The hot seat

Ingredient Vermouth. You can have several variations of the same cocktail just by changing the type of vermouth. My Smoking Corpse drink gets a spicier and slightly bitter component from Carpano Punt e Mes vermouth.

Bar gadget When I make drinks with egg white, I use a spring from an old Hawthorne strainer. After I shake the ingredients with ice, I “dry shake” the cocktail a second time with only the spring. It acts as a whisk and makes the egg white frothier, adding body and texture.

Bar I love the Violet Hour (1520 N Damen Ave, 773-252-1500). They’ve really laid the foundation for Chicago’s craft-cocktail community, and I can sit at the bar and geek out with the other bartenders.

Inspiration The Internet. Cocktail blogs, forums and other bars’ websites allow me to see…new techniques and ingredients. I’m really inspired by others who are truly passionate about the craft.

Music to work to When I’m setting up the bar for the night, I listen to hip-hop. Lately it’s been a lot of Lil Wayne—specifically, Tha Carter III and Dedication 3.

2421 N Milwaukee Ave (773-227-3530).