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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.

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Episodes

The White Negroni

The term “modern classic” doesn’t do the White Negroni justice — this drink is an icon, beloved worldwide, and the first stop on many a drinker’s journey down the craft cocktail rabbit hole. Joining us to chat about the drink we have not one but two guests: Ally Marone and Patty Dennison from New York’s Grand Army bar . Listen on to learn all you need to know about the White Negroni — and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe! Ally Marone and Patty Dennison’s White Negroni Recipe Ingredien...

Mar 30, 202353 minSeason 1Ep. 78

The Garibaldi

On the face of it, the Garibaldi is a simple two-ingredient cocktail composed of Campari and fresh orange juice. But as will all of the drinks we cover on Cocktail College, there’s so much more to it than that. This delicious highball represents the unity of Italy as one nation, and its citrus component offers much room for experimentation. Joining us for today’s episode is is Luca Missaglia, the co-founder of bartender training platform The Art of Shaking , and managing director partner of the ...

Mar 23, 20231 hrSeason 1Ep. 77

The Cuba Libre

Rum and Coke, Cuba Libre, Mentirita — there are many names to describe one of the world’s most famous highballs, which shows that this drink means different things to different people. For today's guest, Kelvin Uffre, the combination of rum, lime, and coke holds immense power — the ability to transport him back to his youth. Kelvin is an award-winning bartender and works as the New York rep for Tequila Fortaleza. Listen on to discover three of his Cuba Libre recipes — and don’t forget to like, r...

Mar 16, 20231 hr 12 minSeason 1Ep. 76

Techniques: Bar Theater and Technique-Driven Cocktails

On today's, admittedly ambiguously titled episode, we're exploring the philosophy of different styles of bartending. More specifically, we’re looking at interactive, high-end, and forward-thinking mixology, and the style of service that accompanies it. Jon Adler, the beverage director at New York's Shinjis, as well as the adjoined Michelin-starred omakase counter noda, is in the hot seat. Listen on to learn more — and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pr...

Mar 09, 202343 minSeason 1Ep. 75

The Americano

Not to be confused with a morning cup of joe, the Americano is a precursor to the Negroni, with club soda taking the place of soda to create a flavorsome, low-ABV apéritif. To teach us about this Italian icon, we’re joined by Los-Angeles-based Nicolas O’Connor, the director of mixology and culinary arts at Apotheke Mixology . Listen on to discover O’Connor’s Americano recipe — and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe! Nicolas O’Connor’s Americano Recipe Ingredients - 1 ½ ounces of Campari...

Mar 02, 202353 minSeason 1Ep. 74

The Bronx

It’s an all-NYC episode today, as we pay a visit to the Bronx with a Manhattan detour, and considerable input from Brooklyn. The Bronx is the cocktail, Manhattan comes into play via the Waldorf-Astoria hotel, and our wonderful guest is Brooklyn native Frank Caiafa. Frank worked as the Beverage Director of the celebrated Peacock Alley and La Chine restaurants at the Waldorf-Astoria, from 2005 until its closure for renovations in 2017. Caiafa now runs the beverage and hospitality consulting enterp...

Feb 23, 202351 minSeason 1Ep. 73

The Piña Verde

Modern classics, Carthusian monks, and Universal Studios? They’re all on the agenda today, as we’re joined by Erick Castro, host of the Bartender at Large podcast and proprietor of San Diego’s Raised by Wolves, to learn the story of his Chartreuse-laced Piña Verde. Listen on to discover the recipe for Castro’s creamy, tropical creation — and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe! Erick Castro’s Piña Verde Recipe Ingredients - ½ ounce fresh lime juice - 1 ½ ounces pineapple juice (50:50, Do...

Feb 16, 202359 minSeason 1Ep. 72

The Pimm's Cup

A quintessential British summer staple, the Pimm’s Cup has, over the years, developed notable ties with tennis tournaments, played a part in the history of the U.S. Bartenders Guild (USBG), and even gained some fans in New Orleans. To teach us about this beloved cocktail and its iconic, eponymous ingredient, we’re joined by San-Francisco-based Aaron Gregory Smith, the executive director of the USBG. Listen on to discover Smith’s Pimm’s Cup recipe — and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe...

