ERIC ALPERIN’S first experience behind the stick was at The Screening Room in New York City, followed by the Michelin-starred Lupa and Sasha Petraske’s Little Branch. In Los Angeles, he created Osteria Mozza’s liquor and cocktail program before opening The Varnish in 2009. The Varnish was a James Beard semifinalist for Outstanding Bar Program from 2013 to 2017 and won a Spirited Award for Best American Cocktail Bar at Tales of the Cocktail in 2012. That same year The Varnish was also awarded 14th place in the World’s 50 Best Bars annual selection. Eric is also a co-owner of Half Step in Austin, Texas and a co-owner of Penny Pound Ice, The Slipper Clutch and Chatterbox, all in Los Angeles. He released his first book in June of 2020, Unvarnished – A Gimlet-Eyed Look at Life Behind the Bar, which was published by Harper Collins/Harper Wave. Most recently, Eric co-partnered in relaunching The Copper Room in Yucca Valley, CA.