The Cocktail Academy

This week on the Cocktail Academy Podcast, we’re diving into the beautiful fusion of coffee and cocktails—two of the world’s most beloved beverages. From bold espresso martinis to tiki-style coffee drinks, we explore how coffee has shaped the cocktail world and why this trend is here to stay.☕ What’s in the mix?✅ A deep dive into the history of coffee in cocktails – from the 1800s to today✅ The Irish Coffee effect and why this drink became a global icon✅ How Dick Bradsell changed the game with the Espresso Martini✅ The rise of craft coffee culture and its crossover into mixology✅ Some of the best coffee-based spirits and liqueurs (spoiler: Mr. Black is worth every penny)✅ Must-try coffee cocktails beyond the Espresso Martini – from the Spanish Carajillo to the bold RevolverCoffee lovers, cocktail geeks, and caffeine-fueled mixologists—this one's for you! Whether you're a barista, a bartender, or just someone who enjoys a great coffee cocktail at home, this episode has plenty of inspiration.💬 Got a go-to coffee cocktail? We want to hear about it! Share your recipes and favorites over on @WeLoveCocktails on Instagram or Cocktail Academy on Facebook.🎧 Listen now & give us a rating if you love what you hear!#CocktailAcademy #CoffeeCocktails #EspressoMartini #IrishCoffee #MrBlack #CoffeeLovers #Mixology #CocktailTrends Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Damian sits down with one of the most innovative minds in the cocktail industry, Ryan Chetiyawardana (aka Mr. Lyan). Renowned for challenging conventions and pioneering some of the world’s most groundbreaking cocktail bars, Ryan takes us on a deep dive into his journey from chef to bartender, the philosophy behind his award-winning bars, and his approach to sustainability, flavor, and creativity.From ripping up the rulebook with White Lyan (the first cocktail bar to remove ice, citrus, and perishables) to his new Irish whiskey project, Fierfield, Ryan shares his insights on how bartenders can break boundaries and make drinks that truly connect with people.What We Cover in This Episode🍸 Ryan’s Journey – How he transitioned from the kitchen to the bar and what drew him to cocktails.🔥 White Lyan & Challenging Cocktail Traditions – The radical concept behind White Lyan and why it became a game-changer.🌍 Sustainability in Bars – Why sustainability is more than just cutting food waste and how bars can make a real impact.🏆 Winning ‘World’s Best Bar’ (Three Times!) – What it takes to lead an award-winning bar and how the industry has evolved.🥃 Firefield – A New Take on Irish Whiskey – How Ryan is rethinking whiskey by blending tradition with innovative infusions.📖 Masterclass & Making Cocktails More Accessible – His experience teaching cocktail creation and making mixology easy for everyone.🍵 Underrated & Overrated Cocktail Ingredients – Why tea is a must-have and why fresh strawberries might be overrated.🚀 Advice for Bartenders & Hospitality Pros – Finding your unique path in the industry and embracing your passions.Key Takeaways✔️ The best cocktail bars challenge conventions while staying rooted in hospitality.✔️ Sustainability is about more than just food waste—it’s about industry-wide change.✔️ Cocktails should be fun, engaging, and made for everyone, not just the elite.✔️ The best bartenders understand flavors, storytelling, and human connection.Guest Links & Recommendations🔗 Follow Ryan Chetiyawardana – @MrLyan🔗 Explore Ryan’s Bars & Projects – Mr. Lyan Website📖 Ryan’s Books – Good Things to Drink & Good Things to Mix📺 Masterclass – Watch Ryan’s cocktail course alongside Lynette Marrero🥃 Firefield Whiskey – Ryan’s latest Irish whiskey project with JJ Corry📚 Book Recommendations: The Bartender’s Manual (Jim Meehan), Flavorama (Dr. Arielle Johnson)#CocktailAcademy #RyanChetiyawardana #MrLyan #CocktailPodcast #Mixology #BartenderLife #SustainableCocktails #WhiskeyInnovation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Cocktail Academy Podcast! This week, Damian dives into a topic near and dear to his heart: cocktail books. From gateway guides to advanced manuals, Damian shares some of his favorite reads that have shaped his bartending journey and helped him perfect his craft. Whether you're a home enthusiast, aspiring bartender, or industry pro, this episode has a book recommendation for everyone.What to Expect🔖 Why Cocktail Books Matter – Damian’s personal journey with cocktail literature and how it shaped his career.