Feb 09, 202352 minSeason 1Ep. 71

Three Dots and a Dash

We’re learning a new language — that of morse code — at Cocktail College today, all told through the lens of a classic, if slightly lesser-known tiki drink, the Three Dots and a Dash cocktail. Anton Kinloch, owner of New Paltz’s Fuschia Tiki Bar is taking class, enlightening us on the irrefutable delights of allspice dram, Velvet Falernum, and this drink’s merits as a cocktail template. Listen on (or read below) to learn Kinloch’s Three Dots and a Dash recipe — and don’t forget to like, review, ...

Feb 02, 202353 minSeason 1Ep. 70

The Amaretto Sour

Examining another branch of the sour cocktail family, we're joined today by friend of the show Jeffrey Morgenthaler of Portland’s Pacific Standard to talk about his self-proclaimed “Best Amaretto Sour In the World.” We will also look at the evolution of sour mix, the subtle art of beating egg whites, and the exciting resurgence of liqueurs in the cocktail space. Listen on to discover Morgenthaler’s Amaretto Sour recipe — and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe! Jeffrey Morgenthaler's Ama...

Jan 26, 20231 hr 2 minSeason 1Ep. 69

The Hot Toddy

Something sweet, something strong, and something hot — that’s all it takes to throw together a tasty Hot Toddy, according to Pip Hanson, beverage director of Minneapolis’ O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co. Of course, this being Cocktail College, we’ll explore each of those components in much greater detail, and learn about Toddies (hot and cold) as a historic category of drinks. Listen on to discover Hanson’s Hot Toddy recipe — and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe! Pip Hanson’s Hot Toddy Re...

Jan 19, 20231 hr 17 minSeason 1Ep. 68

The Blue Hawaii

For many, the Blue Hawaii may conjure images of kitschy Hawaiian shirts and Jimmy Buffet concerts, but rest assured this cocktail has a rich, complex history that reaches far beyond its novel, neon blue color and elaborate garnishes. Garret Richard, chief cocktail officer at New York’s Sunken Harbor Club and author of the upcoming book, “ Tropical Standard ,” takes the hot seat today to discuss the Blue Hawaii’s history and lead us in remembering its creator, the late Harry Yee. Listen on to dis...

Jan 12, 20231 hr 6 minSeason 1Ep. 67

The Sex on the Beach

More than just an evocative name, the Sex on the Beach is brimming with ‘80s and ‘90s nostalgia, and arrives topped with a fun (if questionable) backstory. Leading us on a vibrant trip down memory lane is Houston’s Alba Huerta, owner of the James Beard Award winning Julep. Listen on to discover Huerta’s Sex on the Beach recipe — and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe! Alba Huerta’s Sex on the Beach Recipe Ingredients - ¾ ounce Ketel One Botanical Peach & Orange Blossom - ¾ ounce vod...

Jan 05, 202357 minSeason 1Ep. 66

The Irish Coffee

While simple in composition, the Irish Coffee is a bonafide cocktail and deserves to be treated like one. Helping us do so today is Jillian Vose, former bar manager and beverage director of the Dead Rabbit, and co-owner of Charleston’s soon-to-open Hazel and Apple. Listen on to learn everything you need to know about the Irish Coffee from one of the world’s leading experts on the drink — and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe! The Dead Rabbit and Jillian Vose’s Irish Coffee Recipe Ingre...

Dec 29, 20221 hr 4 minSeason 1Ep. 65

The Sherry Cobbler

While the Sherry Cobbler taps into the modern trend of lower-ABV cocktails, it’s safe to say that its golden era remains a distant memory. This drink was, as startender Harry Johnson noted in 1888, “without doubt the most popular beverage in the country.” Still, there remains much to enjoy and explore here, including the Sherry Cobbler’s role in inspiring themed bars across the Atlantic and spreading the practice of drinking through a straw. Melissa Brooke, bar director at New York’s PS, joins u...

