Gems I took away from the barstaff at The Miranda, which just soft-launched in Oakland:

• A pinch of salt or dash of saline isn’t just useful in negronis and other stirred cocktails; try it in daiquiris and gimlets too.

• St. George’s Rye gin is great in stirred drinks. Conversely, why use a fine flavorful gin in a sour where it could get lost?

• Rinse your coffee mug with absinthe. Add coffee. Apparently it’s delicious (and will be available at The Miranda when it starts offering coffee in the afternoons). I also overheard a recommendation to use coffee liqueur in a Sazerac in place of sugar or simple syrup.
• The Leopold Aperitivo is good but has had a heavy hand on the gentian root. “Half a barspoon in a drink is plenty,” said John of The Miranda and Camino.

• Why bartenders are the best people on earth, #19,856: “I’ve never had the Gancia Americano before. How does it compare to..” “Here. Have a taste.”

Thanks to John, Robin, and the woman who works part-time at St. George whose name I didn’t get. Good luck at your Friday launch!