Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Proof.
How to Host Like a Bartender: At-Home Hospitality Tips from the Pros
There’s something magical about walking into a great bar: the atmosphere is warm, the drinks arrive effortlessly, and somehow, everything just flows. The best bartenders don’t just serve drinks — they create an experience. And the good news? You can bring that same effortless hospitality to your home, whether you’re hosting two friends or twenty.
By Ava Mitchell7 months ago in Proof
Drink Stories: The Origins of Your Favorite Cocktail Names
Some cocktail names are poetic, others playful, and a few just plain strange. But the best part? Many of them come with colorful backstories — equal parts myth, marketing, and mystery. From hotel lounges to battlefields, the world’s most beloved drinks didn’t just emerge from shakers; they were born from stories worth sipping on.
By Aisha Patel7 months ago in Proof
Why Your Bartender’s Mood Affects Your Drink (and What You Can Do About It)
We often talk about cocktails as formulas: 2 oz of this, ¾ oz of that, shake with ice, strain into glass. But anyone who’s spent time around a bar knows something deeper is at play. The same drink made by two different bartenders can taste — and feel — completely different. Why? Because bartending isn’t just technique. It’s mood. It’s presence. It’s human.
By Ethan Chen7 months ago in Proof
The Rise of the “Cocktail Geek”: Hobbyist Mixology Goes Mainstream
Not long ago, mixology was a term reserved for elite bartenders working behind sleek counters in dimly lit speakeasies. The average person might know how to pour a rum and Coke or shake up a basic Margarita, but the real alchemy of cocktails was left to the pros.
By Sofia Mertinezz7 months ago in Proof
Bar Conversations: What Your Bartender Is (and Isn’t) There For
Bars have always been more than just places to drink — they’re social hubs, second living rooms, sometimes even confessionals. And at the center of it all is the bartender: part host, part craftsman, part occasional therapist. But while bartenders are often warm, witty, and open to conversation, it’s important to understand the boundaries of that interaction.
By Ava Mitchell7 months ago in Proof
How to Taste a Cocktail Like a Pro
Drinking a cocktail is easy. Tasting it? That’s where the real magic happens. Behind every well-made drink is a carefully balanced equation of flavors — spirit, acid, sugar, bitterness, texture, aroma. To truly appreciate a cocktail, whether you're a curious guest or a budding mixologist, it's worth learning how to slow down and taste like a pro.
By Aisha Patel7 months ago in Proof
From Guest to Regular: Building a Relationship with Your Favorite Bar
We’ve all seen it in movies: someone walks into a bar, and the bartender greets them by name, pouring their usual with a nod and a smile. It seems effortless, cool — like they belong. But becoming a regular at your favorite bar isn’t just about showing up often. It’s about showing up well — with curiosity, respect, and a genuine appreciation for the place and the people behind it.
By Ethan Chen7 months ago in Proof
Drink Like a Local: How to Explore Regional Cocktails When You Travel
Food tourism is everywhere — but drink tourism? It’s finally getting the spotlight it deserves. When you travel, tasting the local cocktail culture can unlock a deeper understanding of the place you’re visiting. A city’s flavors aren’t just on plates — they’re in highballs, coupes, and clay cups, shaped by history, climate, and community. Whether you’re in Tokyo or Tbilisi, drinking like a local offers a sensory map of tradition, innovation, and identity.
By Sofia Mertinezz7 months ago in Proof
Beyond the Menu: How to Order Like a Cocktail Insider
Walking into a bar and scanning the cocktail menu is a familiar ritual. But if you want to go deeper — to taste something truly unique, tailored to your preferences — you’ll need to think beyond the printed page. Ordering like a cocktail insider isn’t about being flashy or pretentious. It’s about understanding the dynamics behind the bar, communicating clearly, and showing curiosity and respect for the craft.
By Ava Mitchell7 months ago in Proof
The Unspoken Rules of Sitting at the Bar
There’s something special about sitting at the bar. It’s intimate, social, and gives you a front-row seat to the craft of cocktail making. But the bar isn’t just another table — it’s a shared space with its own rhythm, culture, and unspoken etiquette. And while bartenders are trained to welcome everyone, those who understand how to be a great bar guest tend to get better service, better drinks, and a more memorable experience.
By Aisha Patel7 months ago in Proof
5 Questions You Should Ask Your Bartender
A night out at a cocktail bar isn’t just about what’s in the glass — it’s also about the people behind it. Bartenders aren’t just there to pour drinks; they’re curators, creators, and often the best guides to help you discover flavors you didn’t know you loved. And yet, most guests stick to the same few phrases: “Can I get a gin and tonic?” or “What’s good?”
By Ethan Chen7 months ago in Proof
