Kosmas Demos His Employees Only Mixes At Sigels This Weekend

by Steven Doyle

In Dallas we think of Jason Kosmas as super laid back barman with the killer mustache. In reality he is laid back and unassuming, but he is also building his brand of liquor, writing cocktail books, and co-owner of what has been labeled as the best bar in the world, Employees Only. He even has a television program he pitched a network in Los Angeles last week where he plays host in a quasi-version of Chopped. Today Kosmas called to let me know that he will be at Sigel’s Fine Wines & Great Spirits on Greenville Avenue tomorrow selling the Employees Only own line of mixers.  

Jason had talked about the line of mixers in the past which currently is made up of two products, a Grenadine, Bloody Mary mix and a Lime Cordial. Originally the company was marketing in large format packaging to the industry, but there was an overwhelming call from the general public to but the brand for home use. So the group changed the labeling and package size and is now selling these mixers in better liquor stores near you.

“One thing about Bloody Mary mix is that when you add the liquor the drink always has this watered down taste,” said Kosmas. So they made the mix extra rich using tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, fresh horseradish, a variety of spices and capers. Capers give the mix a bright finish and certainly the Kosmas secret ingredient.

Most Grenadine you will find on the market is nothing more than corn syrup, color and artificial flavorings. Most might think that the mixer is used to give cocktails color and is made up of cherry juice. But Kosmas explained that the word Grenadine comes from the French word ‘grenade’ which means pomegranate. A typical recipe for grenadine would include pomegranate juice, a simple syrup and water. The Employees Only version uses Wonderful Pomegranate (a flavorful and natural brand), cane sugar and warm spices that give the mix an unusual kick that elevates your cocktails to professional levels.

Kosmas told us this morning that bitters would not be included in this line, and that the process was completely different. He did allude that there might be a different line in the future made up of bitters.

Currently in the Dallas area Sigel’s is the only distributor of the Employees Only  mixes.  They are also available to use in bars and restaurants. Find Kosmas tomorrow, April 6, at 5757 Grenville Ave from 1 to 3pm. Most likely he will be throwing down a few really savory cocktails for you to sample.