@WHotelATX

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Welcome 2 #SommChat every1! Tell friends to join us for a special #COCKTAIL edition today & learn from @WHotelATX Libationist, Joe Thompson!

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Those of you who attended #SommsUF or have visited @traceatx or @WHotelATX bars are familiar w/ some of Joe’s killer #cocktails #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Joe will be tweeting from @WHotelATX today. Hi Joe! #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): Thanks @keepercoll, we’re thrilled be here! #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): If you’re joining for #SommChat, please say hello to @WHotelATX so he knows you’re here! He’s looking forward to talking #cocktails w/ you!

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Don’t forget that EVERY tweet during this chat should include the #SommChat hashtag in order for everyone, including @WHotelATX, to see it

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): After @WHotelATX answers each question, you are welcome to ask follow up questions or make comments #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Near the end, we’ll announce the random winner for a @traceatx gift card – you gotta tweet using #SommChat 2 win!

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): What u may not know is that #sommeliers R required to learn spirits in addition to #wine, so that’s what @WHotelATX is here to do #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q1. @WHotelATX Are there so-called “classic” #cocktails that you feel people should definitely try at least once? #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): A1. @KeeperColl Definitely- #Cocktails are an American invention. As indigenous to this land as Baseball, Apple Pie & Rock n’ Roll #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): A1. @KeeperColl #Cocktails are steeped in history, tradition, & tell us secrets abt where we’ve been & what we were up to. #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): A1. @KeeperColl Any1 who’s serious abt understanding what #cocktails are all abt need to have a grasp on the flagship standards… #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): A1. @KeeperColl Flagship Standards: Old Fashioned, #Martini, Sazerac, Sidecar, Manhattan, #Mojito, #Margarita & #bloodymary #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): A1. @KeeperColl There’s nothing I like better than a really well-made Old Fashioned. Dang! (I think we make the best in #Austin!) #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Ya hear that?! The best Old Fashioned in #Austin at @WHotelATX! #SommChat

@sanfab44 (Sandra Fab): I love @WHotelATX & @traceatx WOULDN’T MISS IT RT @keepercoll Hi @SanFab44! Glad to have you here! #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q2. @WHotelATX What makes a great “libationist” or #mixologist? #SommChat #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): A2. @KeeperColl 1st & foremost knowledge. Knowledge about spirits, classics, traditions & why they exist. #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): A2. @KeeperColl While not rocket science, it’s an important part of American society. Traditions shld be respected & employed. #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): A2. @KeeperColl 2ndly, knowledge and understanding of what your guests want. #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): A2. @KeeperColl Being able to talk w/ a guest about what they’re craving & executing it perfectly brings me a lot of joy. #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): A2. @KeeperColl Also leave snobbery at the door. I love pre-prohibition #cocktails but if some1 orders vodka redbull, I dont judge #SommChat

@blackiguananews (BLACK iGUANA): http://twitpic.com/2zig1n – @WHotelATX @keepercoll …leave snobbery at door…don’t judge…mmm…what if they order a Swamp Bomb? #SommChat

@sanfab44 (Sandra Fab): We enjoy as well! @WHotelATX able to talk w/ a guest about they’re craving & executing it perfectly brings me a lot of joy. #SommChat .

@winesellersltd (Winesellers, Ltd): Hello, & my new fav drink is a Moscow Mule RT @keepercoll: Hi @Winesellersltd & @blackiguananews! Welcome to #SommChat!

@WHotelATX (W Austin): .@winesellersltd Our brand new Ginger Lemon Smash would be right up your alley #SommChat

@sanfab44 (Sandra Fab): Mmmm I’ll have to try that!! @winesellersltd RT Hello, & my new fav drink is a Moscow Mule @keepercoll @blackiguananews #SommChat

@winesellersltd (Winesellers, Ltd): Sounds like a perfect warm weather bev! RT @WHotelATX: @winesellersltd Our brand new Ginger Lemon Smash would be right up ur alley #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): .@winesellersltd Have you checked out @traceatx patio? It’s a beauty #SommChat

@winesellersltd (Winesellers, Ltd): I haven’t, thanks for the rec! RT @WHotelATX: .@winesellersltd Have you checked out @traceatx patio? It’s a beauty #SommChat

@ATXGastronomist (Kathryn Hutchison): @WhotelATX I loved that Ginger Lemon Smash when I tried it at #SommsUF the other night. Perfect mix of spice, sour and sweet. #sommchat

@sanfab44 (Sandra Fab): Ginger Lemon Smash? What is in that? The name sounds good!! I love fruity drinks! @WHotelATX .@winesellersltd #SommChat .

