Ben Schaffer

Daiquiri among the bamboo. Illustration by Pearl Shen.

The Daiquiri Dossier: A Discussion at Shore Leave

Moderated by Ben Schaffer Aug. 16, 2022

On May 16, 2022, we were finally able to achieve something we’d planned for almost three years: conducting the Daiquiri Dossier to Boston’s famed Shore Leave, the only tropical bar excavated as part … Read More

Spotlight on the Daiquiri. Illustration by Pearl Shen.

The Daiquiri Dossier: A Discussion at Untitled Supper Club

Moderated by Ben Schaffer Aug. 9, 2022

For the return of the Daiquiri Dossier in 2022, we found ourselves once more in Chicago—where a glorious …

Planter's Punch in a window. Illustration by Pearl Shen.

Perfecting the Practice of Planter’s Punch

Moderated by Ben Schaffer Aug. 2, 2022

A Discussion at Jungle Bird The Planter’s Punch is a foundational drink, a gateway connecting the punch …

Mai Tais galore. Photo by Winston Rodney.

Masters of the Mai Tai: A Discussion at Jungle Bird, Part 2

Moderated by Ben Schaffer Aug. 12, 2020

On March 11, 2020, we gathered a panel of experts at New York’s Jungle Bird for an evening of Mai Tai marvel. …

Torches and tikis. Illustration by Pearl Shen.

Masters of the Mai Tai: A Discussion at Jungle Bird, Part 1

Moderated by Ben Schaffer Aug. 11, 2020

Don’t worry, we’re not done with the Daiquiri. But there is another classic rum cocktail that merits a turn, …

Dale DeGroff and Audrey Saunders behind the stick at Blackbird. Illustration by Sayada Ramdial.

The Local: How Dale DeGroff’s Epochal Blackbird Revitalized Cocktail Culture

By Ben Schaffer Jul. 28, 2020

Dale DeGroff’s centrality to the revival of cocktails in the United States is undisputed. His tenure as bar …

Hampden Estate rum in its native state. Photo courtesy La Maison & Velier.

The Birth (and Rebirth) of Rum Brands

By Ben Schaffer May. 15, 2019

Though it was founded in 1753, Jamaica’s Hampden Estate distillery only this year issued the first aged rum …

Ben Schaffer

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