Beverage

Customers at Waterman’s Surfside Grille in Virginia Beach, Virginia, know the best way to quench a thirst is to order the beachside bar’s famous Orange Crush. This signature frozen drink is made with fresh-squeezed orange juice, orange vodka, triple sec, and a splash of Sprite.

According to Waterman’s owner Mike Standing, the drink was created 20 years ago, but took off in 2002 when a friend suggested Standing make the Orange Crush with fresh-squeezed juice. Today Waterman’s is one of most popular places on the boardwalk, and Standing said that the bar and restaurant have had an increase in revenue every year.

In recent years, bartending has been elevated to an art form by professionals like Tony Abou-Ganim (left), one of the world's foremost bartenders and author of The Modern Mixologist: Contemporary Classic Cocktails. Instead of pouring drink mix from a bottle, a mixologist creates perfectly balanced cocktails with fresh and novel ingredients. Dedication to the craft isn't just about the ingredients; professional bartenders need serious tools.

Abou-Ganim has spent four years collaborating with design company Product Council to develop and manufacture his own line of fine barware. He shares his personal take on essential bar tools and advice for aspiring mixologists.