Cocktail College - podcast cover

Cocktail College

VinePairshows.acast.com
Want to take your bartending skills to the next level? Join VinePair managing editor Tim McKirdy for a weekly deep-dive into classic cocktails with America’s best bartenders. Cocktail College looks beyond the recipe and explores every aspect of mixology from ingredients and ice to shaking techniques, garnishes, and glassware — elevating your Martinis, Mai Tais, and everything in between.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

The Corpse Reviver No. 2

Harrison Snow from New York’s Lullaby joins us today to explore the evocatively named, historic hangover remedy, the Corpse Reviver No. 2 . We discuss the perfect proportions for this classically equal parts concoction and learn the different takeaways from sampling this cocktail with over 100 different gins. Listen on to discover Snow’s Corpse Reviver No. 2 recipe — and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe! Harrison Snow’s Corpse Reviver No. 2 Recipe - ¾ ounce fresh lemon juice - ⅜ ounce...

Sep 01, 202256 minSeason 1Ep. 48

The Lemon Drop

We have Harrison Ginsberg from New York’s Crown Shy on the show today, leading us on a sweet exploration of the Lemon Drop. Over the course of the episode, we explore the wild world of shots, bars that opt for plants because they can’t afford furniture, and the nuances of vodka — they exist! Listen on to discover Ginsberg’s Lemon Drop recipe — and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe! Harrison Ginsberg’s Lemon Drop Recipe - 1 ounce fresh lemon juice - ¼ ounce simple syrup (2:1) - ¾ ounce ...

Aug 25, 20221 hrSeason 1Ep. 47

Techniques: Dilution

Joey Smith, bar director at New York’s Chez Zou, tells us everything we need to know about the precise science of dilution. Listen on the learn why it’s so important in cocktails and how to avoid over- and under-diluting drinks — and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 18, 202251 minSeason 1Ep. 46

The Last Word

Today’s deep-dive on a democratic, shaken classic sees us joined by Portland, Oregon-based bartender, beverage director, author, and editor Jim Meehan. He brings 25 years of experience and some of the most eloquent language we’ve enjoyed yet to this exploration of the Last Word. Listen on (or read below) to learn Meehan’s Last Word recipe — and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe! Jim Meehan’s Last Word Recipe - 3/4 ounce gin, such as Tanqueray or Perry’s Tot Navy Strength - 3/4 ounce Gr...

Aug 11, 202255 minSeason 1Ep. 45

The Negroni

It’s a big week for Cocktail College as we close in on the 50th episode milestone. Not only are we finally getting down to covering the Negroni, today we are joined by Portland, Oregon based Jeffrey Morgenthaler, formerly of Clyde Common and now of Pacific Standard. Listen on (or read below) to learn Morgenthaler’s Negroni recipe — and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe! Jeffrey Morgenthaler’s Negroni Recipe - 1 ounce Beefeater gin - 1 ounce Cinzano Rosso - 1 ounce Campari Garnish: Oran...

Aug 04, 20221 hrSeason 1Ep. 44

The Clover Club

Who could be more perfect to explore the visually stunning, fruity, and fresh Clover Club than Julie Reiner? A New York City bartending dynamo, Reiner just happens to own a bar with the same name of today’s drink and boasts decades of experience in the industry. Listen on or read below to discover her Clover Club recipe — and don’t forget to subscribe! Julie Reiner’s Clover Club Recipe Ingredients - 1 1/2 ounces gin, such as Plymouth, Bombay Dry, or Japanese - 1/2 ounce dry vermouth, such as Dol...

Jul 28, 202244 minSeason 1Ep. 43

The Bramble

Today we are joined by the inimitable Jared Brown, founder of Sipsmith gin, to discuss the Bramble, a modern classic created by his friend and contemporary Dick Bradsell. Listen on or read below to discover Brown’s Bramble recipe — and don’t forget to subscribe! Jared Brown’s Bramble Recipe Ingredients - 50 milliliters London dry gin - 25 milliliters lemon - 10 milliliters simple syrup - 20 milliliters crème de mûre Garnish: - blackberries - powder sugar Directions 1. Combine gin, lemon, and sim...