📚 Essential Reads for Every Level – Recommendations for beginners, seasoned pros, and cocktail history buffs alike.🛠️ Techniques & Tips – Highlighting books that focus on technique, flavor balancing, and even ice mastery.💡 For the Cocktail Nerds – Discover the science behind cocktails and how to push boundaries with innovative ideas.🎉 Personal Favorites – Damian’s all-time favorite cocktail book and the stories behind why it resonates.Featured BooksThe Craft of the Cocktail by Dale DeGroff – Damian’s gateway cocktail book. Perfect for enthusiasts and professionals alike.The Bar Book by Jeffrey Morgenthaler – A must-have for mastering technique and efficiency.Imbibe! by David Wondrich – The definitive history of cocktails through the lens of Jerry Thomas.The Bartender’s Manifesto by Toby Maloney – Elevate your creativity and design cocktails with intention.Liquid Intelligence by Dave Arnold – A deep dive into the science and innovation behind great cocktails.The Ice Book by Camper English – Everything you need to know about crafting and mastering ice.Episode Highlights🌟 The first cocktail book Damian ever bought and why it’s still a go-to today.🌟 Books that blend storytelling with technique for beginners and seasoned bartenders.🌟 Why ice is the soul of a drink and the book that demystifies it.🌟 How books like Liquid Intelligence and The Bartender’s Manifesto push the boundaries of modern mixology.🌟 Damian’s call to action: share your favorite cocktail books with him!Connect with Us📸 Instagram: @WeLoveCocktails🎥 TikTok: @WeLoveCocktailsx📩 Email: sayhello@thecocktailacademy.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, host Damian Cole sits down with Raf Agapito, founder of FUBA Cachaça and owner of Copa Lisboa, to explore the rich history, unique production methods, and versatility of Brazil's iconic spirit, cachaça. From childhood memories of making caipirinhas to running a world-class cocktail bar in Lisbon, Raf shares his journey and passion for this underappreciated spirit.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🇧🇷 What is Cachaça?: Learn how this sugarcane-based spirit differs from rum and why it’s the most diverse spirit in the world.🍹 Making the Perfect Caipirinha: Raf’s step-by-step guide to Brazil’s national cocktail, with tips for home bartenders.🌱 The Art of Sustainability: Why cachaça’s terroir and regional diversity make it truly unique.🌟 The Journey of FUBA: From a family idea to an award-winning cachaça brand.🌍 Cachaça Culture Worldwide: How Raf is expanding the global appreciation of cachaça through education and innovation.Key Takeaways:Cachaça’s Unique Identity: Made from fresh sugarcane juice, not molasses, cachaça offers a distinct, fruity, and earthy flavor profile.Diversity in Every Sip: With over 40 types of Brazilian wood for aging and countless regional styles, no two cachaças are the same.Perfecting the Caipirinha: Stick to simplicity—lime, sugar, and cachaça, but don’t be afraid to experiment with fruits or bitters.FUBA’s Global Mission: Raf’s dedication to bringing premium cachaça to the world and showing its versatility beyond caipirinhas.Cachaça as a Lifestyle: With only 2% of Brazil’s cachaça exported, the untapped potential for global markets is immense.Cocktail Tips from Raf:Lime Matters: Use fresh, juicy limes and lightly muddle to release essential oils.Sugar Options: Try caster sugar, syrups, or even honey for different profiles.Experimentation is Key: Add passion fruit, bitters, or other fruits to elevate your caipirinhas.Don’t Pulverize: Muddle gently to avoid bitterness from the lime peel.Use Quality Cachaça: A great caipirinha starts with a quality base spirit like FUBA.Connect with Raf & Copa Lisboa:👉 Instagram: @rafuba👉 Copa Lisboa: @CopaLisboaConnect with Damian:Instagram, TikTok, Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Highlights:Join host Damian Cole as he kicks off 2025 with predictions for the biggest cocktail and bar trends of the year. After a festive break and a well-earned third-place finish at the Irish Podcast Awards, the Cocktail Academy Podcast is back and ready to dive into what’s next for the cocktail world. From hyper-local menus to immersive bar experiences, this episode covers it all!What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🍸 Hyper-local cocktail menus: How sustainability and local ingredients are shaping the future of bar menus.