Five Questions for the Bartender: Gregg Holcomb of Knee High Stocking Co.
If he’s drinking alone, Knee High Stocking Co. bartender Gregg Holcomb likes a heavy bourbon drink. If he’s with other people, a Hemingway daiquiri is "deep and savory and flavorful but I don’t have to think about it a lot." Photo: Lucas Anderson
The working title for this drink is God’s Cocktail; Holcomb often makes this when a patron tells him, "surprise me." Photo: Lucas Anderson
The drink, technically a cross between an Angostura sour and an old-timey Alabazam, is made with ¾ ounce of Angostura bitters, cognac, Cointreau, lemon, sugar, and egg white. Photo: Lucas Anderson
Holcomb says he’s not a shot-and-a-beer guy. "Every bartender says that’s what they order, but I hate beer." Photo: Lucas Anderson
When Holcomb goes out with his wife, he forces himself to sit with his back to the middle of the room so he doesn’t get distracted by observing the nuances of service. Photo: Lucas Anderson
Holcomb uses an immersion blender to froth things up, then gives the drink a good shake. Photo: Lucas Anderson
Photo: Lucas Anderson
"I’m a big fan of Angostura bitters," says Holcomb. "When you get enough in there, the cherry and root notes come out, so it’s got this deep, rich rooty, berry, flavor." Photo: Lucas Anderson
The final step: the all-important taste. Photo: Lucas Anderson
