Bartender at Large

Tune in as we sit down with Brandon Grilc, American expat and tiki-while who moved to Kobe, Japan, to bring the enchanting world of tropical libations to life at The Kazan Room. Discover the secrets behind the bar's success, the inspiration behind its menu, and the opportunities involved with taking American bar culture to another country. Kazan Room:  https://www.instagram.com/thekazanroom/?hl=en...

Join us in an engaging conversation with John Gakuru, a dynamic and longstanding figure in the beverage industry. As an entrepreneuer and member of the Tales of the Cocktail Board of Directors, John brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the world of cocktails. With a proven track record, including his role as the owner and founder of Coruscent Co., and his time spent with Sweet & Chili an...

Join us for a revealing interview with Daniel Singer, founder and CEO of Filthy Food, provider of cocktail garnishes to bars around the world. In this chat, we discuss Filthy Food's inception and how it's revolutionized the category of garnish. Daniel shares his passion for premium ingredients and his mission to make quality garnish accessible to all. ____________________________________ Join us e...

In this week's episode we interview Aaron DeFeo, the creative mind behind the acclaimed cocktail den, Little Rituals, and we dive deep into the art of cocktail creation. From innovative flavor combinations to the meticulous attention to detail, discover the secrets to creating better drinks. Join us as Aaron DeFeo unveils the magic behind his bar's beverage selection. _____________________________...

Join us as we sit down with Hannah Sharman-Cox & Siobhan Payne, the creative minds behind The Pinnacle Guide and London Cocktail Week. Discover the duo's inspiring entrepreneurial voyage, from the inception of their forthcoming cocktail guide to the triumphs of orchestrating one of the world's most celebrated beverage festivals. Tune in as they share insightful anecdotes about innovating within th...

Tune in as we sit down with the multi-talented Laura Louise Green, bartender, consultant and psychotherapist, and listen as she dives into detail on how to better understand and address toxicity in the world of hospitality. She also provides tips and actionable advice on how to address toxicity head-on. Bonus Episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/bartender-at-w-87905529?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&...

Tune in this week as we are joined by Jay Gray, CEO & Co-Founder of Sago House, Low Tide, Ghostwriter, and Underdog Inn, and he discusses how he and his partners were able to build a budding cocktail empire in Singapore within the span of  just five years. The most impressive part of this is that they did it with limited funds, but instead just a lot of heart, humility and more than a little bit o...

Join us in this week's episode as we sit down with hospitality industry veteran Hillary Jaroschy, Advocacy Director for Rémy Cointreau USA. In our interview, she shares the details of her career journey and shares practical advice on how others can do the same. Hillary's insights offer a meaningful glimpse into the world of working with a brand and running a team. _________________________________...

Join us for this extra special mini-episode with award-winning bartender & educational advocate, Lauren Mote, as she tells us all about the Patron Perfectionists, a global cocktail competiton and educational initiative that sheds light on the wonderful world of agave. So tune in and learn more about it. Learn More: https://www.academiapatron.com/patronperfectionists This episode is brought to you...

Join us this week, as we sit down with the trailblazing Lynette Marrero, as we discuss her career in the industry which includes such projects as Speed Rack, Master Class, and Delola. Not many other bartenders have been able to tap into so many avenues of creativity, as she has, so her perspective offers a unique look into the realm of entrepreneurship within the bar world. So tune in, as she shar...

In this week's episode of the show, Florence Ray opens up about the often overlooked issue of workplace bullying. Drawing from her personal experiences and expertise as a renowned psychologist, she delves into the detrimental effects of such behavior on employees' mental health and productivity. In order to further help us address the issues, Ray offers practical strategies and tips for both emplo...

Tune in this week as we chat with Tyler Rothenberg, of Elit Vodka. In our conversation, Tyler shares his passion for tasting vodka, as well as his love for the frozen Martini. In addition, he gives us a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the philosophy and dedication that goes into creating a unique and exceptional vodka.  Learn more about the Elit Masters Cocktail Competition: https://www. lushlifepr...

