
Gene Zimmerman at The Courtesy in Orlando, Fla. [Photo: Michael Lathrop, TipsoPhoto.com]
Zimmerman travels the country promoting, and seeking out, great drinks. “In my travels as a ‘wine guy,’” he says, “I started seeing big and small markets around the country with a cocktail scene, and we were still behind. Our goal was to bring a dedicated cocktail bar to Orlando.”
His vision swiftly spread to area stand-alone bars (“I call it a bar, whatever that means”) and an ever-growing cadre of restaurants with craft programs. All hands at Courtesy muddle, mix, and infuse local ingredients with spirits both popular and obscure. “We started with a menu of the classics; now, we haven’t done a classic, in print, in I can’t remember how long.” The menu flips four times a year, and there are twice-monthly cocktail classes.
Zimmerman’s view of the horizon anticipates excitement about raicilla, the unsteamed tequila cousin with an umami aroma and unexpected overripe lemon brightness; and low ABV offerings built around madeira, vermouth, and wine-based cocktails.
“Our tagline,” Zimmerman says, “is ‘The pleasure is ours. The Courtesy is yours.’”

Breath of the Wild cocktail at The Courtesy in Orlando, Fla. [Photo: Michael Lathrop, TipsoPhoto.com]
1.5 oz. St George Terroir Gin
.5 oz. Montenegro
.75 oz. Sunflower Orgeat
.5 oz. lemon
2 dash Mace tincture
Bar spoon Smiling Goat Fig-Cardamom jam
Shake
Garnish: lemon peel and clipped mint