Bartender at Large

Author of Drink Lightly: Natasha David | ep 293

11 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It is hard to find someone more knowledgeable and with a more impressive resume than the award-winning bartender, Natasha David. Luckily for us, Davi...

Introducing North America's 50 Best Bars w Mark Sansom | ep 292

04 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are joined by Mark Sansom, director of content for 50 Best Bars, and he is here to discuss the launch of the North America's 50 Best, whi...

Disrupting the Bar World w Kate Gerwin | ep 291

28 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In some regions of the world, securing a liquor license can be so cost prohibitive that it is impossible for an aspiring bartender to realize their dr...

Leaving the US to Bartend in London w Shannon Tebay | ep 290

21 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to uproot yourself and move to the other side of the world to pursue your passion behind the bar? W...

Bartender Finance w Rocco Pendola | ep 289

14 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With so many bartenders making a sizable portion of their income in the form of cash, keeping track of it and spending it responsibly can be a b...

Cocktail Creation w Chris Amirault | ep 288

07 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the show, we examine the inner layers of cocktail ideation and creation with Chris Amirault of the Maybourne Hotel Beverly Hills. ...

The Rich History of Grand Marnier w Anne-Louise Marquis | ep 287

28 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode, we are joined by portfolio brand ambassador for Campari America, Anne-Louise Marquis. The reason she is joining us is because ...

Facing Adversity with Manny Nieves | ep 286

21 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Several years ago, Los Angeles bartender, Manny Nieves began to develop intense headaches, impaired motor skills & other problematic symptoms. Once he...

Fix the Pumps Author: Darcy O'Neil | ep 285

14 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Even the most ardent cocktail lover is often shocked to find out just how much the world of cocktails and bars was influenced by the early soda founta...

Going to Cocktail College w Tim McKirdy | ep 284

07 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are joined by VinePair staff writer and host of the Cocktail College podcast, Tim McKirdy. On this episode we discuss his professional jo...

Exploring Liqueurs w Earlecia Richelle | ep 283

31 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are going to dive deep into the history of liqueurs. To help guide us down this path, we are joined by Earlecia Richelle, the North Ameri...

The Man Behind Scrappy's Bitters: Miles Thomas | ep 282

24 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to premium bitters that you can find behind the bar at the world's top venues, Scrappy's Bitters is always found right next to the Ang...

Diversifying Your Creativity w Evelyn Chick | ep 281

17 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With so many opportunities for the modern craft bartender it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Aside from working behind the bar, the pathway to succe...

Amaro 101 w Daniel Warrilow | ep 280

10 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week we discuss the amaro category with Daniel Warrilow, the Italian Portfolio ambassador for Campari America. If you would like to learn more ab...

What it Means to Pour with Heart feat. Cedd Moses & Erik Cardona | ep 279

03 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are joined by the authors of "Pouring with Heart: The Essential Magic Behind the Bartenders We Love" by Cedd Moses and Erik Cardona. Mose...

The History of Applejack w Lisa Laird | ep. 278

27 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Join us as we are joined by Lisa Laird, COO of Laird & Company, and listen in as she shares the history of apple brandy in America. Her family has bee...

Bartender at Large Holiday Special

22 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Tune in this week for our first ever holiday special featuring special guests Paul McGee (Lost Lake, Root Cellar Spirits Bottled Cocktails,) and Chris...

Masahiro Urushido & Michael Anstendig, authors of The Japanese Art of the Cocktail | ep. 277

13 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are joined by Masahiro Urushido & Michael Anstendig, co-authors of the acclaimed book, The Japanese Art of the Cocktail. In this episode ...

New Year's Eve Cocktails w Laura Lashley | ep. 276

06 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the show we are joined by he National On Premise Manager for Diageo Non-Alcoholic, Laura Lashley, and we dive into your years of ex...

Talking Spirits w F. Paul Pacult | ep. 275

29 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the show, we are joined by legendary spirits writer, F. Paul Pacult, to discuss the two books that he just put out, "The New Kindred Spir...

