005: From Belfast to the Big Apple: Jack McGarry's Journey to Crafting the World's Best Cocktails at The Dead Rabbit

Host Damian Cole chats with Jack McGarry, the co-founder and managing director of The Dead Rabbit in New York City. From his humble beginnings in West Belfast to becoming the International Bartender of the Year, Jack shares his incredible journey and the philosophy behind creating one of the world's most celebrated cocktail bars. Discover the secrets behind The Dead Rabbit's unique blend of Irish pub culture and high-end cocktails, and learn about Jack's plans for the future.

Highlights:

• Early Beginnings: Jack discusses his start in the cocktail world, working at the Hunting Lodge in West Belfast.
• Journey to the Merchant Hotel: The transition from local pubs to high-end cocktail bars, and the significance of working at the Merchant Hotel.
• Creating The Dead Rabbit: The inspiration behind The Dead Rabbit, combining Irish pub culture with world-class cocktails.
• Awards and Recognition: How The Dead Rabbit became an award-winning bar, including its designation as the world's best bar.
• Irish Whiskey Focus: Jack's commitment to promoting Irish whiskey and its current market state.
• Future Plans: Upcoming expansions of The Dead Rabbit, including new locations and innovative concepts like McGarry's.
• Advice for Aspiring Bartenders: Tips on making quality cocktails at home, the importance of fundamentals, and recommended cocktail books.
• Favorite Cocktail Stories: Jack shares iconic moments from his career, including making the world's most expensive Mai Tai.
• Quickfire Questions: Fun and insightful rapid-fire questions about Jack's preferences and pet peeves in the cocktail world.

Key Takeaways:

1. Commitment to Quality: Jack emphasizes the importance of using quality ingredients, precise measurements, and proper techniques to create exceptional cocktails.
2. Understanding Tradition: He advocates for a strong foundation in traditional cocktail knowledge before innovating and creating new drinks.
3. Irish Whiskey Advocacy: Jack's dedication to promoting and educating people about Irish whiskey is evident throughout the episode.
4. Innovative Concepts: The Dead Rabbit's blend of Irish pub culture and high-end cocktails sets it apart, and upcoming projects promise to continue this trend.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Dead Rabbit: Website
• Recommended Books:
• "Spirits and Cocktails" by Dave Broom
• "Imbibe!" by David Wondrich
• "Punch" by David Wondrich
• "The PDT Cocktail Book" by Jim Meehan
• "The Bar Book" by Jeffrey Morgenthaler

Connect with Jack McGarry:

• Instagram: @jackmcgarry1
• LinkedIn: Jack McGarry

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