Bartender at Large

In this week's episode, Vinepair writer & host of Cocktail College, Tim Mckirdy shares his perspective on the state of the craft cocktail bar in 2025. This week, we dive deep into how innovative trends balanced with experience and price are reshaping the craft cocktail landscape. He highlights the delicate balance between classic cocktail traditions and modern experimentation. Throughout our conve...

Join us for an interview with Gilbert Marquez, the Global Brand Ambassador for Mezcal Ilegal. Marquez has been with the brand since its early days and played a key role in its rise to international acclaim. As a first-generation Mexican American, he is deeply committed to preserving Oaxaca's mezcal traditions, working closely with fourth-generation mezcaleros Armando and Alvaro Hernandez. Tune in...

This week, we are joined by Edward Slingerland, author of Drunk: How We Sipped, Danced, and Stumbled Our Way to Civilization. Edward unpacks the fascinating role alcohol has played in shaping human society, from fostering social bonds to sparking creative breakthroughs. We explore how intoxication has influenced culture, cooperation, and innovation throughout history. Edward also challenges modern...

In this episode, we chat with Chris Leavitt, the creative mind behind the social media sensation @NotJustABartender." Chris shares his mission to highlight the multifaceted lives and talents of bartenders beyond their work behind the bar. We discuss the inspiration behind his platform and how it's reshaping the way the industry and the public perceive hospitality professionals. Chris also dives in...

Join us, as we chat with Lars Williams, the innovative mind behind Empirical Spirits, to explore the art and science of distillation. Lars delves into the creative process behind their latest creation, a unique cilantro spirit that pushes the boundaries of flavor. We discuss how Empirical Spirits blends culinary techniques and fermentation to craft their distinctive spirits. Lars shares insights i...

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Rodricks, CEO of Royal Tiger Whiskey (and full-time physician,) and Craig Henriques, the owner and second-generation master distiller of Ocean King Distillers in Goa, India. Together, they share the story behind Royal Tiger Whiskey and the intricate process of creating a spirit that reflects the heritage and flavors of India. Michael discusses balancing hi...

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Cabrera, the former National LGBTQ+ Portfolio Ambassador for Bacardi. Chris shares his insights on advocating for trans rights and fostering inclusivity in the spirits industry. Tune in for a real conversation about representation, allyship, and the power of community. ____________________________________ Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Ca...

This week, we chat with Elizabeth West, the Craft Spirits Specialist for RNDC Arizona. Elizabeth shares her experiences as a portfolio mixologist for one of the nation's leading liquor distribution companies. From curating diverse spirit selections to collaborating with brands and bartenders, she provides an insider's view of the craft spirits industry. _____________________________________   Join...

In this episode, we welcome Lucas Ryden, bartender and founder of Cool Hand Co. So listen and learn as he shares his entrepreneurial journey and the inspiration behind crafting artisanal shrubs and syrups for the modern cocktail scene.  Perfect Puree Samples:  https://perfectpuree.com/foodservice/complimentary-samples/?utm_source=bartenderatlarge&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sampling2022 ______...

In this episode, we're joined by Kristine Bocchino and Kaitlin Wilkes-Back, the founders of The Ada Coleman Project. They share the inspiring story behind their digital platform, which champions gender equality and diversity within the beverage industry. Through educational content, insightful articles, and curated career opportunities, the project is creating a more inclusive and supportive envir...

In this episode, we sit down with Evan Rail, the author of The Absinthe Forger: A True Story of Deception, Betrayal, and the World's Most Dangerous Spirit . Evan takes us on a fascinating journey through the history of absinthe, revealing the secrets, scandals, and intrigue surrounding the iconic green spirit. From its rise to fame in 19th-century Europe to its eventual ban and resurgence, we dive...

In this episode, we chat with Mike Jordhoy and Ben Wilson, the co-founders of the renowned cocktail bar Honeymoon in Paris. They share their expertise on the art of draft cocktails, providing invaluable tips for executing high-quality drinks in a fast-paced bar environment. From perfecting the balance of flavors to managing production efficiency, they dive deep into the systems that make draft coc...

