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 14^th 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.