Sasha Petraske was a visionary bartender who changed the way people drink and appreciate cocktails. He was the founder of the acclaimed speakeasy Milk & Honey, as well as a partner and creative force behind many other influential bars around the world. He was widely regarded as one of the most important figures in modern cocktail culture. But his life was cut short by a sudden and mysterious death in 2015. What was the cause of his demise? And how did his legacy live on?
A Passion for Perfection
Sasha Petraske was born in Greenwich Village, New York City, in 1973. He dropped out of high school at the age of 17 and joined the US Army, where he served in the Ranger Regiment. He later left the army by falsely claiming that he was gay, according to The i on MSN.com.
He returned to New York and worked as a bartender, developing a passion for classic cocktails and a meticulous attention to detail. In 1999, he opened Milk & Honey, a small and secretive bar in the Lower East Side that had no sign, no menu, and no phone number. Customers had to make reservations by leaving a message on an answering machine and follow a strict set of rules of etiquette to ensure a polite and enjoyable drinking experience.
Milk & Honey became known for its impeccable service, elegant atmosphere, and expertly crafted drinks that followed pre-prohibition recipes and techniques. Petraske used only the finest spirits and ingredients, hand-squeezed juices, chilled glassware, and precise measurements. He also popularized the “bartender’s choice” option, where customers could trust the bartender to make them a drink based on their preferences.
Petraske’s vision and style inspired a new wave of cocktail bars that focused on quality, craftsmanship, and hospitality. He opened or consulted for dozens of notable venues, such as Little Branch, Dutch Kills, The Varnish, Everleigh, and more. He also trained many of the world’s top bartenders, who carried on his legacy and influence.
A Sudden Death
In May 2015, Petraske married journalist Georgette Moger in a ceremony in Italy. They moved to Hudson, New York, where Petraske had a consulting job for a hotel bar. He seemed happy and healthy, according to his friends and colleagues.
But on August 21, 2015, Moger found him dead at their home. He was 42 years old. The cause of death was unknown at first, but later reports suggested that he died from a heart attack or a drug overdose.
According to Daily Mail Online, a source with knowledge of the investigation said that he died from an overdose. However, this claim was never confirmed by official sources or by his family. According to Bloomberg.com, his wife said that he had no history of drug abuse or heart problems.
The news of his death shocked and saddened the bar and dining world. Many people paid tribute to him on social media and in person. Bars around the world toasted him with daiquiris – his favorite cocktail – at 9 pm local time on August 31, 2015, in honor of the traditional opening hour of Milk & Honey.
A Lasting Legacy
Petraske’s death left a huge void in the cocktail community, but also a rich legacy of innovation and excellence. His bars continued to operate and thrive under the guidance of his partners and protégés. His wife compiled his writings and recipes in a book called Regarding Cocktails, which was published posthumously in 2016. The book contains many of his insights and tips on how to make great cocktails and run a successful bar.
Petraske is widely regarded as one of the most influential bartenders of all time. He is credited with inventing modern cocktail culture and elevating the craft of bartending to an art form. He is remembered for his passion, perfectionism, generosity, and humility.
As cocktail historian Dale DeGroff said about him: “He was one of those rare individuals who changed everything.”
