Mark Addison
BIO: Mark Addison believes that life is a series of special occasions meant to be celebrated in high style. As an award-winning designer and producer, he has created extraordinary environments, from celebrity events and major product launches to destination weddings and international galas. His uniquely creative vision has earned him an impressive client list of celebrities, top consumer brands, and Fortune 500 companies. Splitting his time between New York City, Palm Beach, and Vermont, he is always energized by his shifting environment and inspired by the natural beauty of his surroundings. This brings a fresh perspective and contagious optimism to all his work, both behind the scenes and in front of the camera.
What’s exciting in the cocktail/mixology scene today?
Shaken or stirred, made of at least three ingredients and often multiple spirits, cocktails are a thing of glamour and sophistication that transcends the average bar drink. Though it has come in and out of vogue, the cocktail has never disappeared and is currently enjoying a roaring resurgence sparked by a new appreciation for artisanal craft and traditional techniques with a modern flair.
There is an ever-expanding world of resources available to home cocktail enthusiasts that were once known exclusively to master mixologists; from professional-style barware and tools in luxurious finishes and materials designed for the home mixologist to esoteric ingredients and international wines and spirits are only a click away through online shopping sites from around the world and in your own hometown. So, your imagination truly is the only limit.
What is a signature cocktail and why is it important have and serve one at parties?
Signature cocktails are part creative expression and part calling card, alluding to your style as much as your handshake or favorite perfume. It’s wonderful to be able to host a themed evening and mix up a batch of something tailored just to the occasion. The result is a signature cocktail that is as unique as you are. It also simplifies your stock of liquor and gets you out from behind the bar to enjoy your own party.
Girls – the glass = the perfect silhouette, garnishes = perfect accessories where sometimes more is more or remove one item, cocktail recipe = the notes of a fragrance. Everything equals your personal style
Guys – the glass, like the shape of a sports car = cool and sleek, garnish is the fine finishes = simple yet effective, drink = power under the hood – strong but smooth. The result is cocktails as unique as you are.
What 5 spirits should everyone have at their home bar?
The 5 standard spirits everyone should have at their home bar:
There are several varieties within each spirit type that will allow you to create a wide range of cocktails for you and your company.
- Vodka
- Gin (London-style)
- Rum (Light or Gold)
- Tequila (Blanco or Reposado)
- Whiskey (Bourbon, Scotch or Rye)
What cocktail would you say is your ‘signature’ cocktail?
My friends always request a Marktini or a Markarita when they come over to my house because it’s now an anticipated part of celebrating with me. I earned the nickname Marktini because I would go to friends’ houses and mix up cocktails with whatever they had at hand and the name and the drink stuck.