Jul 21, 20221 hr 8 minSeason 1Ep. 42

The 50/50 Martini

Industry legend Dale Degroff joins us today for a wide-ranging exploration of the 50/50 Martini. We discuss the evolution of this cocktail over the course of the last 150 years, and examine the evolution of the spirits category at large. Listen on or read below to discover Degroff’s 50/50 Martini recipe — and don’t forget to subscribe! Dale Degroff’s 50/50 Martini Recipe Ingredients - 1 ½ ounce Old Tom Gin or Old Duff Genever - 1 ounce Cocchi Vermouth di Torino - ½ ounce Dolin Dry vermouth - 1 d...

Jul 14, 20221 hr 1 minSeason 1Ep. 41

The Scofflaw

Exploring the history of the Scofflaw cocktail not only leads to a deep dive on ingredients such as grenadine, but also delves into the unexpected origins of the word. Sharing this wonderful tale with us today is Kansas City’s Jill Cockson, owner of Drastic Measures, Swordfish Tom’s, Chartreuse Saloon, and Anna’s Place (Omaha). Listen on or read below to discover Cockson’s Scofflaw recipe — and don’t forget to subscribe! Jill Cockson’s Scofflaw Recipe Ingredients - 2 ounces rye whiskey, such as ...

Jul 07, 202257 minSeason 1Ep. 40

Techniques: Highbrow Hacks for Lowbrow Drinks

In this techniques episode, friend of the show Jack Schramm returns with a host of hacks to bring simple cocktails up to high-class bartender standards. Listen on to learn everything you need to know about carbonation, acid adjusting, liquor temperature, and a cheeky little technique known as "the sink" — and don’t forget to subscribe! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 30, 20221 hr 12 minSeason 1Ep. 39

The White Lady

Today’s is an intriguing tale involving a daisy, a 1920s American socialite (reputedly), two Harrys, and one Hardy (for good measure). The cocktail is the White Lady, and leading us on our exploration is VinePair’s very own Emily Arseneau. Listen on or read below to discover Arseneau’s White Lady recipe — and don’t forget to subscribe! Emily Arseneau’s White Lady Recipe Ingredients - ½ bar spoon simple syrup - 1 ounce fresh lemon juice - 1 ounce Cointreau - 2 ounces London Dry Gin, such as Beefe...

Jun 23, 202255 minSeason 1Ep. 38

The Benton’s Old Fashioned

In this episode, we’re joined by Jeff Bell, owner of New York’s PDT, to discuss the allure of speakeasies, the genesis of “fat-washing” spirits, and the iconic modern classic that ties both topics together: The Benton’s Old Fashioned. Listen on (or read below) to discover Bell’s Benton’s Old Fashioned recipe — and don’t forget to subscribe! The Benton’s Old Fashioned Recipe Ingredients - 2 ounces bacon-infused Four Roses bourbon - ¼ ounce maple syrup, such as Deep Mountain Maple - 2 dashes Angos...

Jun 16, 20221 hr 3 minSeason 1Ep. 37

Ti' Punch

Today, we're revisiting that tried and true trinity of rum, lime, and sugar but the outcome may be far from familiar for some. Simple to make yet complex in profile, the drink is the Ti' Punch, and our teacher today is Christian Favier of Charleston's The Ordinary. Listen on (or read below) to discover Favier's Ti' Punch recipe — and don’t forget to subscribe! Christian Favier’s Ti' Punch Recipe Ingredients - 1 quarter-sized dollop of cane syrup - 1 lime coin - 2 ounces Rhum Agricole, such as Ne...

Jun 09, 202251 minSeason 1Ep. 36

The Cosmopolitan

In the midst of what some people (namely host Tim McKirdy) are describing as a “ Cosmopolissance ,” we sit down with the drink’s inventor Toby Cecchini to discuss how he developed the cocktail, its changing status over time, and — of course — how to perfect its preparation. Listen on (or read below) to discover Cecchini’s Cosmopolitan recipe — and don’t forget to subscribe! Toby Cecchini’s Cosmopolitan Recipe Ingredients - 1 ½ ounces Absolut Citron - ¾ ounce Cointreau - ¾ ounce fresh lime juice ...

Jun 02, 202256 minSeason 1Ep. 35

The Whiskey Sour

The base spirit is whiskey, the flavor profile is sour, and it’s called the Whiskey Sour. Of course, there’s so much more to learn about this cocktail than those two factors, and today we’re doing so under the guidance of the venerable H. Joseph Ehrmann. Listen on (or read below) to discover Ehrmann’s Whiskey Sour recipe — and don’t forget to subscribe! H. Joseph Ehrmann’s Whiskey Sour Recipe Ingredients - 1 ounce fresh lemon juice - ¾ ounce simple syrup (1:1) - 2 ounces 100 proof rye whiskey or...

