Cocktailian Audrey Saunders Mixes Drinks at Spare Room Tonight

Caroline on Crack

Bartender Naomi Schimek during her days at the Tar Pit with Saunders.

Modern mixology's pioneer Audrey Saunders has returned to Los Angeles. And after leaving La Brea's The Tar Pit after a short two months early last year, getting married, teaching seminars at prestigious cocktail events like the Manhattan Cocktail Classic and winning the 2011 Tales of the Cocktail award for Best Bar Mentor, she's back in L.A. doing an event tonight at the Hollywood Roosevelt's Spare Room.

In celebration of Naomi Schimek taking on the role of director of beverages after Aidan Demarest's departure, Saunders, who had been Schimek's mentor when the two worked at the Tar Pit together, is presenting a guest drink menu to help debut the bar's brand-new fall menu.

Bay Leaf Martini: Absolut Vodka infused with Bay Leaf, Fino Sherry & Dry Vermouth

Cucumber-Mint Creole: Plymouth Gin, Aquavit, Sherry, Cucumber, Mint, Lemon Juice

Fir & Ginger Fizz: Beefeater 24 Gin, Douglas Fir EDV, Ginger Beer, Lime Juice, Club Soda

Fitty-Fitty: 50% Plymouth Gin, 50% Dry Vermouth, House Orange Bitters

French Pearl: Plymouth Gin, Pernod Classic, Mint, Lime Juice

Schimek, in turn, created a literal cocktail ode to her mentor, the Ode to Aud. Here's the recipe for the truly ambitious to try at home.

Ode to Aud
From: Naomi Schimek, Spare Room
Makes: 1 drink

2 ounces Japanese cherry green tea-infused gin
0.75 ounce of lemon
0.75 ounce of simple syrup
0.25 ounce Green Chartreuse
1 egg white

1. Dry shake, cold shake.

2. Serve up in a coupe and garnish with pansy and essence of jasmine.

Tonight's event starts at 8 p.m. and is open to the public.