About Cocktail Wonk

Wonk: A person who likes to think about or study something and spends a great amount of time doing it

Hello! I’m Matt Pietrek. Thanks for your interest in my spirited site! Feel free to contact me at cocktailwonk @ gmail.com.

I describe myself as a spirits and cocktail writer, educator and historian.
This site, cocktailwonk.com, is where I share my whatever interests me regarding spirits, cocktails, tiki and tropical libations, bars, and spirited history.

  • In 2018, I was a Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards “Final Four” nominee for Best Spirits Writer.
  • In 2019, Cocktail Wonk was a Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards “Final Four” nominee for Best Publication.

My first two books cover very different aspects of spirits and cocktails:

I write extensively about cane spirits, and am the Community Envoy for the West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers Association (WIRSPA).

I also write for a number of other publications (see below).

I’m also very active on social media, with a large following on Instagram and Facebook.

Publication Portfolio

Educational Event Speaker

Other Highlights

I’ve previously authored a number of books and articles on Microsoft Windows, reverse engineering, and software development, and been recognized internationally as one of the world’s foremost experts on the topic.

I now use my ability to immerse myself in the world of spirits, cocktails, and bars. Much as when I wrote about Windows, I dig deep into a topic, demystify it and then explain it in a straightforward manner.

An integral part of the Cocktail Wonk experience is Mrs. Wonk (aka, Carrie in her civilian life), who provides storytelling wisdom, copy-editing and many humorous asides.

Press Trips

Want more backstory on me? Read my first post.