The 3 Pillars of Japanese Bartending w Julia Momosé | ep. 274

22 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Here to discuss the beauty and nuance of Japanese cocktails is Julia Momosé, bartender and co-author of the recently released, The Way of the Cocktai...

Taking Care of Industry Peeps w Wellness Coach: Amanda Malcom-Brown | ep. 273

15 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

After working nightclubs as a DJ for 11 years and as a bartender before that, this week's guest decided to change gears and help industry folks find s...

Creating & Launching a Vermouth w Chris Patino & Stacey Swenson | ep. 272

08 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wanted to formulate your own vermouth? What would you do if someone paid you to do just that? Where would you even start? Tune in to thi...

Writing the Definitive Book on Cocktails w David Wondrich & Noah Rothbaum | ep. 271

01 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are joined by, David Wondrich & Noah Rothbaum, the authors of the The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails, which is released this w...

The Argument Against Technology in Our Bars w Jill Cockson | ep. 270

25 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Technology can often help us provide a better experience for both our staff and our guests, but at what point does it detract from the overall experie...

Q&A w Hungry Bartender ep 17: Scoring Your Dream Job & Getting Help for Alcohol Abuse

21 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

For this episode, we decided to open up about what is going on with what Amelia and I have been going through in regards to our marriage and her battl...

The Man Who Created Sailor Jerry & Hendrick's Gin: Steven Grasse | ep. 269

18 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are joined by spirits marketing guru Steven Grasse, Founder and CEO of Tamworth Distilling in New Hampshire. Grasse is the creator of som...

Visiting Bars in the Age of COVID w Holly Graham Episode | ep. 268

11 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Covering bars and travel for drinks media can be difficult in today's world, but it can still be done. PPE and constant COVID tests can begin to feel ...

Boozy Milkshakes w Kim Haasarud | ep. 267

04 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With many bars gearing up their fall & winter menus, we wanted to make sure that they don't forget about boozy milkshakes and the role they play on co...

Saving the Bees w Ryan Christiansen & Sam Nelis of Barr Hill Gin | ep. 266

27 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

For this week's episode we dive into the topic of pollinators and the role that they play in the food that we eat and the cocktails we drink. To help ...

How to Taste Spirits Like a Pro w Samara Davis | ep. 265

20 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Tasting and evaluating spirits can be an intimidating and daunting task. In fact, many bartenders and industry professionals who are well-versed at ma...

Bartending in Paradise w Simón Alberti | ep. 264

13 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

For this episode of the show, we are joined by Simón Alberti, bartender and entrepreneur. Although he is Venezuelan by birth, he really made his mark...

Trader Sam's at Disneyland w Kelly Merrell | ep. 263

06 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

For this week's episode of the show, we are joined by industry veteran, Kelly Merrell,  lead bartender of Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disn...

Extra Special Bonus Episode w Mary Palac

01 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This might be one of the realest bonus episodes that I have done yet. We just drop the niceties of society and talk about things that we really neede...

Repping Your City w Mary Palac | ep. 262

30 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Getting your name out there while representing for your bar can be much more difficult when you aren't in one of the cocktail hubs of the world. But j...

Pitfalls of Consulting w Christina Veira | ep. 261

23 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are joined by Christina Veira, GM & Managing Partner of Toronto's Bar Mordecai and instructor for WSET, to learn about what it is like to...

Training & Education w Angus Winchester | ep. 260

16 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are joined by Angus Winchester, a long-time industry veteran with over three decades of experience training and educating bartenders and ...

Cocktail Science w Adam Rogers | ep. 259

09 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

For this week's episode we dive deep into the scientific phenomena surrounding alcohol with Adam Rogers, science writer WIRED and also the author of T...

Bar Ownership & Consulting w Travis Tober | ep. 258

02 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our guest, Travis Tober, this week wears many hats within the industry. From owning & operating 3 bars to consulting for major brands to being the pe...

Zero Proof Cocktails w Elva Ramirez | ep. 257

26 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

For this episode of the show, we are joined by author and writer, Elva Ramirez to discuss her new book, Zero Proof Cocktails. Her book not only featu...

