The Big Drink Rethink Ep 78: Alcohol-Free Vibes: Summer Drinks, Culture & Connection with Chris Cardone
Is the British drinking culture changing and what does that mean for sober summer socialising? In this episode, host Anna Donaghey sits down with Chris Cardone: US World Class Bartender, award-winning mixologist, and ten years sober. Chris lifts the lid on a radical rethink in hospitality and what it means to create proper, delicious, inclusive drinks experiences whether or not alcohol is involved.
Listen to learn more about the world of mixology, making bars inclusive spaces for everyone and to get some summer non-alcoholic drinks inspiration!
Highlights:
00:00 Introduction
02:12 Chris’s journey from “Cocktail” VHS inspiration to dive bars and world-class competitions
05:56 Why Chris chose sobriety in the most alcoholic industry on earth
10:52 How drinking expectations in hospitality shaped (and challenged) his identity
13:30 Pushback, social media backlash, and why Chris almost left the bar world for good
15:57 You don’t need to drink to be a world-class mixologist
16:53 It’s not about taking sides, but creating inclusive experiences for all
20:09 How venues can support every guest, whatever they are drinking
28:10 How bar design, music and even lighting shape what we drink
36:04 Why connection should be the heart of social spaces
46:34 Chris’s favourite summer drinks and tips for experimenting at home
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About the host Anna:
Anna is a certified Alcohol Mindset Coach, trained by Annie Grace of This Naked Mind. Drawing on her own journey out of alcohol addiction, she now helps others explore and control their drinking. With a career spanning 25 years as a Strategist in the Advertising industry, she combines her own lived experiences, with great insight into what makes us tick and what influences us to behave the way we do.
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Website: thebeliefscoach.com
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Produced by winteraudio.co.uk
About Chris Cordone:
Chris Cardone is an award-winning mixologist, hospitality consultant, and creative force behind some of the beverage industry’s most innovative programs. He was named Bartender of the Year in 2017 after winning the Diageo World Class Bartending US Competition, the world's largest global mixology competition.
In 2024, Chris launched Continuous Beverage Solutions, partnering with bars, restaurants, and event spaces to improve profitability, elevate service, streamline operations, and innovate across cocktail and zero-proof programs alike.
Connect with Chris:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/continuousbev/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-cardone-77033214/
Mentioned in this episode:
To pre-order my book, What Are You Thirsty For on Amazon select here: https://amzn.eu/d/3v3T6Mq Or on Waterstones here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/what-are-you-thirsty-for/anna-donaghey/9781915780607