🥂 The rise of moderation: Why low- and no-alcohol drinks are here to stay.☕ Coffee and chocolate cocktails: Why these indulgent flavors are making waves.🌵 The agave boom: Tequila, mezcal, and beyond—exploring the expanding world of agave spirits.🎮 Immersive bar experiences: From gamified bars to silent reading clubs, discover how venues are leveling up.Key Takeaways:Sustainability matters: Hyper-local ingredients and seasonal menus are transforming the industry.The future is low-ABV: Non-alcoholic spirits like Seedlip and creative mocktails are gaining ground.Flavor trends: Coffee, chocolate, and umami flavors are set to dominate the cocktail scene.Agave diversity: Move over tequila—mezcal, sotol, and raicilla are ready for their spotlight.Immersive experiences rule: Bars are creating unique environments to engage and delight customers.Damian’s Tips for Home Bartenders:Visit local farmers' markets for unique, sustainable ingredients.Experiment with zero-proof spirits and teas to craft creative non-alcoholic drinks.Don’t overlook coffee and chocolate for your next cocktail experiment.Try Damian’s favorite chocolate Negroni recipe: it’s a game-changer!Connect with Damian:👉 Instagram: @WeLoveCocktails👉 TikTok: @WeLoveCocktailsX👉 Facebook: The Cocktail Academy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get ready to sip your way through the holidays with this week’s episode of The Cocktail Academy Podcast! Host Damian Cole dives deep into the art of festive cocktails and shares easy hacks to make your holiday hosting stress-free and delicious. Whether you're prepping for Christmas morning mimosas or a punch bowl for New Year’s Eve, this episode has you covered.Episode Highlights🍸 Cocktail Hacks for Effortless HostingSet up a DIY G&T station to wow your guests and save time.Pre-slice, dehydrate, and freeze garnishes for extra festive flair.Master the art of batching to streamline your cocktail game.🍹 Recipes You’ll Love:Christmas Cosmopolitan: Brandy, cranberry, and seasonal spices take center stage.Toffee & Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned: A cozy, indulgent take on a classic.Festive Punch: Learn the "1-2-3-4" formula for the perfect holiday crowd-pleaser.The Snowball: Avocat + lime + lemonade = nostalgic holiday vibes.🎁 Creative Garnish Tips:Frozen cranberries, rosemary sprigs, candy canes, and festive glassware elevate your drinks instantly.Key Takeaways✅ Prepping ahead is the key to stress-free holiday hosting.✅ Festive syrups (think cinnamon and clove) add a Christmas twist to any cocktail.✅ Punches are your ultimate crowd-pleaser, customizable and easy to batch.✅ Let your creativity shine with garnishes and themed stations to wow your guests.Stay Connected📲 Follow Damian on Instagram & TikTok for cocktail videos, tips, and holiday inspiration:Cheers to a festive and stress-free holiday season! 🥂 Don’t forget to tag us in your creations! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎧 Episode Overview In this week’s episode of the Cocktail Academy Podcast, we’re diving deep into one of the most iconic holiday drinks – eggnog. Love it or loathe it, this creamy concoction is steeped in history, bursting with indulgent flavors, and surprisingly easy to make. From its mysterious origins to a riotous military scandal, we explore the past, present, and endless possibilities of eggnog. Plus, Damian shares a bulletproof recipe and top tips to ensure your eggnog steals the show this festive season.Key Topics We CoverThe Origins of EggnogHow it evolved from medieval possets to a colonial American staple.Theories behind the name "eggnog," including noggins (wooden cups) and grog (diluted rum).Its transformation from a luxury drink of the upper class to a festive global tradition.The Eggnog Riot of 1826A West Point Military Academy Christmas party gone wild with smuggled Irish whiskey.A chaotic two-day event that ended with court-martials and infamy.Foolproof Eggnog RecipeA creamy, boozy blend featuring eggs, cream, milk, sherry, rum, and Irish whiskey.Easy variations for different spirits, plant-based options, and even aged eggnog.Top Tips for Perfect EggnogWhy whole nutmeg and high-quality ingredients matter.The magic of aging eggnog for richer, smoother flavors.How eggnog can double as a unique holiday gift.Damian’s Eggnog RecipeMake 1.5 liters of festive joy with these simple steps:10 eggs – beaten until smooth.300ml rich vanilla sugar syrup – for sweetness and depth.250ml milk & 60ml cream – for creamy indulgence.250ml each of sweet sherry, dark rum, and Irish whiskey – for a boozy kick.