Somehow, the Year of the Cocktail became the Years of the Cocktail — and now the spotlight is on the classics. But before you place your bet on whether this means a renaissance or a fad, consult the experts: During an evening of hard questions and hard alcohol, a panel of L.A. drink thinkers will discuss old-fashioneds and more in a roundtable hosted by KPCC Off-Ramp host John Rabe called “Old-Fashioned L.A.: Our Love Affair With Classic Cocktails.” Inspired by the revival of the local classic cocktail scene in recent years, Krista Simmons (LAist.com), Javier Cabral (L.A. Times, Saveur), Daniel Djang (Thirsty in L.A., Art Beyond the Glass) and Naomi Schimek (U.S. Bartenders' Guild) will tackle the revival, its origins, its longevity and its best ingredients across 90 minutes of discussion recorded for future use on the air. The Virgil's bar will be open for orders throughout the night, but ask for an appletini at your own risk. This is a night for the shaken, not stirred crowd. The Virgil, 4519 Santa Monica Blvd., E. Hlywd.; Thurs., Dec. 12, 8 p.m.; free. 21 & older. SCPR.org/events.

Thu., Dec. 12, 8 p.m., 2013

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