Jay Kahn: Co-founder of Asia's #1 Bar, Coa | ep. 256

19 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode of the show features Jay Kahn, the co-founder of Coa in Hong Kong — which was recently named Asia's Best Bar for 2021. Coa is a ...

Cocktail Philosophy w Derek Brown | ep. 255

12 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

For this episode of the show, we are joined by author and the owner of the acclaimed DC cocktail bar, the Columbia Room, Derek Brown. Being that Brown...

Better Management Systems w Jason Williams | ep. 254

05 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

For this episode of the show, we decided to explore the ever changing dynamics of management systems. Much of what makes a business successful — and...

Mastering the Slushy w Christy Colestock | ep. 253

28 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With the hottest months of the year upon us, we thought what better time is there to get schooled on the fundamentals of boozy slushies. Entering this...

Why Restaurants Are Too Cheap w Richie Nakano | ep. 252

21 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

From looking on social media and the food press it would seem that guests are eager for high-quality ingredients prepared by well paid workers in a he...

Special Mini Episode : Lauren Paylor on Large Format Cocktails

16 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

For this special episode of the show, we are joined by Lauren Paylor, who is here to tell us why large format serves can be such a boon to bars & rest...

Toxic Bosses w Hannah Selinger | ep. 251

14 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In can often be difficult to stick up for yourself & your coworkers when you find yourself in a toxic and abusive work environment. But what do you do...

Craft Cocktails at the Airport w Tiffanie Barriere | ep. 250

07 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Tiffanie Barriere has made an impact on the cocktail industry that is nearly unmatched in the industry, and much of that is due to her work on the bar...

Australian Bar Scene w Jenna Hemsworth| ep. 249

31 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode the podcast, we are joined by Australian Bartender Magazine's 2018 Bartender of the Year, Jenna Hemsworth to talk about what is...

Cocktail Catering w Andrew Goularte | ep. 248

24 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Starting your own mobile craft cocktail service is an idea that has crossed many a bartender's minds --particularly as more and more people wish to in...

Production & Sustainability w Antonio Rodriguez of Patrón Tequila | ep. 247

17 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

For this episode of the show, we are joined by Antonio Rodriguez, the director of production at Patrón Tequila. So tune in as we discuss many of the...

World Class US Champ Adam George Fournier | ep. 246

10 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Competing on a national stage can be nerve-racking as it is, but it gets even more complicated and intense when it has to be done virtually, as it was...

Draft Cocktails w Ben Scorah | ep. 245

03 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

For this episode of the show, we are joined by draft cocktail wizard, Ben Scorah, co-founder of Road Soda & Lima Limon Cocktails. Since there seem to ...

Conversation w Ryan Maybee | ep. 244

26 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

For this week's episode we are joined by Kansas City bartender and the co-founder of J. Rieger & Co. distillery, Ryan Maybee. Maybee is a pioneer for ...

Special Mini Episode w Cassandra Ericson of Diageo Bar Academy

21 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

For this special episode, we partner up with our friends at Diageo Bar Academy to learn more about the educational opportunities that they are offerin...

Non-Alcoholic Aperitivo w Claire Warner | ep. 243

19 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are joined by co-founder of Æcorn Aperitifs, Claire Warner (formerly of Belvedere Vodka, and Tales of the Cocktail: Best International B...

The Story of Licensed to Distill w Jabin Troth | ep. 242

12 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

For this week's episode we are joined by Jabin Troth, the founder of the social media juggernaut, Licensed to Distill. So tune in as he shares with us...

Entrepreneurship w Mover & Shaker Co. | ep. 241

05 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are joined by bartenders and entrepreneurs, Nick Hogan and Shannon Michelle, of Mover & Shaker Co. Their business creating premium barten...

Training Bartenders w Julian Cox | ep. 240

29 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It seems that whenever you want to hire, there are just never enough bartenders to choose from, as all of the best talent already seems to be working ...

From Server to Bartender to Brand Ambassador w Sullivan Doh | ep. 239

22 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode we retrace the career trajectory of Sullivan Doh, Global Brand Ambassador of D'Usse Cognac. During his career in the world of s...

