Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is a bartender, journalist, and author recognized for his contributions to the craft cocktail industry and contemporary mixology. Meehan began his hospitality career while attending the University of Wisconsin at Madison, working as a bartender before relocating to New York City. There, he developed his skills in bars and restaurants including Gramercy Tavern and Pegu Club. Meehan later opened PDT, a speakeasy-inspired cocktail lounge in Manhattan's East Village, accessed through a phone booth in another restaurant.

PDT and Meehan received industry recognition, including Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards for American Bartender of the Year and World's Best Cocktail Bar. PDT was also ranked the top bar on the World's 50 Best Bars list and received the inaugural Outstanding Bar Program award from the James Beard Foundation. Meehan contributed to the expansion of craft cocktails in airport lounges for American Express, developing cocktail menus for locations in cities such as New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Hong Kong, and London.

Meehan is the author of "The PDT Cocktail Book," "Meehan's Bartender Manual," and "The Bartender's Pantry." "Meehan's Bartender Manual" provides an in-depth look at the bar industry, covering topics such as bar design, menu development, spirits production, drink mixing techniques, and hospitality. "The Bartender's Pantry" serves as a resource for hospitality professionals and those interested in the connection between beverages and global foodways.

As a writer and editor, Meehan has contributed to multiple editions of Food & Wine Magazine's annual cocktail book and Mr. Boston Bartender's Guides. His work has appeared in publications including Imbibe, Man of the World, Food & Wine, Bon Appetit, Bloomberg Businessweek, and Lucky Peach. Meehan has also collaborated with Heisler Hospitality on Prairie School in Chicago and assisted with the opening of a Hong Kong branch of PDT at the Landmark Mandarin Oriental. Meehan's career spans work in Madison, New York City, and Portland, Oregon, where he continues to write and consult for hospitality clients, spirits companies, and product partners through Mixography Inc. Meehan is known for his expertise in mixology, bar management, and hospitality consulting.