“Tony Abou-Ganim, The Modern Mixologist, (Las Vegas-based) is a world-renowned bar professional and beverage consultant, known for his pioneering contributions to mixology. He has appeared on national TV shows like TODAY and Iron Chef America, where he is a three-time champion. Tony is the author of The Modern Mixologist and Vodka Distilled and has hosted both virtual and in-person cocktail-making demonstrations, as well as the Fine Living series Raising the Bar.”

“His mixology journey began at Michigan’s Brass Rail Bar and led to groundbreaking roles at iconic venues such as San Francisco’s Balboa Café and Bellagio Las Vegas, where he helped launch the beverage program in 1998, taking the beverage industry to new heights. He is the managing partner at Libertine Social inside Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, and collaborates with the team at Royal Caribbean to develop innovative beverage programs for their newest ships.”

Tony’s latest project (he’s truly come full circle) is the restoration of his cousin’s, Helen David’s, The Brass Rail Bar (circa 1937) in Port Huron, Michigan. It’s where he got his start. The Rail was a place to appreciate the classic cocktail. This venture is a true labor of love. In her memory (breast cancer survivor) Tony established the Helen and David Relief Fund which is a charity that benefits bartenders undergoing cancer treatments.

According to Tony: “The Rail was a classy neighborhood joint, where on any given evening you would see nurses bellied up next to lawyers, sitting next to fireman, construction workers, police officers, the mayor…all walks of life met and imbibed at The Rail…”

Tony puts down his cocktail shaker and joins us with us with a property prepared Old Fashioned at the ready.

The Rail’s signature cocktail (from Thanksgiving thru New Year’s) is the Tom & Jerry. Tony is kind enough to share Helen’s classic recipe with us.