Johnny Livanos, founder of Stray Dog Wild Gin, was born into the restaurant industry. His grandfather emigrated from the island of Lesbos and opened many of New York’s most iconic Greek restaurants. Still, it wasn’t guaranteed that he would follow into the family business.
We discover what drew Johnny into the business and how he found himself behind the bar at his new restaurant, Ousia, before launching one of the first purely Greek Gins on the market.
On today’s episode, Johnny reveals:
- When he fell in love with cocktail making
- What Greek spirit makes people’s brains go a little crazy
- How Stray Dog Wild Gin was born
- How to make his Aegean Gin & Tonic
You can learn more about all the spirits we discuss in my Lush Guide to Greek Liquors!
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