Milk & Honey founder Sasha Petraske found dead

Milk & Honey founder Sasha Petraske, largely regarded as one of the foremost revivalists of modern cocktail culture, has died at the age of 42.

Cocktail pioneer Sasha Petraske has died at the age of 42. Credit: Flickr

Petraske was found dead by his wife, journalist Georgette Moger, on Friday morning (21 August) at their home in Hudson, New York.

According to reports, Moger claimed Petraske died during the night. A cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

In 1999, Petraske opened Milk & Honey in New York’s Lower East Side.

The bar has been credited with playing a vital role in reviving both the US and global cocktail scene, and in particular pioneered the speakeasy bar trend with its unmarked location, reservations only policy and classic cocktails.

It was one of the first venues to premiumise the on-trade with its dedication to craft cocktails and attentive customer service.

Petraske opened another Milk & Honey in Soho, London, in 2002, and also a number of other acclaimed venues, including Little Branch in New York, The Varnish in Los Angeles and The Everleigh in Melbourne, Australia.

Born in Manhattan, Petraske joined the US Army for three years before taking a job in an East Village bar, which inspired him to open his own venue.

His death comes two and a half years after leading London bartender Henry Besant passed away following a heart attack.

A number of leading names in the drinks world and beyond have taken to Twitter to express their sadness over the loss of Petraske.

Sasha Petraske made me the first 50-50 Dry Martini I ever had, back in 2002. I thought it was weird. Now, it’s how I drink ’em. Thanks, pal.

— David Wondrich (@DavidWondrich) August 22, 2015

Some truly sad news hit the global drinks industry yesterday. Sasha Petraske, you revolutionised bartending. You were Inspirational. RIP xx

— Georgie Bell (@BellesWhisky) August 22, 2015

Deeply saddened to hear of Sasha Petraske’s death. A dapper gent who changed the way we drink. A toast to his memory. RIP

— Dave Broom (@davebroomwhisky) August 22, 2015

“[Bartending is] a simple thing, not a question of skill; it’s a question of character.” Sasha Petraske, Rest in Peace, Brother.

— gary regan (@gazregan) August 21, 2015