Dec 22, 20221 hr 7 minSeason 1Ep. 64

The Boulevardier

Calling all Prohibition-era, Parisian socialites: it’s time — we’re talking Boulevardiers today. And we’re doing so with the magnificent Amanda Gunderson, the LA-based CEO and co-founder of the nonprofit Another Round Another Rally . Listen on to discover everything you need to know about The Boulevardier and to learn Amanda’s recipe — and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe! Amanda Gunderson’s Boulevardier Recipe Ingredients - 1 bar spoon Green Chartreuse - ¾ ounce sweet vermouth, such ...

Dec 15, 20221 hrSeason 1Ep. 63

The Bloody Mary

The Bloody Mary is a boozy meal in a glass; a vehicle for a range of elaborate and occasionally wacky garnishes; and a hangover cure, if only by means of placebo. In today’s episode, we sit down with Eric “ET” Tecosky, an LA-based former bartender, founder, and owner of Dirty Sue Premium Olive Juice, and national brand ambassador of Jack Daniel’s. Listen on to discover everything you need to know about the Bloody Mary and learn ET’s recipe — and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe! ET’s ...

Dec 08, 20221 hr 23 minSeason 1Ep. 62

The Martini (re-run)

Are we in the midst of a bonafide Martini renaissance? What are the limits for garnishes, riffs, and ingredients? And when does a Martini cease to be a Martini? These are all questions we should keep top of mind as we revisit one of the earliest recordings of Cocktail College: The Martini, with John Clark-Ginnetti, owner of 116 Crown in New Haven. Tune in — or read below — to learn how to make John’s Martini, and don't forget to like, share, and subscribe! John Clark-Ginnetti's Martini Ingredien...

Dec 01, 202256 minSeason 1Ep. 61

The American Trilogy

On this Thanksgiving Thursday, we show appreciation for the American Trilogy, a distinctly American riff on the Old Fashioned. We’re joined by returning friend of the show Richie Boccato, the drink’s co-creator and owner of New York’s Dutch Kills bar and Hundredweight Ice company. Listen on to learn the story behind the American Trilogy and to learn Boccato’s recipe — and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe! Richie Boccato’s American Triology Recipe Ingredients - 1 ounce applejack, such ...

Nov 24, 20221 hr 7 minSeason 1Ep. 60

The Tipperary

Cocktail College takes a trip to Ireland this week as we’re joined by Jack McGarry, owner of the Dead Rabbit. He’s here to discuss a rare Irish whiskey classic cocktail, the Tipperary, and to dive into the history of the category in general. Tune in to learn more. Listen on to discover McGarry’s Tipperary recipe — and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe! Jack McGarry’s Tipperary Recipe Ingredients - 1 ½ ounces Irish whiskey - 1 ½ ounces sweet vermouth - ½ ounce green chartreuse - 2 dashe...

Nov 17, 20221 hr 19 minSeason 1Ep. 59

The Hurricane

Hold the neutral grain alcohol and powder mix, today we’re exploring how to properly make The Hurricane. Teaching us how to do so is New Orleans native and returning friend of the show, Neal Bodenheimer. Listen on to discover Bodenheimer’s Hurricane recipe — and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe! Kirk Estopinal’s Hurricane Recipe (as told by Neal Bodenheimer) Ingredients - 1 ½ ounces white rum, such as Don Q - ½ ounce aged rum, such as Appleton 12 - ¾ ounce fassinola (or homemade Hurri...

Nov 10, 20221 hr 19 minSeason 1Ep. 58

The Harvard

Don’t call it a Cognac Manhattan: On today’s episode, we explore The Harvard with the esteemed bartender and author Thad Vogler, who’s also the founder of San Francisco’s Bar Agricole, and a leading craft spirits authority. Listen on to discover Vogler’s Harvard recipe — and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe! Thad Vogler’s Harvard Recipe Ingredients - 1 ½ ounces Cognac, such as Cognac Dudognon - 1 ½ ounces Italian sweet vermouth, such as Bordiga Rosso - 1 barspoon Maraschino liqueur - ...

