Online guide to drinking well

Cheers, Nov-Dec, 2007

Zagat Survey and Diageo have joined forces to create the first online consumer guide to restaurants serving high-quality drinks and beverage service. The site, www.idrinkwell.com, carries ratings of participating establishments similar to those Zagat presents in its surveys of restaurants, hotels and nightlife venues.

Restaurant drink programs are rated on a scale of zero to 30, with 30 indicating "extraordinary to perfection," on three criteria: Drinks, rating the beverages on the quality of spirits, mixers, ice, glassware and garnishes, as well as whether the cocktails are balanced; Service, examining the friendliness, attentiveness, drink knowledge and drink-making technique of the staff; and Atmosphere, including noise level, ambiance and overall comfort of the venue. The estimated cost of a single drink also is listed.

Establishments in 15 markets currently are rated on the site, which should be national in scope by the end of this year. Access to the drinkwell ratings is free.

In addition, the drinkwell Academy Staff Training Program now is available to participating establishments. Developed in concert with leading mixologists including Dale DeGroff, Steve Olson, Doug Frost, Paul Pacult and Dave Wondrich, the program educates bartenders and managers on the finer points of the rating criteria.

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Establishments that are drinkwell reviewed receive a black and brushed metal plaque similar to the burgundy Zagat Survey decal that denotes a Zagat-rated restaurant.