May 26, 20221 hr 1 minSeason 1Ep. 34

The Rob Roy

In an exploration of the world’s most famous Scotch whisky cocktail — The Rob Roy — Adam Montgomerie, a Scottish native and bar manager at Hawksmoor New York, takes us on a whisky, sweet vermouth, and bitters deep dive. Listen on (or read below) to discover Montgomerie’s Rob Roy recipe — and don’t forget to subscribe! Adam Montgomerie’s Rob Roy Recipe Ingredients - 2 ounces single malt Scotch, such as Clynelish 14 Year Old - 1 ounce sweet vermouth, such as Martini Rosso - 2 dashes Angostura bitt...

May 19, 202251 minSeason 1Ep. 33

The Caipirinha

We’re exploring Brazil’s most iconic cocktail today — the Caipirinha — with Gui Jaroschy, the Miami-based co-founder of Unfiltered Hospitality. Jaroschy shares invaluable advice on perfecting this drink, and gives us a masterclass on the dying art of muddling. Listen on (or read below) to discover Jaroschy’s Caipirinha recipe — and don’t forget to subscribe! Gui Jaroschy’s Caipirinha Recipe Ingredients - 1 whole lime - 3 teaspoons granulated sugar - 2 ounces unaged cachaça, such as Novo Fogo Dir...

May 12, 20221 hr 4 minSeason 1Ep. 32

The Vieux Carré

One of multiple iconic New Orleans cocktails, the Vieux Carré pays particular homage to the city and its inhabitants via its ingredients. Familiarizing us, today, with this somewhat overlooked classic is Mimi Burnham, a New York based bartender, consultant, and drinks educator with decades of experience in the industry. Listen on (or read below) to discover Burnham’s Vieux Carré recipe — and don’t forget to subscribe! Mimi Burnham’s Vieux Carré Recipe Ingredients - ¾ ounce 100 proof rye whiskey ...

May 05, 20221 hr 7 minSeason 1Ep. 31

The Espresso Martini

In today's episode of Cocktail College, we tackle the decidedly trending Espresso Martini with Lauren Paylor. Have you ever questioned whether vodka is, indeed, the best base spirit for this drink, or whether to add espresso, cold brew, or coffee liqueur to the mix? Paylor has the answers. Listen on (or read below) to discover Paylor’s Espresso Martini recipe — and don’t forget to subscribe! Lauren Paylor’s Espresso Martini Recipe Ingredients - 2 ounces vodka, such as Ketel One - 1/2 ounce coffe...

Apr 28, 202239 minSeason 1Ep. 30

Techniques: Non-Alcoholic Cocktails

In the second installment of our "techniques" episodes, we sit down with Derek Brown, author of Mindful Mixology, to learn how to craft better non-alcoholic cocktails — a style of drinks that deserves our attention more than ever before. Listen on to learn about Brown's unique approach to NA drinks — and don't forget to subscribe! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 21, 202251 minSeason 1Ep. 29

The Vesper

We’re breaking all the Martini purists’ rules today, as we shake up some Vespers with Patrick Smith, the manager of bar openings for Union Square Hospitality Group. Listen on (or read below) to discover Smith’s Vesper recipe — and don’t forget to subscribe! Patrick Smith’s Vesper Recipe Ingredients - 2 ounces gin, such as Beefeater - 1 ounce vodka, such as Belvedere - 1/2 ounce of Tempus Fugit Kina L'Aéro d'Or Directions 1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. 2. Stir until cold a...

Apr 14, 202253 minSeason 1Ep. 28

The Bee's Knees

Stepping away from the bar (and the bee hives) for a quick chat today, Caledonia Spirits’ Sam Nelis checks into Cocktail College to dive into the Bee’s Knees. We’ll study history, apiology, and sweet, shaken, sours. Listen on (or read below) to discover Nelis’ Bee’s Knees recipe — and don’t forget to subscribe! Sam Nelis’ Bee’s Knees Recipe Ingredients - 2 ounces gin, such as Barr Hill - ¾ ounce honey syrup (2:1 honey to water by weight) - ¾ ounce fresh lemon juice Directions 1. Combine all ingr...