@WHotelATX (W Austin): .@ATXGastronomist Thanks so much, we heard it knocked someone’s allergies out. #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): .@sanfab44 Ginger, Lemon, Honey & Rum #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): .@sanfab44 Here’s the recipe for the Ginger Lemon Smash with @10Cane – http://bit.ly/mrkQ3a #SommChat

@ATXGastronomist (Kathryn Hutchison): @keepercoll Uh, I did not realize that you had posted the recipes for the cocktails online. Thanks!! #Goldmine #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): .@ATXGastronomist Yep! ENJOY! #SommChat

@sanfab44 (Sandra Fab): Thanks! I printed it!@keepercoll.RT @sanfab44 Here’s the recipe for the Ginger Lemon Smash with @10Cane – http://bit.ly/mrkQ3a #SommChat

@proseccogal (Darla A): Loved the Ginger Lemon Smash the other night. Ready for another. It made me stop coughing. @WHotelATX @Keepercoll #SommChat

@proseccogal (Darla A): You could call it an allergy cure! Just don’t run heavy machinery. RT @WHotelATX: .@proseccogal Look for it on the menu next week #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): .@proseccogal Look for it on the menu next week #SommChat

@sanfab44 (Sandra Fab): Great recipes on this site! http://bit.ly/mrkQ3a Have 2 try the Mexican Manahattan 4 #CincodeMayo!! @keepercoll @10Cane #SommChat

@sanfab44 (Sandra Fab): I like fruity drinks! Cherry vodka sour is my fav! RT @keepercoll What’s your favorite spirit @SanFab44? #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): .@sanfab44 and our Bluegrass Martini would fit the bill for you #SommChat

@sanfab44 (Sandra Fab): Bluegrass Martini!! Thx 4 the tip on my next drink at @WHotelATX @sanfab44 our Bluegrass Martini would fit the bill for you #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): .@WHotelATX Is there a difference between a #mixologist and a #bartender? Can one be both? #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): .@KeeperColl Mixologist leaves a bad taste in my mouth. We’re all #bartenders. #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): .@KeeperColl Some have a deeper understanding of classic #cocktail & flavor profiles but we all work for the same tip. #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q3. @WHotelATX What is your favorite bar in America and why? #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): A3. @KeeperColl I would have to say Dutch Kills in Long Island City, NY. Perfect combo of design & execution. #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): A3. @KeeperColl Amazing cocktails. Great ice. Wonderful staff & comfy design. It was also less than a mile from my apartment! Ha! #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): .@WHotelATX What about the World? #SommChat #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): .@KeeperColl Same… Dutch Kills #SommChat

@ATXGastronomist (Kathryn Hutchison): @WhotelATX re: A3. You mentioned great ice. What make the ice at a bar great? #sommchat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): .@ATXGastronomist Either hand-chipped blocks or Kold draft machines, the denser the ice the the colder the cocktail #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): .@ATXGastronomist The colder the cocktail the better it tastes #SommChat

@ATXGastronomist (Kathryn Hutchison): @whotelatx Hand-chipped blocks vs. my crummy fridge ice machine. No wonder martinis taste better at @whotelatx!! #sommchat

