On this episode of 3-Minute Bartender, we’re diving into the Clarified New York Sour, a cocktail that takes a beloved classic and gives it a polished, velvety upgrade. That’s right, it’s your old whiskey sour, if it went to finishing school, got a skincare routine, and started quoting David Sedaris at parties. We’ll walk through the milk clarificat…

Spring is here, and so is our latest roundup of seasonal standouts: Spring Wines Wonderooski '25! This episode is extra special, as it marks what could be the final in-studio appearance of our longtime wine expert — and dear friend — Claire Coppi, before she heads off to start a new chapter in Idaho. We toast Claire in style with an unforgettable l…

Dan’s guest is Rodolphe Lameyse, CEO of Vinexposium and the driving force behind Vinexpo America 2025—the premier wine and spirits trade event in North America. They dig into shifting Millennial and Gen Z drinking habits, and the uphill battle the adult beverage industry faces amid economic chaos fueled by the Trump administration. Plus, Dan rewind…

On this episode of What We’re Drinking, Dan kicks things off with another round of “It’s Driving Me to Drink,”unleashing a well-deserved rant about one of the most obnoxious TV commercials ever made (you’ve definitely seen it… and hated it). Then it’s Margarita Time with special guest Caroline Pardilla, the cocktail queen behind the brand-new book …

On this episode of 3-Minute Bartender, we tip our caps, and our glasses, to the Tipperary, a criminally underrated Irish cocktail that deserves a standing ovation (or at least a respectful slow clap). Born in 1916 from the mind of Hugo Ensslin—yes, the same mad genius who gave us the Aviation—the original recipe called for equal parts Irish whiskey…

Recorded live at the iconic Townhouse in Venice Beach in front of a sold-out crowd, this special episode of What We’re Drinking with Dan Dunn features actor, environmentalist, and bourbon evangelist Ian Somerhalder — best known for his roles in Vampire Diaries and Lost. Ian joins Dan on stage to talk all things Brother’s Bond Bourbon, the wildly po…

In this special episode of What We’re Drinking, Dan Dunn raises a glass to Women’s History Month with Dr. Nicola Nice, sociologist, spirits industry trailblazer, and author of The Cocktail Parlor. They discuss the overlooked role of women in cocktail culture, the evolution of home bartending, and the importance of representation in the drinks world…

Sláinte! In this festive St. Patrick’s Day episode, Dan raises a glass (or several) to the Emerald Isle’s finest export, Irish whiskey. Recorded at The Corner Door in Culver City, Dan is joined by legendary booze adventurer Zane Lamprey (former host of Three Sheets) and esteemed spirits writer Brad Japhe for an in-depth exploration of some of Irela…

In Dan’s time so far on this spinning hell rock, he’s uncovered two key coping mechanisms for dealing with life’s relentless, inexplicable bullshit: strong drink and Liam Neeson, ideally in tandem. There’s a comforting, almost medicinal predictability to a Liam Neeson movie, kind of like a well-loved bottle of whiskey. Give it a few hours, and you …

Welcome to 3-Minute Bartender, the podcast for people who love cocktails but have the attention span of a goldfish on Red Bull. Today, we’re diving into the Pornstar Martini, a drink so scandalously named, it’s practically clickbait in a coupe glass. This passion fruit-fueled beauty was created in the early 2000s by Douglas Ankrah, a London bartend…

This week, Dan takes a deep dive into the bizarre, the baffling, and the downright ridiculous world of alcohol branding. Ever perused a liquor store shelf and thought, “Who the hell greenlit that name?” Well, you’re not alone. Dan’s rounding up some of the most questionable monikers in booze history, including Fat Bastard Wine (perfect for your nex…

Recorded in front of a packed house at the legendary Townhouse in Venice Beach, this special live episode of What We’re Drinking features none other than Glenn Howerton—actor, writer, and the man responsible for making sociopathic narcissism look downright charming as Dennis Reynolds on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Glenn joins Dan and co-host…

