BCS Session: Original Sins - The Absolute Worst Cocktails and Recipes for Salvation

Tuesday, April 21, 2026
3:00 PM 4:00 PM

Seattle Cocktail Week 600 Pine Street Seattle, WA, 98101 United States (map)

Google Calendar ICS

Have you ever made a classic cocktail according to the original spec and it just... sucked? Good news — it's not you.

It's Hemingway. And Bond. And it is definitely not your fault, you sweet angel. In this enlightening but light-hearted session, we'll dive into the most misunderstood drinks ever made — exploring the how and the why of infamous classics in hopes of not only keeping them alive, but maybe rescuing a couple of them from the Spill Tab.

What You Will Learn

Why some beloved classics fall flat -- and what's actually going on behind the spec
The history and context behind some of the most infamous cocktails ever made
Stories to share with guests, and maybe a little well-earned vindication

Track: Spirits + Knowledge

**PRESENTED BY**

**Matt Ray**
Brand Ambassador

Matt Ray works for Sazerac and was most recently awarded Whiskey Magazine's "Icons of Whiskey 2026" American Whiskey Brand Ambassador of the Year. He has worked in hospitality for most of his life, from Walt Disney to New Orleans legend, “Cure". He left the industry to teach English and history in public school but returned to hospitality with his education experience in tow. Originally from Alabama, he uses his Appalachia accent to make spirits and cocktails fun and approachable for the average person. As a resource for Sazerac, Matt does brand R&D, product launches, and trainings for the company, customers, and distributors. In his free-time, he is an educator for the Wine Spirits Education Trust (WSET) in spirits and a trainer for SAFE Bar Network.

Bartender’s Circle Summit: Industry Session

This session is part of the Bartender’s Circle Summit and is strictly intended for members of the global hospitality industry. To attend this masterclass, you must have a BCS Class Pass. Our summit programming at Pacific Place is a dedicated space for professionals to sharpen their craft, delve into spirit categories like Cognac and Pisco, and learn from the industry’s most respected leaders.