Changing Careers w Brooke Arthur | ep. 238

15 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Changing jobs can be a stressful enough in the bar world, and those issues are only magnified in a COVID world. There are many layers to sort out for ...

Editor of CLASS Magazine: Hamish Smith | ep. 237

08 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Running a magazine that is geared towards the cocktail business is a feat all in itself, but what do you do when the bars you cover are all shut down...

Legal Matters in the Bar w Daniel Eun | ep. 236

01 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Many of us in the bar business only mingle with attorneys when we are having legal troubles or serving a lawyer at the bartop. Which means that much t...

Legendary Bartender: Salvatore Calabrese | ep. 235

22 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are joined by Salvatore Calabrese, one of the most iconic and acclaimed bartenders of the modern era. In addition to creating the Breakfa...

Unraveling the Secrets of Vermouth w Roberta Mariani | ep. 234

15 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It is hard to find another category in the bar world that is both as mysterious, yet as historically rich as vermouth. While bourbon and rum trainings...

Resurrecting Vintage Recipes w Marco Dionysos | ep. 233

08 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Flipping through old cocktail books for research and development can be very intimidating, especially when these books date back to the 1800s and earl...

Chat w Reid Mitenbuler: Author of Bourbon Empire | ep. 232

01 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are joined by Reid Mitenbuler, the author of Bourbon Empire: The Past and Future of America's Whiskey. So tune in as we trace back to bou...

A Conversation w the 1st Ever National LGBTQ+ Portfolio Ambassador | ep. 231

25 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

For this week's episode we are joined by Chris Cabrera, National LGBTQ+ Portfolio Ambassador for Bacardi. Cabrera is the first ever person to hold thi...

What Makes a Cocktail "Good?" w Alex Day | ep. 230

18 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

For this week's episode, we are joined by acclaimed bartender, James Beard Award winning author, and the chief operating officer of Gin and Luck (Dea...

Non-Alcoholic Cocktails w Julia Bainbridge | ep. 229

11 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are joined by James Beard Award-nominated writer, Julia Bainbridge, author of Good Drinks: Alcohol-free Recipes For When You're Not Dr...

Launching Your Own Canned Cocktails w Amanda Victoria | ep. 228

04 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

For this week's episode we sit down with CEO and co-founder of Siponey, Amanda Victoria, (formerly of St. Germain, Lillet and Belvedere Vodka) and ...

A Message from the Show

29 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This year has been a rough one for everyone, especially those of us in the hospitality industry. Which is why we wanted to be sure to take a moment t...

The Legacy & Future of Tiki w Samuel Jimenez | ep. 227

14 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the show, we take a look at the issues of exploitation and imperialism surrounding tiki culture and bars. We all love a well-mad...

W/ the Author of Spirited: Cocktails from Around the World | ep. 226

07 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

For this episode we are joined by Adrienne Stillman, the author of Spirited: Cocktails from Around the World. This book of hers, which was just releas...

Fighting Cancer w Chris Patino | ep. 225

30 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

So many of us in this industry live our lives as though we are indestructible. Working way too much, staying up until all hours and always on the mov...

Sexism in the World of Whiskey w Becky Paskin | ep. 224

23 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

While the industry as a whole has made some progress in regards to sexism, unfortunately there is still a long ways to go in regards to achieving true...

Focus on Health w Lauren Paylor & Alex Jump | ep. 223

16 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Working in the bar biz can be really taxing on you mind, body and spirit. In between the late nights of cocktails, shots and greasy food, it is easy t...

A Chat w the #1 Bar in the World: The Connaught Bar | ep. 222

09 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Every year the World's 50 Best Bars releases their list of the top cocktail venues in the industry. This year was no different as the list was just an...

Inside Diageo Bar Academy w Tristan Stephenson | ep. 221

02 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you are a bartender looking to expand your knowledge and skillset behind the bar, then you have no doubt already heard of Diageo Bar Academy. But ...

The Fever-Tree Origin Story | Ep. 220

26 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

While Fever-Tree Tonic is now found in stores around the world, there was once a time not so long ago when the idea of a premium mixer would have seem...