½ grated nutmeg – for the perfect aromatic finish.Mix, bottle, and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. Garnish with fresh nutmeg or cinnamon stick, and enjoy!Eggnog Variations to TryCoquito: Puerto Rican eggnog with coconut milk and condensed milk.Tom and Jerry: A warm, spiced batter-based variation perfect for cold nights.Dairy-Free Alternatives: Almond milk or oat milk for a plant-based twist.Follow the FunJoin the Cocktail Academy community for more recipes, stories, and festive cheer!Instagram: Facebook: TikTok: 🎄 Cheers, sláinte, and happy holidays! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Cocktail Academy Podcast, Damian welcomes the inspiring Emily Doherty, winner of World Class Ireland 2023, and newly appointed cocktail bar manager at the Merchant Hotel in Belfast. Emily takes us through her remarkable journey from starting as a waitress at 16 to representing Ireland on the global stage in Shanghai. With insights into her challenges, triumphs, and a peek behind the curtain of the competitive world of mixology, this episode is a must-listen for cocktail enthusiasts and aspiring bartenders alike.Key Takeaways:Emily’s Early Beginnings:Emily shares how her passion for hospitality started young, transitioning from breakfast service to bartending at Belfast’s iconic Burt’s Jazz Bar.World Class Journey:Emily details her two-year journey with the prestigious World Class competition, the lessons she learned, and how perseverance paid off when she became Ireland’s champion.Breaking Barriers:As one of the few female bartenders in such a high-profile competition, Emily emphasizes the importance of representation and building a supportive community in the industry.Innovative Mixology:Discover the creative cocktails Emily crafted for the competition, including a Ramos flip inspired by Irish traditions and a Mai Tai-inspired stirred martini with marmalade bitters.Future of Belfast’s Cocktail Scene:As the newly appointed manager of the Merchant Hotel’s cocktail bar, Emily shares her plans to inspire her team, launch a new menu, and mentor budding bartenders in competitions.📸 Follow Emily for mixology magic: Highlights from the Episode:World Class Challenges: Insight into the intense rounds, including a speed cocktail challenge and a sustainable mixology initiative.Community Impact: Emily’s project, "Bar whispers" fostering camaraderie in Belfast’s bar scene.Global Stage: Emily’s experiences in Shanghai, from unexpected challenges to competing alongside the world’s best bartenders.Bartending Techniques: Tips for innovative cocktails like fat washing, syrups, and using local ingredients. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🍸 Welcome to another flavorful episode of the Cocktail Academy Podcast! Host Damian Cole dives into one of the most exciting trends shaking up the cocktail scene: savory cocktails. Forget the sugary, citrus-forward classics—this is all about bold umami, salty surprises, and earthy delights. From mushrooms and miso to parmesan and seaweed, bartenders are breaking new ground.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhat Are Savory Cocktails? How bartenders are redefining cocktail boundaries by incorporating unexpected ingredients like broth, cheese, and fermented elements.Key Ingredients:Mushrooms: Earthy and versatile for infusions and syrups.Cheese: From parmesan to Pecorino, adding depth and intrigue.Seaweed & Kelp: Oceanic flavors that bring a unique salinity.Miso: Sweet, salty, and umami-packed syrup inspiration.Brines: Beyond olive juice, homemade pickled vegetable brines are the new essential.Techniques You Can Try:Fat-Washing: From smoky bacon bourbon to coconut oil Campari, this technique adds texture and flavor.Infusions: Master simple methods to