This episode of 3-Minute Bartender celebrates one of the most fascinating—and criminally underrated—cocktails of the early 20th century: the Blood and Sand. Named after a 1922 silent film about bullfighting, this drink is proof that sometimes the weirdest combinations create the biggest magic. Scotch, sweet vermouth, cherry liqueur, and orange juic…

As he approaches the finish line on his latest book—a full-length novel, no less—Dan reflects on the rollercoaster ride of being a published author. The highs, the lows, and the myths people often get wrong—he lays it all bare. Plus, an in-depth dive into everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the Hot Toddy but didn’t know how to ask. And don’…

This episode dives into Cristalino, a fast-growing and unique tequila category celebrated for its combination of aged complexity and crystal-clear appearance. First introduced in Mexico in 2008 with Maestro Dobel Diamante, crafted by 11th-generation tequila maker and visionary Juan Domingo Beckmann, Cristalino has become a game-changer. It's growin…

Dan reflects on the profound heartbreak of the recent Los Angeles fires, which left a trail of devastation across the city he calls home. He also speaks from the heart about the recent passing of his beloved dog, Buna, whose absence has left a void in his life. Buna was more than a companion—she was a source of joy, comfort, and unwavering loyalty.…

We're kicking off 2025 in style with one of our most lively and enlightening episodes yet! The spotlight is on Japanese whisky, and Dan's got an all-star lineup of guests: world-renowned spirits guru Brad Japhe, Emmy-winning writer and comedian Tom Caltabiano, and Emmy-winning actor Dulé Hill—yes, the guy from The West Wing and Psych (and plenty of…

It’s the end of the year. The magical season where every critic, pundit, and unemployed know-it-all crawls out of their hole to slap you in the face with lists. Oh, the lists. “Best of this.” “Most compelling that.” Like you’ve been wandering through 2024 in some kind of cultural fog, just praying for some random chump to come along and tell you wh…

Eggnog: the boozy holiday sweater you drink. A festive concoction born from the unholy union of eggs, cream, sugar, and whatever bottle of booze your uncle reaches for first. Traditionally spiked with rum, brandy, or bourbon (or all three if you’re aiming for a sleigh ride straight to DrunkyTown), this yuletide classic feels like a dessert, a drink…

The Paper Plane is a drink so perfectly balanced, it could moonlight as a tightrope walker. Born in 2008 at the hands of NYC bar legend Sam Ross, this beauty is an equal-parts wonder: bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice, shaken into a frothy symphony of citrusy, bittersweet perfection. It’s light enough for summer, complex enough f…

Oxnard, California—a charming, sun-drenched coastal town better known for its strawberries and surf than for spirits. But that’s changing, thanks to the arrival of one of the whisky world’s most celebrated figures. Enter John Campbell, a man who spent over 25 years crafting single malt masterpieces at the iconic Laphroaig Distillery on Islay, Scotl…

We do our best to steer clear of politics on this show—unless, of course, the folks in Washington start tampering with our beloved booze. And it looks like that might be the case once Donald Trump returns to the Oval Office. During his first term, Trump slapped tariffs on imports that hammered the booze industry hard—unfortunately, not in the fun w…

Newly minted Emmy winner Eric Andre and Dan hosted an epic bash at Melrose Umbrella Co., Los Angeles’ favorite spot for well-made drinks and debauchery. The guest list? A little insane. We’re talking WWD’s wandering spirit expert Brad Japhe, Melrose proprietor Zach Patterson, and a who’s-who of LA’s cocktail gods. Plus, let’s not forget the real st…

Dan kicks things off with a wild recounting of his first brush with the future—zipping around town in a driverless Waymo. Imagine the excitement (and a touch of terror) as he sits back, trusting the wheel to a car with no driver. Spoiler alert: it’s a smooth, freakishly calm ride… until it takes him down a one-way street in the wrong direction. Jus…

Dan is joined by WWD’s resident Wine Goddess herself, Clair Coppi, for a seasonal plummet into the vino vat—the kind of wine lineup that gets you through those sweater-weather nights. This year, we’ve curated a selection that’ll pair just as well with a cozy night in as it will with your attempts to out-chef the family. Here’s the rundown on the ro…

