‘The Bartender’s Manifesto’ Arrives This Spring

The Violet Hour founding partner Toby Maloney releases cocktail-focused book to celebrate venerable bar’s 15th anniversary. We sit down for an exclusive interview.

Master mixologist Toby Maloney [Photo courtesy of Toby Maloney]

I’ve always been fascinated by the bespoke threads worn by Toby Maloney, a life-long barman who’s a founding partner and beverage director at The Violet Hour and has also worked for the likes of New York’s Pegu Club, Milk & Honey, and Flatiron Lounge. Additionally, this James Beard Award winner is a partner at the newly opened Chicago outpost for Mother’s Ruin.

He’s always so effortlessly dapper with every outfit, which includes such colorful throwback accessories like suspenders, bow ties, and vests. Maloney’s distinct attire plays right into his passion for craft cocktails, which we discussed in detail in a new LIVE! Culinary Series episode.

During the interview, he talks about how he pulls together those outstanding outfits, The Violet Hour’s legacy and how it shaped Chicago’s modern cocktail culture, and what to expect when his new book, The Bartender’s Manifesto, debuts in June. In it, you’ll find approximately 100 original cocktail recipes, including some based on specialties found at The Violet Hour.

Here’s where you can watch the interview in its entirety, which includes mixologist Lynn House presenting two new cocktails for your spring imbibing pleasure.