Bartender at Large

Join us for a live & on location recording from Tales of the Cocktail at New Orleans' Irish House, featuring Ireland's finest in drinks and hospitality. Tim Herlihy & Leah Doyle, of Lost Irish, share the revival of historic Irish spirits, while Dave Mulligan, owner of Bar 1661, dives into modern Irish cocktail culture. Kealan Finlay Mulligan, of Mad March Hare Poitín, explores poitín's rebellious...

Legendary hip-hop duo Run the Jewels—EL-P and Killer Mike—stop by to spill the tea (and the liquor) on their new line of canned cocktails, Juice Runners . They break down the flavors, the creative process behind the brand, and how it ties into their music and lifestyle. Of course, no RTJ interview is complete without some industry insights, and a few laughs along the way. Plus, they discuss balanc...

Join us as we sit down with Leo Robitschek, award-winning bartender, consultant, and Partner/VP of Food & Beverage at The Nomad Hotel. Former Managing Partner of Make It Nice—overseeing Eleven Madison Park and the iconic Nomad Bar—Leo shares insights from his storied career, including winning the 2014 James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar Program. He discusses the art of crafting unforgettable coc...

Join us for an inspiring chat with Jessamine McLellan, Director of the U.S. Campari Academy & Trade Advocacy, as she shares her journey from bartending to shaping spirits education. With over a decade in the industry, she's a driving force behind innovative training programs and mentorship that elevate bartenders nationwide. Discover how her expertise in spirits development has influenced groundbr...

Tune in as we chat with Colin Asare-Appiah, creator of "Letters to a Young Bartender," a mentorship program guiding the next generation of craft cocktail professionals. Colin shares invaluable advice on honing your skills, building confidence behind the bar, and navigating the industry with intention. From cocktail techniques to career growth, this conversation is packed with wisdom for the modern...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Ryan Maybee—bartender, entrepreneur, and founder of Kansas City's award-winning J. Rieger & Co. distillery. From crafting world-class spirits to reviving a historic brand, Ryan shares his journey, the challenges of distilling, and his passion for the industry. Discover the stories behind the bottles, the creative process, and how he helped put Kansas City...

Ever been to a bar with no back bar? We sat down with Kevin Beary (Beverage Director & Partner at 3 Dots & a Dash and Gus' Sip & Dip) to talk about his no-back-bar cocktail spot, Gus' Sip & Dip—where the focus is all on classics done right. Find out why less is more, how they're flipping the script on bar service, and why Kevin thinks simplicity is the secret to great drinks. _____________________...

This week on Bartender at Large, we sit down with Los Angeles-based illustrator and author Stacy Michelson, whose whimsical yet educational art brings the food and beverage world to life. With roots in the restaurant industry and a deep love for produce, Stacy blends research and creativity to tell the stories behind the ingredients we love. Buy Stacy's Book:  https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/tit...

This week we discuss entrepreunership with Amanda Colom, aka Bad Birdy—the tattooed bartender, CEO, and global cocktail creative shaking up Los Angeles! With a massive Instagram following, Amanda shares her vibrant work and life, proving she's a force in the industry. Dubbed by *Inked Magazine* as the 'Tattooed bartender taking over LA,' she's redefining hospitality with bold creativity. Amanda's...

Bartender at Large is excited to share our conversation with Ben Branson, founder of Seedlip, the world's first non-alcoholic distilled spirit. We discussed his journey from a simple idea to revolutionizing the drinks industry, the importance of sustainability, and what's next for Seedlip. Whether you're a founder, a cocktail enthusiast, or just curious about the non-alc category, this episode is...

This week on Bartender at Large, we're celebrating AAPI Cocktail Week with special guest Kevin Diedrich, the force behind Pacific Cocktail Haven and Kona's in San Francisco. We talk about the origins of AAPI Cocktail Week, building community through hospitality, and what it means to represent culture behind the bar. Tune in for insight, inspiration, and some seriously good cocktail talk.  https://...

Faith No More's Billy Gould dives into the story behind Yebiga, his Serbian plum brandy. He shares how his love for Balkan culture inspired the bold, authentic spirit. Gould explains the craft behind Yebiga, from traditional distillation to its unfiltered purity. He also laughs about its 'no-nonsense' strength and the best ways to enjoy it. Whether you're a brandy enthusiast or a Faith No More fan...

