Most creative professionals have worked in a bar at some point before becoming successful in their chosen art. But usually once they've hit it big time, they never looked back…unless Manhattan nightlife impresarios like Alex Likhtenstein and Ian Magid whisper in their ear. At EVR lounge in Midtown Manhattan, well-known performing artists, models or actors hop behind the bar to mix up signature drinks for Tuesday’s recurring “Art of Mixology” series. The series kickoff featured model Tyson Beckford as the celebrity guest bartender, followed by Michael K. Williams of Boardwalk Empire. On Wednesdays, a Blackbook magazine editor plays DJ for the night. The lines between staff, talent and customers are blurred at EVR, which is just one reason to like this new Midtown bar.

No matter what night of the week it is, in-house mixologist Orson Salicetti is a draw for people who follow cocktail culture. The former Apothéke mastermind has created two cocktail menus. The first features recipes that are billed as “Prohibition-inspired” but in many cases, have even older origins. Stripped-down, flawless versions of the Negroni, the Sidecar and the Mint Julep represent the classics, while the Metropolitan (vodka, cranberry, black currant liqueur, agave and lime) and the Chamomile Sour (vodka, ginger, Combier, lime and sparkling wine) have a more contemporary flavor profile.