unlock the flavor potential of savory ingredients.Savory Cocktails Around the Globe: Discover standout drinks like the MSG Martini, Smoky Maria, Mole Negroni, and even a hot dog-inspired Weenie Martini.Featured Drinks & InspirationsMSG Martini - A gin martini elevated with MSG and brine, redefining umami elegance.Mushroom Margarita - A tequila classic infused with earthy shiitake mushrooms.Cold Pizza Cocktail (Double Chicken Please, NYC) - Tomato, parmesan, and mushroom combine for a liquid pizza experience.Smoky Maria (Scarfes Bar, London) - Tequila, marmite, and smoked Clamato juice for a bold Bloody Mary twist.Weenie Martini (Art in the Age, Philadelphia) - A hot dog-inspired vodka cocktail with all the savory garnishes.Why Savory Cocktails MatterCulinary Crossovers: The blurred lines between food and drink are opening up limitless creativity.Elevated Palates: Today’s drinkers are more adventurous, embracing new flavor profiles.Bartender Innovation: As mixologists explore savory flavors, they’re setting new standards for cocktail menus worldwide.Try This at HomeExperiment with miso syrup in a margarita or sour.Infuse your favorite spirit with seaweed or mushrooms.Attempt a simple fat-wash using bacon or sesame oil.Where Are Savory Cocktails Headed?Damian predicts an even deeper integration of food and drink, with more chefs and bartenders collaborating to create bold, unexpected pairings. The possibilities for savory cocktails are endless, and this trend is here to stay!Follow us for updates and cocktail inspirationIf you love the show, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Cheers! 🥂 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Damian sits down with legendary bartender, author, and educator Jim Meehan to explore his latest book, The Bartender's Pantry. Known for his groundbreaking work at PDT and for authoring the Meehan's Bartender Manual, Jim returns with a fresh perspective, focusing on the often-overlooked but essential ingredients behind the bar: the non-alcoholic elements.Episode Highlights:Jim's Journey in Bartending: From college bartender to James Beard Award-winning author, Jim shares his journey through the evolving cocktail landscape, from New York City’s iconic PDT to his latest work in Portland, Oregon.Behind The Bartender's Pantry: Jim explains his motivation for writing this new book, which focuses on the foundational, non-alcoholic elements of cocktails. Learn why he believes the ingredients behind the bar deserve as much respect as the spirits.Ethical Food & Beverage Production: Discover how Jim’s research led him down some fascinating paths, from sustainability to the ethical considerations around ingredients, and why he believes these choices matter for bartenders and consumers alike.The "Universal Bar" Concept: Jim dives into his idea of the "universal bar" and what that could mean for the future of cocktail culture. How does thinking globally and ethically impact what goes into our drinks?Practical Advice for Bartenders and Enthusiasts: Whether you’re new to cocktails or a seasoned pro, Jim’s advice will resonate. Learn how to use The Bartender's Pantry to elevate your home bartending and expand your cocktail knowledge.Key Takeaways:Invest in Quality Ingredients: Jim emphasizes respecting each ingredient in a drink, from the spirits to the garnishes. It’s all about building an elevated drink experience from the ground up.Embrace the Process: Jim advocates for slowing down and truly appreciating the craft of bartending and hospitality. The journey to a great cocktail doesn’t have shortcuts.Be a Generalist: Jim suggests that bartenders thrive by being versatile, creative, and knowledgeable across a broad spectrum of skills—from ingredient selection to customer service.How to Connect with Jim Meehan: Stay connected with Jim on social media or through his website for updates on his work, upcoming projects, and insights from his extensive bartending journey. Find Jim on Instagram or visit his website Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast or a bar industry pro, this conversation is packed with insights to inspire you and elevate your drink-making game. Dive in and see why The Bartender's Pantry is a must-have in any cocktail library! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.