ERIC ALPERIN’S first experience behind the stick was at The Screening Room in New York City, followed by the Michelin-starred Lupa and Sasha Petraske’s Little Branch. In Los Angeles, he created Osteria Mozza’s liquor and cocktail program before opening The Varnish in 2009. The Varnish was a James Beard semifinalist for Outstanding Bar Program from 2013 to 2017 and won a Spirited Award for Best American Cocktail Bar at Tales of the Cocktail in 2012. That same year The Varnish was also awarded 14^th place in the World’s 50 Best Bars annual selection. Eric is also a co-owner of Half Step in Austin, Texas, a co-owner of Penny Pound Ice and Johnny’s Bar in Los Angeles, The Red Dog Saloon in Pioneertown, CA and The Copper Room in Yucca Valley, CA. He released his first book in June of 2020, Unvarnished – A Gimlet-Eyed Look at Life Behind the Bar, which was published by Harper Collins. Eric resides in El Sereno, Los Angeles with his wife Jules and their dog Yoshi.