Bartender at Large

For this week's episode, we are joined by bartender turned businessman, Randy Tarlow of Liquid Alchemist Syrups. So tune in and hear the story of how he turned a company that he started in his kitchen, into one that sells his products around the world.  _______________________________   Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro, interviews some of the bar industry's top talents fro...

In this episode of the show, we are joined by bar owner and entrepreneur, H. Joseph Ehrmann of Fresh Victor. He is a longtime veteran of the industry and has done a great job of diversifying his projects, while at the same time taking advantage of trends and staying dynamic. Tune in and listen in as he shares how he does it.    Diageo Bar Academy: https://bit.ly/319a5AA   _________________________...

In the rush to always feature the latest and greatest, many bars are eager to start with a clean slate with every menu update. But are they genuinely generating excitement or perhaps missing an opportunity? To further complicate things, the issue gets a bit murkier than when a cocktail that is a clear fan favorite is 86'd for good. Our guest this week is New York Time cocktail writer, Robert Simon...

This week we are joined by a bartender who has done it all. From overseeing bar programs to running marketing for a premier distillery to traveling the country as a spirits educator, Shel Buhler is a bartender who wore many hats before finding herself as the Director of Brand for Aparium Hotel Group. 20 years ago this sort of career trajectory would have been unheard of, but today's bartenders are...

This week we chat with legendary bartender & entrepreneur, Tony Abou-Ganim, and discuss his latest project, The TAG Global Spirits Awards, which just entered it's second year. In this episode, we learn about the pitfalls and opportunities in starting your own spirits competition, as well as learn why glassware matters when tasting spirits.    Cocktail Limelight: YouTube.com/bartenderatlarge   ____...

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to bartend at your favorite theme park? If so, how does one even get their foot in the door? Do you haver regulars or is it all tourists? Also, what kind of drinks do guests even order when they stop by? If you have ever considered any of these questions, then this week's episode is just for you, as we are joined by EPCOT bartender, Pete Hannah, and he...

It is hard to find someone more knowledgeable and with a more impressive resume than the award-winning bartender, Natasha David. Luckily for us, David wrote a brand new book called, Drink Lightly, which in addition to covering low-ABV cocktails also details her philosophy and approach to creating drinks. Drink Lightly: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/659386/drink-lightly-by-natasha-david/...

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...