Mentorship w A-K Hada | Ep. 219

19 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It can be hard to make it in the bar business without someone in your corner rooting for you & showing you the ropes. Especially, when we are going th...

Bonus Episode w Lynn House: Preview

14 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

For this week's bonus episode, as Lynn House (National Spirits Specialist and Portfolio Mixologist for Heaven Hill Brands) and Erick talk about the di...

Brand Life & Recreating Lost Recipes w Lynn House | Ep. 218

12 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How does one go about recreating the lost recipe to a once ubiquitous cocktail ingredient? Dubonnet Rouge was once found on back bars around the world...

Launching a Bartender Magazine w Rebekkah Dooley | Ep. 217

05 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Putting out a print magazine as a massive publisher is already a difficult task, particularly during the COVID era. So how hard would it be for someon...

Drinking Across America w Brian Bartels | Ep. 216

28 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

There are very few countries that have as a variety of drinking traditions as the United States. While many like to think that the U.S. is a homogeneo...

With the Co-Founder of the LA Spirits Awards | Ep. 215

21 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It is a great feat to organize an international spirits competition. Especially when the inaugural event is taking place during a global pandemic. If ...

Talking Gin w Acclaimed Filmmaker Paul Feig | Ep. 214

14 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are joined by the award-winning Hollywood director, producer and writer, Paul Feig. He has worked on some cult classic films which includ...

Talking Whiskey w Dominic Venegas | Ep. 213

07 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Our guest this week is Dominic Venegas, a bartender turned brand ambassador, who has an encyclopedic knowledge of both spirits and cocktails. Over the...

Launching Your Own Vermouth w Joe Schofield | Ep. 212

31 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Giving this episode a title was a bit difficult, as Joe Schofield is so well-versed in so many areas of the cocktail world that it can be quite diffic...

Making Cocktails Around the World w Beautiful Booze | Ep. 211

24 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How do you go from working a regular 9 to 5 in an office to making cocktails around the world for your 90k Instagram followers? Tune in to hear the s...

Helping Your Bar Survive 2020 w T.H.I.R.S.T | Ep. 210

17 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As if this year wasn't tough enough for bars & restaurant, unscrupulous insurance companies are only making it harder for these venues to survive 202...

The Birth of Broken Shaker w Gabe Orta | Ep. 209

10 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

There are very few bars that have made an impact on the industry like the Broken Shaker. The bars can be found from coast to coast in four different c...

Cocktail Theory & Non-Alcoholic Amaro w John deBary | Ep. 208

03 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's conversation we chat about a wide variety of topics that covers everything from drug-laced punch bowls to launching your own zero-proo...

With the authors of Unvarnished: Eric Alperin & Deborah Stoll | Ep. 207

27 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

While many bar books hit the market every year, not many are as impactful as Eric Alperin & Deborah Stoll's Unvarnished: A Gimlet-eyed Look at Life Be...

Falling in Love with Rum w Ian Burrell | Ep. 206

20 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It is hard to find anyone else in the spirits business who has done more for the modern rum renaissance then Global Rum Ambassador, Ian Burrell. For o...

Maximizing To-Go Cocktails w Anu Apte & Chris Elford | Ep. 205

13 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Even though the bar industry still in state of uncertainty, a few bars are thriving in the realm of to-go cocktails. The award-winning bar, Navy Stren...

Inside the World's 50 Best Bars w Mark Sansom | Ep. 204

06 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Join us as take a look behind the scenes of what goes into producing the World's 50 Best Bars list, as well as their charity auction, 50 Best for Reco...

Staying Inspired When Running a Bar w Joseph Akhavan | Ep. 203

29 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Maintaining that creative spark can be difficult when you are the onsite manager or operating partner, as sometimes the daily grind of keeping the bar...

Launching Your Own Canned Cocktail Company w Aaron Polsky | Ep. 202

22 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Over the last few years the public has seen a massive influx of canned and bottled cocktails hit the shelves, but what goes into getting those to mar...

Tales of the Cocktail is Going Digital w Caroline Rosen | Ep. 201

15 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With the cocktail festival season being thrown into chaos due to covid-19, most events seem to be getting canceled out right. However, Tales of the Co...