@MattMcGinnis (Matt McGinnis): @WHotelATX what do you think is fueling the thirst for pre-prohibition and classic cocktails? They seem to be the total hottness #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): .@mattmcginnis More widespread product knowledge #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q4. @WHotelATX Shaken or stirred? Why? #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): A4. @KeeperColl Depends on the #cocktail. If it’s straight spirit (i.e. #Martini, Old Fashioned, Manhattan) it should be stirred. #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): A4. @KeeperColl Stirring produces a heavy, silky, sexy texture to the #cocktail. Shaking introduces air, whereby “waking it up” #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): A4 @KeeperColl Shake #cocktails that employ citrus & other juices. IMO, James Bond ruined the #Martini w/ “Shaken, not stirred” #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): A4 @KeeperColl Shaken #Martini is a Bradford. Martini w/o vermouth is a glass of booze- nothing wrong w/ that, just not a martini #SommChat

@MattMcGinnis (Matt McGinnis): @WHotelATX what is your go-to bourbon for a mint julep? #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): .@mattmcginnis Basil Hayden, it’s nice, light grassy flavors, makes it the perfect Bourbon for that Derby cocktail #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Nice RT @WHotelATX @mattmcginnis Basil Hayden, its nice, light grassy flavors, make it the perfect Bourbon for that Derby cocktail #SommChat

@MattMcGinnis (Matt McGinnis): @whotelatx That’s how I made my mint julep last night – with Basil Haydens http://whatareyoudrinking.net/?p=820 #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): .@mattmcginnis Great minds think alike #SommChat

@ATXGastronomist (Kathryn Hutchison): @mattmcginnis you are prepared for the Derby. I hope you wore a great hat while you were drinking your julep list night #sommchat

@MattMcGinnis (Matt McGinnis): @atxgastronomist I’m all set for the Kentucky Derby. I have my mint julep ingredients and recipe ready to go. Big hat? nope #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q5. @WHotelATX What has changed in the bar business in the past 5 yrs that has forced u to rethink how u manage @traceatx bar? #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): A5. @KeeperColl Started more like 20 yrs ago thx to Dale Degroff & others that resurrected fresh ingredients & classic #cocktails #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): A5. @KeeperColl We, as a nation, are in the middle of a great credibility scare when it comes to the business of drink. #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): A5. @KeeperColl The general public seems to know more & expect fresh ingredients & a knowledgeable person behind the stick #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): A5. @KeeperColl So this leads us to make sure thorough training in the preparation of all our drinks is spot-on. #SommChat

@sanfab44 (Sandra Fab): Great question & answers guys!! I’m ready for a cocktail! & Its before NOON! LOL @WHotelATX @KeeperColl #SommChat

@blackiguananews (BLACK iGUANA): Learn about pre-prohibition cocktails, Ginger Lemon Smash, Moscow Mule, Dutch Kills & how James Bond ruined the Martini…#SommChat @WHotelATX

@WHotelATX (W Austin): .@blackiguananews Thanks for the shout-out #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q6. @WHotelATX Do you have advice for guests who want to try new things but aren’t quite sure how to approach the #bartender? #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): A6. @KeeperColl Get the heck out of that bar & find a place that’s comfortable!! #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): A6. @KeeperColl Seriously, the barman or barwoman’s job is to be approachable, friendly & knowledgeable. #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): A6. @KeeperColl If you come into our bar, please feel free to walk straight up & say “I want to try something new” #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): A6. @KeeperColl If you come into our bar, please walk straight up & say “I want to try something new. This is what I like/dislike” #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): A6. @KeeperColl I guarantee a fun experience! #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Don’t forget – in about 15 minutes we’ll pick a winner for a @traceatx gift card from @WHotelATX! Tweet to win! #SommChat

@sanfab44 (Sandra Fab): This is true!! LOL @WHotelATX RT @sanfab44 It’s 5 o’clock somewhere #SommChat

@ATXGastronomist (Kathryn Hutchison): Not the case at many bars in ATX! RT @whotelatx: Seriously, the bartender’s job is to be approachable, friendly & knowledgeable. #SommChat

@sanfab44 (Sandra Fab): Ever make a drink frm a customers recipe that u never heard or made before? How often does it happen? @WHotelATX @KeeperColl #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): .@sanfab44 Happens all the time #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q7. @WHotelATX Is it OK to order drinks that are “off the menu” or is that insulting? #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): A7. @KeeperColl I would say over half of the drinks I make each night are not on the menu. Not insulting at all! #SommChat

@esmergonzalez (Esmeralda): Stumbled across #SommChat and now I want a cocktail and it’s not even noon!

