Sasha Petraske

About

Sasha Petraske was a visionary bartender and entrepreneur who significantly impacted the modern cocktail scene. Born in Greenwich Village, New York City, he initially pursued a different path by joining the U.S. Army, where he trained as a Ranger. However, he soon left the military to pursue his passion for bartending. Petraske's most notable achievement was founding Milk & Honey, a seminal New York City bar that opened on New Year's Eve in 1999. This speakeasy-style establishment became renowned for its focus on pre-Prohibition era cocktails, emphasizing quality ingredients and meticulous preparation. Petraske's influence extended far beyond Milk & Honey. He was instrumental in the global craft cocktail movement, inspiring numerous bars in New York, London, Los Angeles, and Melbourne. His bars, such as Little Branch and Dutch Kills, reflected his love for vintage aesthetics and jazz. Petraske also pioneered the "bartender's choice" concept, allowing patrons to receive personalized cocktails based on their preferences. After his untimely death in 2015, his legacy continued through his book Regarding Cocktails, co-authored with his wife Georgette Moger-Petraske. His contributions to the cocktail world remain profound, shaping the industry's focus on elegance and simplicity.