In this episode, we sit down with award-winning bartender Sam Ross, co-founder of Attaboy and creator of many iconic modern classic cocktails. Sam discusses his exciting new venture into the world of canned ocktails, developed in collaboration with Tip Top Cocktails. He shares the creative process behind designing these high-quality, ready-to-drink cocktails and what it takes to maintain the integ...

On this episode, Alba Huerta & I discuss our experiences w ADHD in the hospitality industry. This was originally one of our weekly bonus episodes that we release for our patreon supporters, but enough of you asked about it that we thought we would release it for everyone.    If you enjoy it enough, please consider supporting us on Patreon at the link below:    To gain access to weekly bonus episod...

In this episode, we welcome Dan Dove, co-founder of The Pinnacle Guide, and Ryan Chetiyawardana, a two-time UK Bartender of the Year and the 2015 International Bartender of the Year. The conversation highlights the prestigious new additions to the list of pinned bars, including the milestone achievement of the first-ever three Pin bar. We explore the significance of these accolades and what it tak...

This week, we are joined by Alba Huerta, the award-winning bartender and owner of the James Beard Award-winning bar, Julep. Alba shares her journey in the cocktail world and the inspiration behind creating Julep, a space renowned for its innovative cocktails and Texan hospitality. Check out Alba's book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/551307/julep-by-alba-huerta-and-marah-stets/ _________...

For this installment of the show, we are joined by the team from Sotol Hacienda de Chihuahua to explore the fascinating history and origins of sotol, a spirit unique to Mexico. They share the rich cultural significance of sotol and how it has been crafted for centuries in the northern regions of Mexico. From its traditional production methods to the plant used in its creation, we delve deep into t...

In this episode, we sit down with Mia Kumari, of Satan's Whiskers in London and Class Magazine's Bartender of the Year 2023. Mia opens up about her journey in the industry and tackles the pitfalls surrounding tokenism, her perspective on the importance of genuine representation and how the industry can evolve to become more inclusive and equitable for all.  ____________________________________ Joi...

In this episode, we sit down with Freddy Andreasson, the owner of the award-winning bar, El Gallo Altanero. Freddy shares his journey from bartender to business owner, shedding light on the unique elements that make El Gallo Altanero a standout in the global cocktail scene. He opens up about the inspiration behind the bar's concept and the creative process that drives its innovative approach to ho...

Join us as we chat with bartender and entrepreneur, Samson Miller, as he discusses how he went from bartender at Zombie Village & Pagan Idol SF to becoming the owner of Remora Tiki Bar SLC and creator of Samson's Swizzle from Kove RTDs. Additionally, he shares what it has been like co-founding B4 Change, an advocacy group of BIPOC bartenders aimed at creating a more inclusive, equitable industry....

Join us this week as we are joined by Daragh Flanagan (VP Drinks - North America at Bord Bia) and Dave Mulligan (owner Bar 1661, Bán Poitín, Little & Green,) and we dive deep into the flavors of Ireland beyond whiskey and stout.  ____________________________________ Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro, interviews some of the bar industry's top talents from around the world, i...

____________________________________ Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro, interviews some of the bar industry's top talents from around the world, including bartenders, distillers & authors. If you love cocktails & spirits then this award-winning podcast is just for you. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: Get early access to episodes, exclusive bonus episodes, special content and more: ...

____________________________________ Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro, interviews some of the bar industry's top talents from around the world, including bartenders, distillers & authors. If you love cocktails & spirits then this award-winning podcast is just for you. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: Get early access to episodes, exclusive bonus episodes, special content and more: ...

____________________________________ Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro, interviews some of the bar industry's top talents from around the world, including bartenders, distillers & authors. If you love cocktails & spirits then this award-winning podcast is just for you. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: Get early access to episodes, exclusive bonus episodes, special content and more: ...

Learn More: https://www.diageobaracademy.com/en-us/home This episode is brought to you in partnership with Diageo Bar Academy ____________________________________ Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro, interviews some of the bar industry's top talents from around the world, including bartenders, distillers & authors. If you love cocktails & spirits then this award-winning podca...