Bartender at Large

This week we are joined by Mark Sansom, director of content for 50 Best Bars, and he is here to discuss the launch of the North America's 50 Best, which will be unveiled this June. Tune in to hear the details this week.    Learn more: https://www.worlds50bestbars.com/northamerica/   _______________________________   Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro, interviews some of the...

In some regions of the world, securing a liquor license can be so cost prohibitive that it is impossible for an aspiring bartender to realize their dream of opening their own spot. Unfortunately, this has prevented so many amazing venues from ever seeing the light of day. Fortunately for the community, bartender and entrepreneur, Kate Gerwin, has discovered a new concept that has the potential to...

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to uproot yourself and move to the other side of the world to pursue your passion behind the bar? Well wonder no longer, because this week's guest did just that and is here to share her experience. Shannon Tebay has worked behind some of the best bars in the world and recently crossed the Atlantic to ply her trade in London.   Diageo Bar Academy: https:...

With so many bartenders making a sizable portion of their income in the form of cash, keeping track of it and spending it responsibly can be a bit trickier than other fields. This is compounded by the fact that many of our job opportunities don't offer full-time benefits or a  401k. Due to this precarious situation, which was only made worse by the pandemic, many of us are not in the healthiest lo...

In this episode of the show, we examine the inner layers of cocktail ideation and creation with Chris Amirault of the Maybourne Hotel Beverly Hills. During his time behind the bar, Amirault has been no stranger to receiving accolades in regards to his cocktails. This is not only due to the delicious flavor of his drinks, but also because of the creativity and concepting that goes into each recipe....

On this week's episode, we are joined by portfolio brand ambassador for Campari America, Anne-Louise Marquis. The reason she is joining us is because she is going to be sharing with us her deep expertise on Grand Marnier and the entire orange liqueur category.    Learn more about Bartender's Weekend: https://www.bartendersweekend.com   _______________________________   Join us every Monday as accl...

Several years ago, Los Angeles bartender, Manny Nieves began to develop intense headaches, impaired motor skills & other problematic symptoms. Once he was finally able to get to the doctor's office, he was later diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer at just 22 years of age. As a bartender just living on tips, he didn't know what his options were, so tune in to hear how he was able to overcome...

Even the most ardent cocktail lover is often shocked to find out just how much the world of cocktails and bars was influenced by the early soda fountains & soda jerks of yore. To help illustrate just how much of an intersect was at play early bartenders & their pharmaceutical counterparts, we are joined by Darcy O'Neil, author of Fix the Pumps, chemist and host of the Art of Drink YouTube channel....

This week we are joined by VinePair staff writer and host of the Cocktail College podcast, Tim McKirdy. On this episode we discuss his professional journey from chef to cocktail & spirits journalist. In addition, we discuss the catalyst and inspiration behind his podcast. Diageo Bar Academy: https://bit.ly/319a5AA   _______________________________   Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Eri...

This week we are going to dive deep into the history of liqueurs. To help guide us down this path, we are joined by Earlecia Richelle, the North American Brand Ambassador of St Germain. So listen in as she discusses the origins, production and enjoyment of this beautiful category.   Diageo Bar Academy: https://bit.ly/319a5AA   _______________________________   Join us every Monday as acclaimed bar...

When it comes to premium bitters that you can find behind the bar at the world's top venues, Scrappy's Bitters is always found right next to the Angostura and other mainstays of the industry. But where did this small company come from and how did it gain its place in cocktail recipes around the globe? To learn the fascinating story behind this brand, we are joined by the founder of the company, Mi...

With so many opportunities for the modern craft bartender it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Aside from working behind the bar, the pathway to success presents everything from venue ownership to consulting to events to content creation. So to help us better navigate these opportunities, we are joined by Evelyn Chick, a bartender who is succeeding at all of the above.   Learn more: https://www.eve...

This week we discuss the amaro category with Daniel Warrilow, the Italian Portfolio ambassador for Campari America. If you would like to learn more about this bittersweet category, than this episode is just for you. _______________________________ Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro, interviews some of the bar industry's top talents from around the world, including bartenders...

