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 transparen…

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 co…

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 Bo…

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 …

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 be…

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: …

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 c…

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 …

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 marginalize…

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…

This is a special episode featuring an interview with Shirley Wu from a brand-new podcast series, Portraits of an Artist. In this new series, Ryan Burgess explores the creative journeys of artists—diving deep into their process, inspirations, and the stories behind their work. In this conversation, Shirley shares her transition from software engine…

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 int…

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 brea…

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 …

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 tradition…

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…

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…

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 perce…

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…

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 an…

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. ____________________________________ Joi…

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 indu…

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…

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…

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 E…

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, t…