@ATXGastronomist (Kathryn Hutchison): @esmergonzalez Welcome aboard the boozy train! #sommchat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): .@ATXGastronomist @esmergonzalez Choo Choo! #SommChat

@sanfab44 (Sandra Fab): As Joe said “Its 5 oclock somewhere!” LOL RT @esmergonzalez Stumbled across #SommChat and now I want a cocktail and it’s not even noon!

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Welcome to #SommChat @TxFrenchBread! #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Welcome @esmergonzalez! Cheers! #SommChat

@blackiguananews (BLACK iGUANA): @WHotelATX Do y’all ever put those little skinny sippy straws in your cocktails? &…gasp…if you do, should we actually use ‘em? #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): .@blackiguananews Most of the cocktails on the menu are meant to be taken straight from the glass #SommChat

@ATXGastronomist (Kathryn Hutchison): @blackiguananews Great question! Those skinny straws are so awkward! #sommchat

@blackiguananews (BLACK iGUANA): @atxgastronomist EXACTLY! I’ve just been told me they’re just stirrers & that they should also not be chewed on while conversing #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): .@blackiguananews Definitlely not to be used as a straw, we are considering getting rid of them all together #SommChat

@ATXGastronomist (Kathryn Hutchison): @whotelatx Glad to hear you might be getting rid of little straws! Swizzle sticks are much sexier and alliterative, too! #sommchat

@proseccogal (Darla A): What has been your favorite creation? @WHotelATX @Keepercoll #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Hey there @proseccogal! Welcome back! #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): @.proseccogal The Lone Star Classic – Dr. Pepper reduction, Crown Royal, Old Fashioned Bitters & Grapefruit peel #SommChat

@proseccogal (Darla A): The Lone Star Classic sounds good, but Bourbon scares me. Seems heavy. Are they all that way? @WHotelATX @Keepercoll #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): .@proseccogal Not at all, like candy #SommChat

@proseccogal (Darla A): And my head the next day? RT @WHotelATX: .@proseccogal Not at all, like candy #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q8. @WHotelATX Did James Bond make the #cocktail cool, or was it Tom Cruise? #SommChat

@proseccogal (Darla A): Great Question! RT @keepercoll: Q8. @WHotelATX Did James Bond make the #cocktail cool, or was it Tom Cruise? #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): A8. @KeeperColl It was Dale Degroff, Jerry Thomas, Harry’s NYC Bar, The Rainbow Room. #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): A8. @KeeperColl Tom Cruise made flare cool. Last I heard, flare doesn’t taste good. You know how I feel about James Bond. #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q9. @WHotelATX Would you credit the recent popularity w/ #chefs/ #food to part of reason #cocktails/mixology have gained momentum? #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): A9. @KeeperColl Absolutely. People are more aware of what they’re putting into their bodies. #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): A9. @KeeperColl BTW, I worked w/ Dale Talde from #TopChef CHI while I was designing #cocktails & bartending at Buddakaan in NYC. #SommChat

@corkhoarder (Bryan Garcia): @keepercoll @WHotelATX 4 things a wine drinker should have in home bar for cocktail loving friends? #sommchat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Great Q! RT @corkhoarder: @keepercoll @WHotelATX 4 things a wine drinker should have in home bar for cocktail loving friends? #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): .@corkhoarder Great question. Bottle of clear, bottle of brown, sweetener, i.e. sugar & mixers #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): .@corkhoarder If we’re only limited to four things… #SommChat

@sanfab44 (Sandra Fab): Do u have update classes or recipe exchange with ur peers to keep up with new cocktails? @keepercoll @WHotelATX #sommchat

@sanfab44 (Sandra Fab): Cuz a bar/lounge never wants to be behind the times! @keepercoll @WHotelATX #sommchat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): .@sanfab44 As a member of the Austin chapter of USBG, absolutley! #SommChat

