The Mystery Mixologist

Photo by Julia Tellman

“I’ve won journalism awards in Kansas and Virginia, but this is by far the coolest thing I’ve ever won,” Jim Haag said about his new title as maker of the best cocktail in Teton Valley.

Or: How a Retired Journalist Won for Best Cocktail

By Julia Tellman

The staff at the Teton Valley News was as surprised as anyone when the votes were tallied and in the category of Best Cocktail, it wasn’t Knotty Pine, Tetonia Club, or Warbirds in the top spot, or even one of the valley’s illustrious longtime bartenders like Eric Achee or Adam Towle.

Instead, it was retired editor and epicurean Jim Haag, who has no affiliation with a local bar but does make a mean sidecar.

“Maybe this is a sign that we throw too many parties,” Haag said with a laugh when he was notified of his new title.

Ironically, while he was an editor at the Virginian-Pilot newspaper out of Norfolk, VA, Haag oversaw the production of more than a few voter’s choice publications himself. That experience on the other side of the desk wasn’t what won him accolades though. It turns out Haag had a big network of friends who knew how to play the game. After all, everyone is allowed to vote every day

The Best Sidecar in the Teton Valley

• 2 parts cognac or brandy • 1 part Cointreau or other • orange liqueur • 2 parts lemon juice • Splash simple syrup, optional • Sugar, to rim glasses • Orange twist, for garnish

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the cognac, Cointreau and lemon juice. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds. (Some people find Sidecars to be extremely tart, so you can add the simple syrup to make the drink sweeter. This isn’t traditional; it’s just something I do for friends.)

Strain the drink into chilled martini glasses rimmed with sugar. Garnish with an orange twist.

during the month that the ballot is live.

“We were all out voting for each other,” Haag said of the acquaintances who often join him and his wife Carol at their house for dinner, dancing, and, of course, cocktails.

The couple does enjoy spending time at the valley’s fine watering holes, but Haag said he started polishing his bartending skills because going out too often was tough on the budget (not to mention that driving home afterward was not always a wise decision). With more time on his hands, he’s enjoying dabbling in new pastimes; on top of building his cocktail repertoire, he and Carol also take ceramic lessons at Teton Arts.

“I’m not sure if I believe in reincarnation or not, but if I’m coming back, I hope to be either a potter or a mixologist,” Haag said. “I figure I’m just practicing for my next life.” n