This week we are joined by the authors of "Pouring with Heart: The Essential Magic Behind the Bartenders We Love" by Cedd Moses and Erik Cardona. Moses is the man behind the scenes at a variety of iconic bars such as the Varnish and Seven Grand, while Cardona is an acclaimed bartender turned writer, so you can be assured that the two have a very unique perspective on the industry as a whole. So if...

Join us as we are joined by Lisa Laird, COO of Laird & Company, and listen in as she shares the history of apple brandy in America. Her family has been distilling apple brandy since the 1700s, which makes her a 9th generation maker of this beautiful spirit. This gives her a unique perspective, so be sure to tune in and her her story. _______________________________ Join us every Monday as acclaime...

Tune in this week for our first ever holiday special featuring special guests Paul McGee (Lost Lake, Root Cellar Spirits Bottled Cocktails,) and Chris Hannah (Jewel of the South, formerly of Arnaud's French 75 Bar.) Before we begin a conversation with our guests this week, first we share some listener mail, as well as cover some announcements that we have in the works for the New Year. We hope tha...

This week we are joined by Masahiro Urushido & Michael Anstendig, co-authors of the acclaimed book, The Japanese Art of the Cocktail. In this episode we discuss the impetus of the book & how it came about. In addition, Urushido discusses his creative process when creating drinks for his award-winning bar, Katana Kitten, many of which are featured in the book. _______________________________ Join u...

On this episode of the show we are joined by he National On Premise Manager for Diageo Non-Alcoholic, Laura Lashley, and we dive into your years of expertise creating cocktails. So listen in as discuss New Year's Eve cocktails, in their many incarnations ranging from full-proof to low proof to no proof. In addition, we also talk about how to sell off the extra product that is collecting dust in yo...

This week on the show, we are joined by legendary spirits writer, F. Paul Pacult, to discuss the two books that he just put out, "The New Kindred Spirits: Over 2,000 All-New Reviews of Whiskeys, Brandies, Liqueurs, Gins, Vodkas, Tequilas, Mezcal & Rums," and "Buffalo, Barrels, & Bourbon: The Story of How Buffalo Trace Distillery Became The World's Most Awarded Distillery." Pacult has been a spirit...

Here to discuss the beauty and nuance of Japanese cocktails is Julia Momosé, bartender and co-author of the recently released, The Way of the Cocktail: Japanese Traditions, Techniques and Recipes. As a native of Japan, her upbringing within the country and culture informed her perspective and approach to beverage and hospitality at her Chicago bar, Kumiko. So tune and listen as she shares her expe...

After working nightclubs as a DJ for 11 years and as a bartender before that, this week's guest decided to change gears and help industry folks find some more balance in their lives. As a veteran in the business, Amanda Malcom-Brown, has unique insight that has given her the ability to better understand the unique challenges that face those who are immersed in the nightlife scene. So tune in and p...

Have you ever wanted to formulate your own vermouth? What would you do if someone paid you to do just that? Where would you even start? Tune in to this week's episode to hear the story of what spirits experts, Stacey Swenson and Chris Patino, did when they were presented with the opportunity to create a new line of vermouth. Learn more about Diageo Bar Academy: https://bit.ly/319a5AA _____________...

This week we are joined by, David Wondrich & Noah Rothbaum, the authors of the The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails, which is released this week on November 4th. The book is important as it is the first major reference work to cover spirits and cocktails from a global perspective, and provides an authoritative overview that spans nearly 900 pages. Be sure to turn in and hear how about how...

Technology can often help us provide a better experience for both our staff and our guests, but at what point does it detract from the overall experience? To argue the case for keeping things old-school, we are joined by Jill Cockson —entrepreneur & owner of Drastic Measures, Swordfish Toms, and Chartreuse Saloon. Cockson believes that bar owners should more often rely on the tried and true method...

For this episode, we decided to open up about what is going on with what Amelia and I have been going through in regards to our marriage and her battle with addiction. On a lighter note, we also talk about getting hired at one of the industry's top bars. Thank you so much for taking the time to allow us to get personal & we hope our experience can help someone there that might need to hear what we...