The Cocktail Academy

Damian is joined by Bart Miedeksza and Valentino Girotto , longtime collaborators, former bar owners, and co-authors of Bubbles: A Guide to Carbonated Cocktails . In this first half of the episode, they dive into the origins of their partnership, the evolution of Crossroads Bar into a consultancy, and the obsessive research process that led to their groundbreaking book. Expect tales of late-night...

In this episode of The Cocktail Academy Podcast , Damian sits down with one of modern bartending’s most influential voices Jeffrey Morgenthaler . Known for his no-nonsense approach to cocktails, pioneering work at Clyde Common, and the bestselling Bar Book , Jeff shares practical insights from 30 years behind the stick. Together, they dive into what’s changed in the bar world, what hasn’t, and why...

In this episode of The Cocktail Academy Podcast , Damian sits down with spirits educator and founder of Flavor Camp™, Reece Sims a true innovator when it comes to helping people taste differently. Reece shares her winding path from marketing to bartending, blogging, sales, and finally launching her own immersive spirits education platform. She dives into the origins of Flavor Camp , explaining how...

In this episode, Damian sits down with one of the sharpest pens (and palates) in the cocktail world — Kara Newman . Known for her work as a spirits reviewer for Wine Enthusiast and her no-nonsense, consumer-friendly cocktail books, Kara shares the unique journey that took her from writing about pork belly futures to profiling the future of drinks. Together, they unpack the importance of equal-part...

Marco Ortiz is the creator behind the wildly relatable @not_barspoontv — where bartender humor meets real talk about burnout, content creation, and bar culture. In this episode, Marco shares his unexpected path from med school hopeful to cocktail competition winner and full-time lead bartender, all while growing an online presence that connects with bartenders worldwide. We talk about what keeps b...

In this episode, Damian sits down with Keegan McGregor , 2024 World Class Global Bartender of the Year. Based in Halifax, Keegan shares the journey from touring musician to top-tier cocktail craftsman. They dive deep into how travel fuels his creativity, why he believes bartending is an expressive art form, and the surprising ingredients he's using to push Canadian cocktail culture forward. Expect...

In this episode of The Cocktail Academy Podcast , Damian Cole sits down with Leandro DiMonriva — better known as The Educated Barfly — to explore what it really takes to combine bartending, content creation, and cocktail education at the highest level. Leandro shares his journey from LA’s bar scene to YouTube success, how he uses technique to elevate even the simplest cocktails, and why authentici...

In this episode, Damian sits down with the inimitable Gerry White – a true Belfast legend whose name is etched into the city’s hospitality scene. From pulling pints in White’s Tavern to creating one of Ireland’s most iconic gins... Jawbox Gin, Gerry shares the stories, the characters, and the moments that shaped his journey. We talk bar culture, Belfast’s changing landscape, the soul of a great pu...

In this episode of The Cocktail Academy Podcast , host Damian Cole sits down with Erick Castro — bartender, bar owner, and creator of the acclaimed Bartender at Large podcast — for a wide-ranging conversation that spans decades of hospitality, creative evolution, and the fundamentals of great bartending. From scrubbing dishes as a teenager to launching industry-leading bars like Raised by Wolves a...

In this episode, Damian takes us on a nostalgic, neon-lit journey through the "Dark Ages of Cocktails" —a period spanning from the 1970s to the early 2000s when bright colors, sweet mixers, and questionable balance ruled the bar. You'll hear: 🍹 What made this era the "Dark Ages" — and why cocktail historians like David Wondrich and Dale DeGroff were not fans. 🍒 The rise (and fall) of drinks like...

This week on The Cocktail Academy Podcast , host Damian Cole takes us on a sun-soaked journey through the sparkling history and modern-day popularity of the Spritz — with a spotlight on the iconic Aperol Spritz . Fresh off a trip to Lanzarote, Damian reflects on how this low-ABV classic became a go-to drink for sunny afternoons and stylish sipping. 🧡 In this episode, we cover: The 19th-century Au...

In this episode of The Cocktail Academy, host Damian sits down with Laura Bonner, founder of The Muff Liquor Company, for a deep dive into how a Donegal girl with a bold dream turned her family roots (and potatoes!) into a premium international spirits brand. Laura shares the very real ups and downs of building a business—from an idea sparked by her grandfather’s poitin to launching a spirits rang...

