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Winner of 2015 Best of Harrisburg for Event Planning/Event Services on Thumbtack and Harrisburg Award

About Michael Nagy & Raise Your Spirits

Michael has been working in the bar and restaurant industry since 2000 as a head mixologist, liquid bar chef, spirits sommelier, bar manager, bar consultant, and cocktail expert. He holds an Advanced Certification in Mixology Bartending from the Professional Bartending Schools of America and is a former advanced mixology instructor at a prominent national bartending school.He also earned his WSET Level 2 Ceritfication & Diploma from the prestigious London School in 2018. He has worked with many local bars and restaurants on developing cocktail menus, improving visibility, and customer service training. His cocktail book "The Cocktail Rediscovered" was released in 2007 and he currently runs a bar and cocktail website/blog here called “Tails from the Barstool”.

Michael is Owner & Operator of “Raise Your Spirits”, an elite and elevated bartending, wine service, top-shelf cocktail and beverage service, and bar/wine consultation service in Central Pennsylvania since 2013. He has created seasonal cocktail menus and wine lists for martini bars and cocktail lounges as well as for event venues, individuals, and businesses. He has consulted with major companies on wine pairings with desserts, chocolates, and food and wine lists for VIP events. He holds a B.S. Degree in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and has Master's credits in Education and Community Psychology. Michael has been writing for Chilled Magazine for over 2 years, other trade publications, and is currently contributing to "The Culture Trip", a travel, lifestyle, and culture site based in L.A. and Epicurious as a community writer.

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Testimonials

"We hired RYS for our wedding at our local zoo, and we are so happy that we did! Michael and his wife worked our wedding of 130 people and kept that line moving! They handled our alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and were very professional and courteous. When we were frantically trying to set up our dessert bar ourselves, they offered to help - totally not in their contract of course but it was amazing! Just very sweet people who know their way around a bar! Plus, we picked two signature drinks that were just flying off the top shelf. Michael will guide you on what type of alcohol you will need and how much, but make sure you know your crowd. I unfortunately underestimated how many heavy drinkers we had and we ran out of certain alcohols midway through the evening. The good news is that Michael made it work with what we had left and our guests were still happy! BTW, may I cast my vote for his Orange Blossom cocktail if you are looking for suggestions on a specialty cocktail to serve at your event ;) Thank you so much Raise Your Spirits!"- Kalene L. (August 2015)

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Latest Blog Entries

The Cocktail Rediscovered

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Are you ready to take the 'bar' exam? This is the only tool you will need to raise the 'bar' for mixing drinks. Whether you are a novice bartender, who likes to play bartender at parties, or a professional bartender trying to perfect his/her craft in mixology, Learn More