Here’s a nickname to envy: The King of Cocktails.

Dale DeGroff has earned that unofficial title thanks to his mixology magic that dates back decades. Oh, and the New York Times called him “one of the world’s foremost cocktail experts” in 2015. He’s been credited with kicking off the modern craft-cocktail renaissance.

DeGroff, who graduated from Westerly High School and now lives in Pawcatuck, will be on hand Sunday at the United Theatre in Westerly, along with film director Douglas Tirola.

The evening will start with a screening of Tirola’s movie “Hey Bartender,” which premiered at SXSW and is a documentary about two bartenders chasing their dreams.

After the movie is shown, there will be a meet-and-greet with DeGroff and Tirola, followed by a book signing and cocktail tasting.

DeGroff’s book “The Craft of the Cocktail: Everything You Need to Know to Think Like a Master Mixologist” was published in 2002 and became a bible for many bartenders. His updated, 20th-anniversary version of that tome is available now.

Accompanying the event will be the opening of the exhibit “DREAM BAR: Bon Vivants, Barflies and the New Cocktailians” featuring paintings and caricatures by Jill DeGroff, Dale’s wife.

Also, the United will host a private event the next day for local beverage and restaurant industry staff to learn more from DeGroff.

Dale DeGroff and Douglas Tirola event, 7 p.m. Sunday, United Theatre, 5 Canal St., Westerly; tickets $10, $25; (401) 388-8208, unitedtheatre.org.