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John deBary head shot - Epicurious

John deBary

John deBary is a beverage consultant, writer, and worker-rights advocate. Born in New York City, deBary began his hospitality career as a bartender at New York City cocktail bar PDT. From there, deBary spent nine years at the Momofuku restaurant group, becoming their first corporate bar director.

Additionally, deBary has contributed to numerous publications, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Punch. He is the author of the book Drink What You Want: The Subjective Guide to Making Objectively Delicious Cocktails which was released in 2020, and Saved by the Bellini & Other ‘90s-Inspired cocktails, which was released in April 2023.

He is also a co-founder and board president of Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation, an organization that aims to improve workplace quality of life for workers in the restaurant industry. He lives in the Lower East Side of Manhattan with his husband and two cats.

Expert Advice

A Pizza-Flavored Cocktail? Hear Me Out

When pizza’s in a cocktail, you can drink pizza anytime.
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Pizza Anytime

Part pizza bagel, part Bloody Mary, with a Parmesan salt rim just for fun—this drink has it all.
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Barbie Girl

This combination of  watermelon juice, pisco, and black currant liqueur will take you to the glossy world of a “Barbie Girl.”
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Flannel Factor

Like a well-worn shirt, this rum, rye, and coffee cocktail has the right balance of moody and vibrant.
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Peach and Mango Spritzer

This fizzy sipper takes full advantage of John deBary’s Super Summer Fruit Syrup, a sweet-and-sour mixer ready to fulfill all your summer beverage dreams.
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Garden Party Super Punch

If you’re looking for the most summery of punches that doesn’t overdo it on the booze, have your people call our people.
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Summery Sour

A wonderfully balanced summer sipper made up of sweet peak summer peaches and mangos alongside bright citrus juice and a base spirit of your choosing.
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Super Summer Fruit Syrup

Simple syrup is good. Super Summer Fruit Syrup is better and able to transform any drink into its best post-vacation summery self.