Nov 03, 20221 hr 10 minSeason 1Ep. 57

The Champs Élysées

We’re heading to the 8th Arrondissment for today’s cocktail, The Champs Élysées, and we’re exploring it with Wilmer Nolasco, head bartender at Leroy’s in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. More than just another use for that bottle of green Chartreuse, this is a bold yet refreshing four-ingredient shaken classic. Listen on to discover Nolasco’s Champs Élysées recipe — and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe! Wilmer Nolasco’s Champs Élysées Recipe Ingredients - 1 ½ ounces Cognac, such as Cognac Park V...

Oct 27, 20221 hr 1 minSeason 1Ep. 56

The Dark 'N' Stormy

We're taking a field trip today at Cocktail College, as we head to the beach to discuss the Dark 'N' Stormy with the pirate himself, Brian Miller. The key to perfecting this drink? Put aside that can of ginger beer (unless it's Old Jamaica) and pull out the juice extractor. Want to learn more? Listen on to discover Miller's Dark 'N' Stormy recipe — and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe! Brian Miller’s Rum & Ginger Highball (Inspired by the Classic Dark 'N' Stormy) Ingredients 2 oun...

Oct 20, 202255 minSeason 1Ep. 55

The Dirty Martini

There’s no denying that interest in the Martini has spiked in recent times — driven in large part by the mass appeal of vodka-laced Dirty Martinis. Gin purists may stick up their noses but a drink this popular is worthy of close examination. Under the microscope of today’s guest, Simon Sebbah, beverage director of New York’s Grand Tour Hospitality, this study leads us into the field of customizing brine, vermouth, and even olives. Listen on to discover Sebbah’s Dirty Martini recipe — and don’t f...

Oct 13, 202256 minSeason 1Ep. 54

El Presidente

In today’s episode, we explore El Presidente, a Cuban-born, stirred, rum-based classic. Teaching class is Orlando Franklin, the bar director at Brooklyn’s Night Moves who cut his teeth at Maison Premiere and Blind Barber. Listen on to discover Franklin’s El Presidente recipe — and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe! Orlando Franklin’s El Presidente Recipe Ingredients 1 ½ ounce Cuban rum, such as Havana Club 3 1 ounce Dolin Vermouth de Chambery Dry ½ ounce Cointreau ¼ ounce pomegranate m...

Oct 06, 202257 minSeason 1Ep. 53

The Mint Julep

If you’re reserving your mint sprigs and pewter cups solely for the first Saturday of May, you are missing a trick. The Mint Julep is a refreshing whiskey cocktail, worthy of attention throughout the year and deserving of a full Cocktail College exploration. We’re joined today by the Phoenix-based award-winning mixologist and author Kim Haasarud to do just that. Listen on to discover Haasarud’s Mint Julep recipe — and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe! Bonus: VinePair has partnered wit...

Sep 29, 202259 minSeason 1Ep. 52

El Diablo

Josue Gonzalez joins us for today's episode to discuss El Diablo, a classic tequila highball that sees the spirit mixed with lime, crème de cassis, and either ginger ale or ginger beer. Josue has more than a decade of experience in the industry, during which time he’s built up a clear passion for hospitality. These days, you’ll find him as a partner at Unfiltered Hospitality and occasionally working behind The Sylvester Bar, in Miami. Listen on (or read below) to discover Josue's El Diablo recip...

Sep 22, 20221 hr 10 minSeason 1Ep. 51

Episode 50 Special: Etiquette

He's back! It's our first ever guest, Eric Alperin, and he rejoins us today to mark a special occasion by discussing one of his favorite topics: etiquette. How exactly does that relate to cocktails and bartending? Listen on to learn more — and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 15, 20221 hr 11 minSeason 1Ep. 50

The Whiskey Highball

In this week's episode of Cocktail College, Tim explores the Whiskey Highball with Iain Griffiths from New York's Hidden Leaf, Midnight Cafe, and Midnight Theatre. In its simplest form, this drink can be something as basic as a splash of Scotch, some fizzy water, and a few cubes of ice. Or, if you’re taking it to extreme levels, the Whiskey Highball can present a study in such topics as temperature, pouring skills, carbonation, and nucleation points. Listen on to discover Iain’s Whiskey Highball...

Sep 08, 20221 hr 14 minSeason 1Ep. 49
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