Join us this week as we are joined by Sam Willy, Regional Agave Master for PATRÓN Tequila, as he dives into the art of traditional tequila production. Sam explains the meticulous process—from harvesting ripe agave to slow fermentation—that sets premium tequila apart. He also highlights the growing demand for additive-free tequila and why transparency in production matters. Learn how PATRÓN Tequila...

Join us for an inspiring chat with Alan Ruesga-Pelayo, former North American Brand Ambassador for Tequila Cazadores, as he shares why he believes that tequila is more than just a drink—it's a celebration of Mexico's rich history and culture. He believes that a great drink becomes even better when paired with a meaningful narrative. Tune in for a conversation that will deepen your appreciation for...

Join us as Caroline Pardilla,  digital content editor for Imbibe magazine, shares the inspiration behind her book  Margarita Time: 60+ Tequila & Mezcal Cocktails, Served Up, Over & Blended ! From classic margaritas to inventive mezcal creations, Caroline & Erick break down the lore and love for the most popular cocktail of all-time . Get Caroline's Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/73...

Tune in as we chat with Charlotte Voisey, the new Executive Director of Tales of the Cocktail Foundation! A seasoned bartender, educator, and former Global Head of Ambassadors for William Grant & Sons, Charlotte brings a rare blend of hands-on experience and industry leadership to the role. She's been a driving force behind the Spirited Awards and TOTCF's education programs—and now she's stepping...

Join us as we sit down with Mark Schatzker, author of 'The Dorito Effect,' to explore the fascinating science behind flavor, food, and how modern science impacts our taste buds. Mark breaks down why today's produce often lacks the depth of flavor it once had and what that means for our cravings and health. We dive into the surprising connections between artificial flavors, nutrition, and why we're...

Ever wondered what makes Gin Mare so uniquely Mediterranean? In our interview with global brand ambassador Robyn Evans, we explore the gin's signature botanicals—like arbequina olives and rosemary—that capture the essence of coastal Spain. Plus, Robyn shares how the Spaniards savor their gin & tonics, turning each sip into a ritual. Perfect Purée:  https://perfectpuree.com/foodservice/complimentar...

Join us as we chat with Kavé Pourzanjani, co-owner & creative director of NYC's beloved tiki bar, Paradise Lost. From crafting immersive cocktails to preserving tiki culture, Kavé shares the secrets behind their tropical oasis in the vibrant East Village . Discover how Paradise Lost blends nostalgia with modern flair—and why it's a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts. _____________________________...

Join us as we sit down with Bobby Heugel, owner of Houston's iconic Anvil Bar & Refuge, to dive into the world of dive bars and their enduring significance in American drinking culture. Bobby, who recently acquired the legendary Catbird's dive bar in Houston, shares his passion for preserving these unpretentious spaces that serve as community hubs and cultural cornerstones. Tune in to hear his ins...

Tune in as we sit down with acclaimed Australian bartenders Rocky Hair and Jenna Hemsworth to discuss their groundbreaking initiative, the Sorry Not Sorry Collective . In this candid interview, they open up about tackling systemic issues in the hospitality industry, from wage disparities and toxic work cultures to the lack of support for marginalized voices. Hair and Hemsworth share how their proj...

Join us for an exclusive interview with Lalo González, the visionary third-generation tequila maker and co-founder of Lalo Tequila. Discover the rich heritage and passion behind each bottle as Lalo shares his family's secrets and dedication to quality. From the agave fields to the craft of distillation, get an inside look at what makes Lalo Tequila truly unique. Whether you're a lifelong tequila e...

In this episode, we sit down with Sammi Katz and Olivia McGiff, the author & illustrator of Spirited Women: Makers, Shakers, and Trailblazers in the World of Cocktails. Their book celebrates the groundbreaking women who have shaped the cocktail world, from bartenders and distillers to historians and writers. Sammi and Olivia also share insights into their research process and some of the incredibl...

Join us for a conversation with Danil Nevsky, entrepreneur, bartender, and founder of Indie Bartender. In this episode, he shares his insights on independent bartending, brand collaborations, and the future of the industry. From creative cocktail development to building a personal brand, Danil offers invaluable advice for bartenders looking to break free from the traditional mold. Don't miss this...

Kaitlyn Stewart, the beverage powerhouse behind Likable Cocktails and a former World Class Global Bartender of the Year, joins the podcast to talk about making demystifying cocktails and making them more approachable for folks at home. With years of experience in the industry, Kaitlyn has built a platform that celebrates creativity, education, and a love for great drinks. We also dive into her jou...