Master Mixologist Dale DeGroff, aka King Cocktail, developed his extraordinary techniques and talent tending bar at great establishments, most notably, New York’s famous Rainbow Room, where in the late 1980’s he pioneered a gourmet approach to recreating the great classic cocktails. Universally acknowledged as one of the world's premier mixologists whose innovations have globally impacted the industry, DeGroff has been credited with reinventing the profession of bartending and setting off the 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 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. Industry awards include: the 2009 James Beard Wine & Spirits Professional Award, the 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award from Nightclub & Bar Magazine, 2008 TOTC Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award, and the 2007 Cheers Beverage Industry Innovator of the Year with his partners, for Beverage Alcohol Resource.
DeGroff is the author of “The Essential Cocktail” (Random House), winner of the 2009 Spirit Awards, and “The Craft of the Cocktail” (Random House), winner of the 2002 IACP Julia Child Award. He is also the founding President of The Museum of the American Cocktail, a non-profit museum with an exhibit in New Orleans that celebrates 200 years of the rich history of the cocktail.