Alchemy With Alcohol

Most bartenders are rarely known as mad scientists or magicians. Alex Ott is though. He is one of those rare mixologists that combines science with cocktails,. However he just doesn't whip up an apple-tini or a rum punch. He creates something much more - magical.

Mr. Ott was featured in an interesting write up in yesterday's New York Times Dining section. The article, written by Dining regular, Jeff Gordinier tells of the bartenders foray s into -well alcoholic alchemy. He is combing all sorts of ingredients from the usual to the unusual to create interesting - and powerful drinks. According to him. he mixes drinks that will make the imbiber feel everything from nervous to happy to even lusty. (thanks to research in the field of Druid aphrodisiacs). He has even created an anti hangover drink called Mercy that prevents hangovers. It combines thistle milk with chamomile - a known soother for stomach aches (a residual of a night of nasty drinking).

Mr. Ott is getting a following for sure with his magical potions. He was a "brand ambassador" for Svedka vodka and New Amsterdam gin, creating cocktails for these liquors. He also had his "nose" used while taking a sniff tour of the scent and flavor manufacturer Givaudon. The cast of Gossip Gil drink his cocktails and he was also featured in "Sex And The City" Beyond all this Hollywood stuff. Mr Ott is indeed a magician or something akin to a white witch. He uses barks and resins to infuse it no his drinks creating a variety of different moods. If people are hooked on him and his creations, it might be from what he has given them.

Bartenders do create magic. However none are as talented as Mr. Ott.This young man may just well be the face of modern bartending and mixology.