Jim Meehan didn't become the world's best hot-dog server—but the snacks help.

Yes, we know we said we were done with TOTC coverage, but we neglected one very important item: a big fat congratulations to barkeep Jim Meehan, who was named Best American Bartender at the Tales of the Cocktail Spirit Awards on Saturday night. His bar, PDT, scored special honors, earning the title of World’s Best Cocktail Bar.

Meehan beat out some serious competition, including his own mentor Audrey Saunders (of Pegu Club, which was knighted Best American Bar). Other NYC notables included Clover Club (World’s Best New Cocktail Bar). Handshakes all around.

The legendary Dale DeGroff makes a rare behind-the-bar appearance, showing those young'uns how it's done. (Photo: Michael Anstendig)

Probably unbeknownst to you, yesterday was the 203rd anniversary of the birth of the cocktail, and what better way to celebrate than by downing terrific tipples mixed by nearly two dozen top mixologists like Dale DeGroff, Gary Regan, Dave Wondrich, Audrey Saunders and other boozy luminaries. The bacchanalian extravaganza took place at Pranna, with the proceeds benefiting the Museum of the American Cocktail in New Orleans. Read more »

What you definitely won't see at tonight's Beards gala.

We all know professional kitchens aren’t particularly femme-friendly. The same goes for many bars—unless a lady has plans to dance on it, or pour shots down fratboy gullets, that is.

But there will be no such nonsense at tonight’s James Beard Foundation Awards gala, at which a collection of the country’s most talented female bar talent will be manning (womanning?) the cocktail stations. Look out for NYC talent like Julie Reiner (Clover Club) and Audrey Saunders (Pegu Club), along with barkeeps-at-large Lynette Marrero, Charlotte Voisey and Aisha Sharpe.

Can’t make it tonight? We’ve got the next best thing: Check out their recipes for this evening’s event after the jump. Read more »