@sanfab44 (Sandra Fab): Cool I thought there was an orgztion out there! @WHotelATX RT @sanfab44 As a member of the Austin chapter of USBG, absolutley! #SommChat

@usbgaustin (USBG Austin): @WHotelATX Thanks for the shout out. We promote the craft through educating/training bartenders & public about spirits & cocktails #SommChat

@usbgaustin (USBG Austin): Interested in joining? Benefits include exclusive tastings, events, industry news, competitions…http://bit.ly/cOuaNJ #USBG #SommChat

@proseccogal (Darla A): What is your fav vodka, rum, scotch and bourbon? @WHotelATX @Keepercoll #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): .@proseccogal fav gin is Plymouth, fav rum- Ron Zacappa, fav Scotch- Lagavulin, fav bourbon- Blanton’s #SommChat

@proseccogal (Darla A): And Vodka? @WHotelATX @Keepercoll #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): .@proseccogal fav vodka would have to be Chopin, I like the potato vodkas #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q10. @WHotelATX If just ordering drinks, what is an appropriate % tip to leave your #bartender? Per drink? % of total? #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): A10. @KeeperColl I feel ppl should leave what the #bartender deserves. Was he/she friendly, prompt, engaged? #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): A10. @KeeperColl Did they really take the time to measure out and build your cocktail right in front of you? #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Final question What is ur top rec for a #Cincodemayo #cocktail & can you give us the #recipe? #SommChat

@winesellersltd (Winesellers, Ltd): Love this question! RT @keepercoll: Final question What is ur top rec for a #Cincodemayo #cocktail & can you give us the #recipe? #SommChat

@sanfab44 (Sandra Fab): U read my mind! RT @keepercoll What is your top recommendation for a #Cincodemayo #cocktail and can you give us the #recipe? #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): .@KeeperColl For cinco de mayo, The Fever Dream! Here’s the recipe… #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): 2oz Del Maguay Mineros Mezcal, .75oz Cointreau, 1oz Frsh Lime Juice, .5oz Jalapeno-infused simple syrup, .5oz Pommegranate Juice #SommChat

@esmergonzalez (Esmeralda): @WHotelATX love the sweet spicy combination. #sommchat

@blackiguananews (BLACK iGUANA): @WHotelATX Madre mia! Now you’re talkin’ my language–Celebrate Cinco de Mayo con ganas! #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): That’s all the Q’s WE have for @WHotelATX – if any1 has any others, pls ask now! We’ll announce the #giveaway winner momentarily #SommChat

@sanfab44 (Sandra Fab): Its Been a fun hour with u guys! I’m sooo ready for a cocktail!! @keepercoll @WHotelATX #sommchat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): And the winner of the #SommChat #giveaway from @WHotelATX for a gift card to @traceatx is @MattMcGinnis ! Congrats! #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Thx to everyone for joining #SommChat! Hope you learned something – visit @WHotelATX & Joe soon & let him create your perfect #cocktail!

@WHotelATX (W Austin): .@MattMcGinnis Congrats Matt! #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection):I hope everyone will join me in thanking Libationist Joe Thompson (@WHotelATX) for an awesome job sharing his #cocktail secrets! #SommChat

@WHotelATX (W Austin): .@keepercoll Thank you! It’s been a pleasure! #SommChat

@proseccogal (Darla A): Great chat with Libationist Joe Thompson @WHotelATX ! I am ready for 5 o clock! @Keepercoll #SommChat

@winesellersltd (Winesellers, Ltd): Thanks!! RT @keepercoll: I hope everyone will join me in thanking Libationist Joe Thompson (@WHotelATX) for an awesome job #SommChat

@ATXGastronomist (Kathryn Hutchison): Thanks much to @keepercoll and @WhotelATX for a great #sommChat!

@liquidaustin (Liquid Austin): Catching up on the special #cocktails edition of #sommchat. Some great tidbits of knowledge in there from @WHotelATX, check it out.

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Thanks for joining @liquidaustin- It was a great chat! #SommChat