This week on the Cocktail Academy Podcast, Damian is joined by none other than Jillian Vose — bartender, creator, and the brains behind Outwalker Irish Whiskey. From scooping ice cream in Cape Cod to shaking cocktails in New York’s most iconic bars, Jillian shares the journey that led her from high-volume service to high-level spirits innovation. They dive into her early hospitality days in Arizon...

This week, Damian sits down with Freddie Andreasson , founder of El Gallo Altanero , one of Mexico’s most talked-about agave-focused cocktail bars. From a small town in Sweden to the heart of Guadalajara, Freddie’s journey is anything but typical — and his passion for independent agave spirits is infectious. In this wide-ranging and honest conversation, we dive into: 🔹 Freddie’s early days in hos...

In this week's episode of The Cocktail Academy Podcast , we're diving into the world of cocktail garnishes — from essential citrus twists to outrageous tiki showstoppers! Whether you’re a home bartender or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with tips to elevate your drink presentation and flavor. What You'll Learn: 🍋 The Basics of Cocktail Garnishes: Why they matter and how they enhance flavo...

In this episode of The Cocktail Academy Podcast , we’re breaking down one of the most fundamental questions in mixology: When should you shake, and when should you stir? Whether you're making a classic Martini, a refreshing Daiquiri, or a velvety Manhattan , getting this technique right can make or break your cocktail. 🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ The science behind shaking and stirrin...

In this episode of The Cocktail Academy Podcast , we're taking a deep dive into one of the most essential yet often overlooked ingredients in cocktails – bitters . From the history of bitters to their role in cocktails today , we explore everything you need to know to master the art of balancing flavors in your drinks. What You'll Learn in This Episode: 🍸 The History of Bitters: How bitters start...

In this episode, we’re diving deep into one of the most iconic cocktails of all time – The Margarita . From its mysterious origins to its pop culture rise , we’re tracing the evolution of this tequila classic. We also break down the classic vs. modern variations , explore the spicy margarita phenomenon , and uncover the secret tips that take a margarita from good to unforgettable. Whether you're a...

This week on the Cocktail Academy Podcast , we’re diving into the beautiful fusion of coffee and cocktails —two of the world’s most beloved beverages. From bold espresso martinis to tiki-style coffee drinks , we explore how coffee has shaped the cocktail world and why this trend is here to stay. ☕ What’s in the mix? ✅ A deep dive into the history of coffee in cocktails – from the 1800s to today...

This week, Damian sits down with one of the most innovative minds in the cocktail industry, Ryan Chetiyawardana (aka Mr. Lyan ). Renowned for challenging conventions and pioneering some of the world’s most groundbreaking cocktail bars, Ryan takes us on a deep dive into his journey from chef to bartender, the philosophy behind his award-winning bars, and his approach to sustainability, flavor, and...

Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Cocktail Academy Podcast ! This week, Damian dives into a topic near and dear to his heart: cocktail books . From gateway guides to advanced manuals, Damian shares some of his favorite reads that have shaped his bartending journey and helped him perfect his craft. Whether you're a home enthusiast, aspiring bartender, or industry pro, this episode has...

In this episode, host Damian Cole sits down with Raf Agapito , founder of FUBA Cachaça and owner of Copa Lisboa, to explore the rich history, unique production methods, and versatility of Brazil's iconic spirit, cachaça. From childhood memories of making caipirinhas to running a world-class cocktail bar in Lisbon, Raf shares his journey and passion for this underappreciated spirit. What You’ll Lea...

Episode Highlights: Join host Damian Cole as he kicks off 2025 with predictions for the biggest cocktail and bar trends of the year. After a festive break and a well-earned third-place finish at the Irish Podcast Awards, the Cocktail Academy Podcast is back and ready to dive into what’s next for the cocktail world. From hyper-local menus to immersive bar experiences, this episode covers it all! Wh...

Get ready to sip your way through the holidays with this week’s episode of The Cocktail Academy Podcast ! Host Damian Cole dives deep into the art of festive cocktails and shares easy hacks to make your holiday hosting stress-free and delicious. Whether you're prepping for Christmas morning mimosas or a punch bowl for New Year’s Eve, this episode has you covered. Episode Highlights 🍸 Cocktail Hac...

🎧 Episode Overview In this week’s episode of the Cocktail Academy Podcast , we’re diving deep into one of the most iconic holiday drinks – eggnog. Love it or loathe it, this creamy concoction is steeped in history, bursting with indulgent flavors, and surprisingly easy to make. From its mysterious origins to a riotous military scandal, we explore the past, present, and endless possibilities of eg...