Dan kicks off the episode by launching into a spirited debate—naturally—with himself, over who’d win in an imaginary bar brawl between Vodka and Gin. You know, the kind of existential dilemma we all wrestle with. After that, he sits down with one of the beverage industry’s heavy hitters, Amanda Victoria, co-founder of Siponey Spritz Co. The two div…

Alright, bar buffs and cocktail connoisseurs, Dan is back with the ultimate bucket list – or should I say, "booze bucket" list? He’s distilled his years of bar-crawling expertise into a list of the ten essential experiences that every self-respecting bar aficionado should knock out before last call on life. This isn’t your average listicle – we’re …

You ever hear about the time Dan nearly became a Las Vegas cautionary tale? It’s a wild ride involving a championship prize fight, a topless pool (because, Vegas), an over-served spirits industry exec who thought he was part of the Rat Pack, and—oh yeah—the cops. Also, on this week’s "Drinks of the Week," we're diving headfirst into the green fairy…

The Clover Club cocktail is one of those drinks that makes you feel like you've been invited to a secret society meeting, where everyone’s wearing velvet smoking jackets and discussing the finer points of monocle craftsmanship. Born in pre-Prohibition Philadelphia, this elegant mix of gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and egg white was the toast o…

Dan is joined by bartending legend Dale DeGroff and renowned artisan distiller Ted Breaux for some lively conversation about their latest creations: DeGroff Bitter Aperitivo and New World Amaro. These delightful concoctions mark their second collaboration with Oregon’s Clear Creek Distillery. DeGroff, whom Dan credits as the man who helped kickstar…

Yo, ho, ho! In the time it takes to sing an ol' sea shanty — and who doesn't love an ol' sea shanty? — Dan walks us down the plank and dives into the Dark 'n Stormy, an invigorating coalescence of Gosling's Black Seal Rum and ginger beer that hails from Bermuda and derives its name from one of the worst opening lines in literary history. A kissing …

Dan is joined by Barrell Craft Spirits founder Joe Beatrice and the company's Director of Distillery Operations & Chief Whiskey Scientist, Tripp Stimson. Barrell Craft Spirits isn’t just making whiskey—they’re bottling liquid adventure. Founded in 2013 by Beatrice, the Louisville-based company has mastered the art of blending, curating small-batch,…

Country music superstar Dierks Bentley stops by to share the story behind his latest venture, ROW 94—a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey crafted with care at the historic Green River Distilling Co. in Owensboro, KY. Dierks dives into what drew him to the spirits business and the unique influences that shaped the flavor of his new whiskey. Of course…

Tailgating is where culinary alchemy meets liquid artistry—a pre-game spectacle that’s less about the final score and more about the sizzling symphony of the grill, the cold embrace of a well-poured drink, and the joyous blur of camaraderie. It’s that sacred space where friendships are grilled to perfection over spicy wings, cold beverages, and the…

At the start of each chapter in Dan's book, Living Loaded, you'll discover cocktail recipes crafted to perfectly complement the theme of the chapter. These tantalizing drinks were exclusively created for the book by fifteen of the world’s top mixologists, all of whom Dan proudly counts as friends. In this episode, Dan spotlights a few of these mast…

In a few shakes of a lamb's tail, Dan tips his hat to the Boulevardier, that urbane cousin of the Negroni. Swapping out gin's juniper jab for whiskey’s warm embrace, this cocktail mingles sweet vermouth and bitter Campari, achieving a rich, ruddy hue. Conceived in the roguish Parisian circles of the 1920s, where expatriates like Erskine Gwynne hera…

History tells us that anything that becomes popular is immediately beaten to death with a shovel. This has certainly been the case with Pumpkin Spice Lattes, or PSLs for those who find syllables too burdensome. In this episode, our intrepid host declares it’s time to admit we’ve reached the pinnacle of pumpkin spice mania. The higher we’ve climbed,…

One of our all-time favorite humans graces the podcast once again! The multi-talented Aisha Tyler—actor, director, writer, and spirits entrepreneur—joins Dan along with guest co-hosts Claire Coppi and Austin Melrose for a whirlwind chat at the cozy Melrose Umbrella Co. in Los Angeles. We dive deep into Aisha's star-studded career from "Criminal Min…