Join us this week as we chat with with senior bar consultant, Charlie Ainsbury of Proof Creative, as he shares the secret ingredients behind winning cocktail competitions. Discover the artistry and precision that sets apart a winning performance, as Charlie shares his insider tips and techniques honed over years of industry experience. Get ready to shake up your competition game and gain invaluabl...

Join us this week, as we sit down with Mandy Naglich to discuss her new book, "How to Taste: A Guide to Discovering Flavor and Savoring Life." In her book, Mandy takes us on a mouthwatering journey where she shares her expertise on unlocking the hidden depths of flavor and finding joy with every sip. Get ready to indulge your senses and learn how to embrace life's delicious moments with Mandy's in...

Join us in this extra-special mini-episode as we delve into the world of sustainable cocktails with the Sustainable Cocktail Challenge. Bartenders from around the world showcase their creativity by crafting eco-friendly cocktails using Flor de Caña Rum. Beyond the competition, the Sustainable Cocktail Challenge serves as a catalyst for important discussions on sustainability, encouraging bartender...

Join us in this revealing episode as we sit down with the bartender turned owner-operator, Travis Tober, as he unveils the close to the chest secrets to successful bar openings, finances and strategic planning. To often in our industry, this sort of information can be hard to find, but in this episode you will gain actionable insights and perspectives from an industry veteran who has mastered the...

In this week's episode, we delve into the world of cutting edge culinary cocktails, as we interview Tako Chang, the brilliant manager of brand marketing behind the award-winning cocktail bar, Double Chicken. Join us as Chang shares with us the origins of the bar, as well as the philosophy behind the bar's unique concoctions that have garnered international acclaim. From innovative ingredient combi...

Join us as entrepreneur and innovator, Marc Ferrell, uncorks the origin story behind Ten to One Rum. In this conversation, the founder shares his journey detailing his Caribbean upbringing to crafting a unique spirit that captures the essence of the islands. Discover the inspiration, challenges, and triumphs that shaped the renowned brand, as Ferrell's life and experiences take listeners on a flav...

This week, we chat with Daniel Febres-Cordero and Sarah Ruiz, the creative minds behind the acclaimed Ecuadorian bar, Juliana. Tune in as they take us as they share the story behind their bar and its award-winning cocktail menu. In this spirited interview they share their creative process, inspirations, and the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into every drink off of their menu. The Menu:  https...

Tune in for an enlightening journey as shochu expert Chris Pellegrini, author of the The Shochu Handbook, uncovers the essence of Japan's beloved distilled spirit in this interview. Explore the rich heritage and diverse flavors of shochu, from traditional distillation methods to modern innovations. Join Chris as he shares his expertise, revealing the hidden stories behind each sip and leaving you...

In this week's episode, we are joined by spirits writer, Tyler Zielinski, who shares his secrets behind crafting a bar that radiates soul and personality. From choosing the perfect ambiance to hiring the right staff, Zielinski shares invaluable insights on creating a space that transcends mere beverage. Prepare to be inspired as Zielinski guides you through the art of transforming a bar into a cap...

Join us as we dive deep into the extraordinary world of flavor, enterpreneurship & mentorship with esteemed Beard House Fellow, Mimi Chen. In this captivating podcast interview, Mimi shares her culinary expertise and unravels the secrets behind her creativity, leaving listeners inspired to embrace their own culinary adventures. Tune in to discover the remarkable story behind Mimi's career evolutio...

Tune in this week for an interview with Barbara Sloan, the author of Tipped. In the conversation Sloan shares valuable tips and strategies for service industry professionals to gain control of their finances and achieve financial freedom. Sloan's book Tipped has been hailed as a must-read for anyone in the service industry, and the podcast offers a sneak peek into the valuable insights and advice...

In this episode, we sit down with Academy awarding-winning director Steven Soderbergh to discuss his passion for Singani, the Bolivian spirit that has captured his heart. Soderbergh shares his journey of discovering Singani and how it has become a staple in his personal and professional life, even inspiring the creation of his own brand of Singani called Singani 63. _______________________________...

Join us as we sit down with Mark Sansom, Content Editor of North America's 50 Best Bars, for an insider's look at the prestigious ranking. Sansom shares the selection process, trends in the industry, and highlights from this year's list. Watch the awards live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5j-MtDTfgs ____________________________________ Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro,...