Testimonials on Speaking Events

“The F. Scott Fitzgerald Society always enjoys Philip Greene's learned and entertaining histories of spirits whenever he joins us as a keynote at one of our conferences. Two of his books (To Have and Have Another: A Hemingway Cocktail Companion A Drinkable Feast: A Cocktail Companion to 1920s Paris) are essential not only to cocktail connoisseurs but to fans of modernist literature, whether of the expatriate circle in Paris or more specifically any of Hemingway's haunts. In fact, anytime I go to Key West I see Philip's name popping up in all kinds of places with great stories. And the best part is he's never wrong!”

— Kirk Curnutt, Executive Director, The F. Scott Fitzgerald Society; Trustee, The Ernest Hemingway Foundation and Society

“People love our events because of Philip Greene. He’s an engaging and charming speaker who adds good cheer and good drinks to our proceedings. We couldn’t ask for a better - or a better-read - bartender. As an author and a cocktail historian, he brings a unique historical perspective to his presentations. Perhaps the greatest praise he received came from former Defense Secretary James Mattis, who thanked him for ‘glamorizing alcohol,’ while also noting that he enjoyed Greene's presentation so much, that ‘I didn't want to just fall off the wagon, I wanted to jump off it!’”

— Charles Pinck, President, OSS Society

“How many speakers can boast of presenting to past and present CIA Directors, Secretaries of Defense, and most of the senior intelligence and Special Operations community and top military brass, and doing it with a Martini and a great story? I only know one and his name is Philip Greene. Phil is one of the Founders of The Museum of the American Cocktail. He has authored three volumes of cocktail history, recipes, and stories. His sessions on cocktails and cocktail history are highly entertaining and authoritative; many were originally presented at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C.”

Dale DeGroff,  Bartender, Author and the Founding President of The Museum of the American Cocktail.

When people think of hospice care, one word often comes to mind – family. A family of caregivers surrounding a patient, a family of professional staff and a family of community members that support this important work. Phil Greene will forever be part of the Hospice of Michigan family after sharing his heartfelt gifts and talents with our donors and staff at two of our successful fundraising events in 2021, where he presented lively cocktail seminars on his books, To Have and Have Another: A Hemingway Cocktail Companion and A Drinkable Feast: A Cocktail Companion to 1920s Paris. It is no surprise that Philip Greene’s entertaining and knowledgeable presentations were an absolute success among our attendees who are already asking us for more. A perfect combination of celebrating life for all those part of the greater hospice family!

Marcie Hillary, Senior Vice President, Community Relations, Hospice of Michigan and Arbor Hospice.

“Phil Greene is not just an expert on cocktails, he's trained and inspired the experts through his seminars, books, and advocacy for great drinks. It's definitely true for me. I've been lucky to partner with him on everything from the 100th anniversary of the Daiquiri at the Army-Navy Club in Washington, D.C. to the Museum of the American Cocktail in New Orleans and, each time, I've carefully taken notes on whatever subject he's expounding. But he has a special fondness for the Sazerac and Hemingway, where I've gleaned the most knowledge. In fact, if you're learning about the Sazerac or Hemingway cocktails, the road was through Phil's body of work, whether explicitly or explicitly stated. Either way, whatever book you pick up from Phil—or seminar you attend—is going to be filled with information, humor, and an exhaustive reporting of the subject.”

Derek Brown, Founder, Columbia Room, Director of Brand Education for Spiritless.

 "Phil Greene has worked with the Hotel Monteleone many times over the years, doing fun and entertaining educational events concerning the history and folklore of the hotel and the City of New Orleans.  In 2019, he was the Master of Ceremonies and Toastmaster for the 70th anniversary event that we staged for our historic Carousel Lounge.  This event was one of the most successful, custom-tailored events we have ever undertaken. Phil was very much involved in all the planning for over seven months, and the results were outstanding.  Phil is an engaging and entertaining speaker and always delivers a fun and informative show.  We consider him a member of the Monteleone family." 

Kent Wasmuth, Director of Sales and Marketing, Hotel Monteleone, New Orleans, Louisiana.

“Philip Greene’s interactive presentations are a community favorite at Sandy Spring Museum. From sharing the history of the Manhattan Cocktail to telling the Tales and Cocktails from 1920s Paris, he always brings something new, fresh, and sure to tantalize your taste buds… not to mention add a new beverage to your dinner order. His sold out events at our venue are enlightening, engaging, and effervescent. We look forward to seeing what he shakes up next!”

Lauren Peirce, Marketing Director, Sandy Spring Museum, Sandy Spring, Maryland.

“The Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra’s “To Have and Have Another: A Hemingway Cocktail Companion” fundraiser was a huge success! Phil’s presentation was so unique and engaging and the featured cocktails were delicious! It was a simply wonderful event.”

Lindsey Reynolds, Executive Director, Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra, Cheyenne, Wyoming

“Philip Greene has presented cocktail seminars at the University Club of Washington, D.C. on two different occasions, and both events were very popular with our membership. He is an engaging and entertaining speaker and offers a fun and informative presentation packed with literary, historical, and pop culture references, not to mention some excellent drinks and their folklore. We look forward to having him again soon.” 

Christopher D’arcy, The University Club, Washington, D.C.

“Phil Greene really knows how to mix business with pleasure while mixing cocktail history, stories, and recipes. He knows how to play to his audience and customized his remarks for our group during our virtual event. Our physician audience now wants to engage him to do an in-person event. Phil never disappoints. He’s always professional and fun and brings a unique style to his presentations. We will definitely involve Phil at a future event.”

Susan D’Antoni, Chief Strategy & Advancement Officer, Medical Association of Southeast Louisiana.

“Phil has done two very entertaining cocktail seminars for the University Club of Chicago, and both were extremely entertaining (not to mention sold out).  His presentations bring a fun and informative mix of history, literature, pop culture and folklore, and he delivers it all with a great sense of humor and dry wit.  His events with our Club have been extremely professional, timely and fun.” 

Mary Crawford Holloway, Director of Special Events, University Club of Chicago.

“Philip Greene was engaged by our organization for two different virtual events. He is knowledgeable and brings a lot of insights, experience and fun to the topic of cocktails – their history and how to make them. He is a delight to work with and leaves our audience wanting more. His passion for cocktail history and mixology is obvious.”

Montgomery County (Maryland) Medical Society.

Book Phil for your next event.