style Vesper and a Martinez, a Manhattan/Martini hybrid that originated in the late 1800s.
Lynnette’s riff on the classic Negroni swaps gin for aged rum, resulting in a toffee-flavored cocktail. Ryan shows you how to use the microwave to infuse spirits with fresh herbs and fruit.
Ryan creates a savory spritz using basil and bell peppers. Lynnette explains her swizzle technique and how rum can be brightened up with mint and Angostura Bitters.
Lynnette creates an island party in a glass. Ryan teaches you how to keep guests entertained by batching a base and laying out garnishes and mixers so everyone can make their own custom highballs.
Impress a crowd with a champagne cocktail you can batch ahead of time with Ryan’s bottled fizz. Lynnette shares a recipe for a punch called the Llama del Rey, which includes a variation of a traditional Peruvian drink.
Ryan demonstrates his signature interpretation of a Bloody Mary. Learn which spices and flavors are ideal and why you shouldn’t overload the glass with garnishes.
Lynnette’s version of a Barracuda holds up against the savory meat and pungent cheese of a charcuterie board. Ryan’s Portland Calling is a refreshing complement to a light berry and custard tart served for dessert.
Lynnette and Ryan talk about what they’ve learned from each other and why they love collaboration. They encourage you to get creative, collaborate with friends at home, and concoct your own original drinks.