It's been said that it's always wine o'clock in the summertime, and that's certainly the case on this episode, featuring a bunch of great wine and a pair of vino experts in Claire Coppi and Austin Melrose... oh, and Dan too! The wines sampled include Rodney Strong Alexander Valley Sauvignon Blanc, FitVine Aluminum Chillable Red Blend, Diatom Santa …

Dan imparts hard-earned wisdom gleaned from years spent perched upon barstools the world over. For instance, did you know that if you multiply the number of whiskies drank in a session by ten, subtract from your body weight, divide by four, add one for every decade you’ve been alive, you get the precise number of hours you’ll be hungover the next d…

Dan pays tribute his brother Brian on the 14th anniversary of his passing, Our Sponsors: * Check out Diet Smoke and use my code WWDPOD20 for a great deal: https://www.dietsmoke.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyBy Dan Dunn

Harvey Wallbanger does indeed sound more like a lawyer you'd call after a fender bender than a cocktail you'd order at a swanky soirée. Whipped up in the psychedelic whirlwind of the '60s, this groovy concoction blends the slick, cool vibe of vodka with the bright, cheery optimism of orange juice, topped off with a mysterious float of Galliano. Don…

Raise your glasses high, folks—it's our 5th Anniversary Bash! To celebrate, we're uncorking a lineup of liquid legends with two hilariously high-spirited guests. Dan's chilling with Phil Rosenthal, the globe-trotting gourmand from 'Somebody Feed Phil,' and Emmy-winner Tom Caltabiano, a man who knows his way around a joke as well as a jigger. Join u…

In the time it takes to walk an old dog, Dan reveals all about the Amaro Shakerato. It's like your wild Italian cousin who studied mixology instead of law. It's a frothy fiesta of bittersweet flavors that demands a shake more vigorous than a salsa dance off. This cocktail's a dark, mysterious concoction that's both bitter and sweet, kind of like mo…

Recorded at the legendary The Belmont bar in West Hollywood, Dan goes all in on some Tequila Fortaleza while hanging out with the creative and star-studded trio behind the new film "Last Night on Earth" — writer-director Marcos Efron and stars Dee Wallace and Shane West. Our Sponsors: * Check out Diet Smoke and use my code WWDPOD20 for a great deal…

Dan kicks off a rollicking episode by inviting bar-industry heavyweights Jimmy Yeager and Sean Kenyon to dive into the world of Woody Creek Distillers, a Colorado gem that's all about that farm-to-bottle magic. Their top-notch spirits have turned heads with their quality and eco-friendly swagger, serving up a true Rocky Mountain high. Get ready for…

Dan is joined by Mike Love, the eternal Beach Boy; the high priest of Good Vibrations, holding court over summer anthems and gorgeous sunsets. With a voice that can summon the spirit of the sixties and a cap that has never known defeat, Mike has serenaded generations with tales of surf, sand, and teenage dreams. With Club Kokomo Spirits, Mike and h…

In Iceland's icy grip, Reyka Vodka stands out like a Norse god at a cocktail party, distilled amidst volcanic fervor and the soft murmurs of elfin lore. This boutique spirit, clearer than a polar gale, is lovingly wrought from glacial waters, offering a taste so disarmingly smooth, it might just mediate a Viking truce. Joining Dan is Reyka's stalwa…

Sipping on a budget means your cocktail might occasionally taste like paint thinner—but hey, it's all part of the adventure! Imbibing low-budget cocktails is an art form perfected by thrifty tipplers and college students worldwide. Picture this: a dimly lit kitchen, a motley crew of friends gathered around, each clutching a plastic cup filled with …

On this episode, Dan waxes nostalgic about Zima, which was for one brief shining moment in the 1990s, a sparkling sensation on the adult beverage scene. For those of you too young to remember, or who may have repressed the memory due to trauma, Zima was a clear, lightly carbonated alcoholic beverage that the Coors Brewing Company burped out in 1993…