Both Valentine’s Day and Mardi Gras involve public displays that no one really wants to see. Already you’re probably conjuring up mental images, each creating particular visceral reactions. It is possible, however, to tie these holidays together in a way that doesn’t induce a gag reflex.

The cocktail revolution is over and the cocktails have won. But, who were the revolutionaries responsible for shaping cocktail culture so that well-made old fashioneds are ubiquitous?