Apr 07, 202242 minSeason 1Ep. 27

The Grasshopper

Hopping into your feed today we have New York's Pamela Wiznitzer talking all about The Grasshopper — a cocktail she counts in her top-five drinks, and one she's made sure to always have a variation of on bar menus throughout her career. Listen on (or read below) to discover Wiznitzer's Grasshopper recipe — and don’t forget to subscribe! Pamela Wiznitzer’s Grasshopper Recipe Ingredients - ¼ ounce absinthe - ¾ ounce crème de menthe - 1 ounce crème de cacao - 1 ½ ounces heavy cream - 1 ounce gin, C...

Mar 31, 20221 hr 4 minSeason 1Ep. 26

The Jungle Bird

A curious concoction that brings Campari to the tiki sphere, the Jungle Bird has soared in popularity over the last decade. Richard Boccato, owner of New York’s Dutch Kills bar, explains how he first became acquainted with the drink, and shares his role in helping the cocktail find modern day fame. Listen on (or read below) to discover Boccato’s Jungle Bird recipe — and don’t forget to subscribe! Richard Boccato’s Jungle Bird Recipe Ingredients - ¾ ounce rich Demerara simple syrup (2:1 ratio) - ...

Mar 24, 20221 hr 23 minSeason 1Ep. 25

The Zombie

A boozy Tiki classic, the Zombie’s reputation has benefitted from ample helpings of marketing and mysticism. With a lengthy list of ingredients, it’s also a drink that can seem overwhelming when viewing the recipe at first glance. In today’s episode, spirits educator, author, and Tiki expert Shannon Mustipher breaks down those ingredients and teaches us how to master its preparation. Listen on (or read below) to discover Mustipher’s Zombie recipe — and don’t forget to subscribe! Shannon Mustiphe...

Mar 17, 20221 hr 2 minSeason 1Ep. 24

Techniques: Acid Adjusting

The importance of technique is one of the major foundations of Cocktail College. So, in today’s episode, we’re going to focus on one aspect of bartending that’s grown in prominence and gained a lot of attention in recent years: acid adjusting. We do so with a master of that technique — and friend of the show — Jack Schramm. Listen on to learn everything you need to know about altering the acidity of fresh citrus and how to deploy those ingredients in cocktails — and don’t forget to subscribe! Ho...

Mar 10, 202235 minSeason 1Ep. 23

The Pornstar Martini

The Pornstar Martini seems custom designed to grab our attention, with its gaudy name, striking appearance, and dessert-inspired ingredients. And this drink is deserving of our attention — especially with other cocktails from a similar era now seeing a revival. In today’s episode, Pornstar Martini expert Laura Newman breaks down the cocktail in fine detail and offers multiple solutions for some of its trickier-to-obtain ingredients. Listen on (or read below) to discover Newman’s Pornstar Martini...

Mar 03, 202254 minSeason 1Ep. 22

The Piña Colada

Rum blends, juicing pineapples, late 70’s pop music, and a special little something called “coco biz” — these are all on the menu in this week’s episode, which focuses on the Piña Colada. Leading our tropical escape is Ivy Mix, owner of Brooklyn’s Leyenda, author of Spirits of Latin America, and co-founder of the Speed Rack competition. Listen on (or read below) to discover Mix’s Piña Colada recipe — and don’t forget to subscribe! Ivy Mix’s Piña Colada Recipe Ingredients - 1 ounce Novo Fogo Cach...

Feb 24, 202238 minSeason 1Ep. 21

The Long Island Iced Tea

Traditional Long Island Iced Teas break all the rules that have since defined the craft cocktail movement. But that doesn’t mean that — when made to more exacting standards — we should discount its merits as a quality cocktail. In today’s episode, Porchlight beverage director Nicholas Bennett teaches us how to upgrade the LIIT. Listen on (or read below) to discover Bennett’s Long Island Iced Tea recipe — and don’t forget to subscribe! Nicholas Bennett’s Long Island Iced Tea Recipe Ingredients - ...

Feb 17, 202244 minSeason 1Ep. 20

The Paloma

Among the world’s most refreshing and flavorful two-ingredient highballs, the Paloma is a simple composition that combines just tequila and grapefruit soda. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be treated like a “proper” cocktail, nor that you can’t apply some of the most advanced mixology techniques to take the drink to the next level. In this week’s episode, Jack Schramm teaches us how to do just that. Listen on (or read below) to discover Schramms’s Paloma recipe — and don’t forget to subscribe! Ja...

Feb 10, 20221 hr 4 minSeason 1Ep. 19
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android