Cocktail College

Holly Graham, a renowned bartender based in Japan and founder of Tokyo Confidential, shares her insights about the Boulevardier cocktail. She delves into innovative ingredient choices and modern riffing on classics. The conversation touches on how whiskey preferences in Japan shape cocktail culture. Graham also discusses the cultural ties between cocktails and baseball in Japan, highlighting how these influences inspire her creative cocktail menus. Listeners can also expect tips for crafting the perfect Boulevardier, emphasizing the importance of vermouth and quality ingredients.

Dennis Tamse, Global Relationships Director for Nolet Distillery, shares his vodka expertise and cocktail wisdom. He debunks the myth of vodka being flavorless, revealing its subtle characteristics and how it amplifies flavors in cocktails. The conversation also dives into the intricate distillation process, showcasing craftsmanship and quality. Listeners will love his Martini recipe and understanding vodka’s role as a versatile canvas for creative mixology. Discover the art of crafting cocktails and the importance of quality ingredients!

The Painkiller carries unusual baggage for a tropical drink created in paradise. Those issues stem from contested origin stories — something we encounter quite frequently here at Cocktail College — and intellectual property wrangles (not quite so common). Joining us to explore all of that, and just generally wax lyrical about the Painkiller, is Daniel O'Grady, general manager at NYC's Lullaby. Listen on (or read below) to learn Daniel's "riff" on the Painkiller — and don't forget to like, review, and subscribe! Daniel O'Grady's "riff" on The Painkiller   Ingredients  - ¾ ounce fresh orange juice (acid adjusted with 1% lactic acid) - 3 ½ ounces fresh pineapple juice - 1 ½ ounces cream of coconut blend (3:2 Coco Lopez:coconut milk) - 1 barspoon Hamilton 151 - ¼ ounce (scant) Cruzan Black Strap - ¾ ounce El Dorado 15 Year - 1 ounce Smith & Cross - Garnish: freshly grated nutmeg Directions  1. Add all ingredients (sans garnish) to a cocktail shaker with Kold Draft ice. 2. Shake until well chilled. 3. Strain into a chilled Collins glass filled 70 percent with crushed ice. 4. Garnish with lots of freshly grated nutmeg and serve with a straw. 📧Get in touch: cocktailcollege@vinepair.com   🍸Follow us: - VinePair: https://www.instagram.com/vinepair/ - Tim: https://www.instagram.com/timmckirdy/ - Daniel O'Grady: https://www.instagram.com/danielogrady97/ - Lullaby NYC: https://www.instagram.com/lullabynyc/        Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're making a temporary pivot to being a grapefruit podcast today, all in the pursuit of perfecting the bourbon-based Brown Derby cocktail. Joining us to deliver this historical citrus masterclass is Eben Klemm, a longtime hospitality pro who currently works as VP of Beverage and Service for Left Lane Hospitality. Listen on (or read below) to learn Eben's Brown Derby recipe — and don't forget to like, review, and subscribe!Eben Klemm's Brown Derby Recipe   Ingredients  - 1 ½ ounces bourbon - ¾ ounce honey syrup (2:1) - ¾ ounce fresh yellow grapefruit juice (strained) - 1 drop Echinacea extract Directions  1. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. 2. Shake until well chilled. 3. Single strain into a chilled martini glass. 4. Garnish with grapefruit twist.    📧Get in touch: cocktailcollege@vinepair.com   🍸Follow us: - VinePair: https://www.instagram.com/vinepair/ - Tim: https://www.instagram.com/timmckirdy/ - Saint Bibiana: https://www.instagram.com/saintbibiana/        Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

KJ Williams, a seasoned bartender at New York's Long Island Bar, shares his expertise in mixology and the vibrant history of the Angostura Sour. He reveals the cocktail's medicinal origins and how it evolved over time. KJ discusses the art of using bitters, emphasizing their versatility in both cocktails and cooking. He also delves into the importance of egg whites in cocktails, the nuances of ice selection, and the emotional connections patrons have with their favorite bars, all while crafting the perfect drinking experience.

Haley Traub, general manager of Attaboy and Good Guy's bars in NYC, shares her expertise in bartending techniques and speed. She discusses mastering efficient bartending to improve service and drink quality, emphasizing the balance between speed and accuracy. Traub dives into the importance of hospitality, reading social cues, and delivering an elevated guest experience. She also explores cocktail craftsmanship, the role of traditional menus, and offers insights on continuous learning in the industry, all while celebrating the artistry behind crafting a perfect drink.

A quasi-Sidecar riff with a triple threat of base spirits, today's subject is the Between the Sheets, a 1930's creation that all too often flies under the the radar. Whether you're looking for a beginner's rum drink or a sneakily boozy, shaken concoction, Ricky Ramirez from Milwaukee's The Mothership has you covered in this edition of Cocktail College. Listen on (or read below) to learn Ricky's Between the Sheets recipe — and don't forget to like, review, and subscribe! Ricky Ramirez's Between the Sheets Recipe   Ingredients  - ½ ounce fresh lemon juice - 1 ounce Cognac, such as Hine "H" - 1 ounce Brovo Orange Curaçao - 1 ounce Planteray 3 Star rum (or JM Rhum Agricole Blanco, Scarlet Ibis Trinidad Aged, or El Dorado 12) - Garnish: orange twist Directions   1. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. 2. Shake until chilled and double strain into a Bodega glass. 3. Garnish with an orange twist.   📧Get in touch: cocktailcollege@vinepair.com   🍸Follow us: - VinePair: https://www.instagram.com/vinepair/ - Tim: https://www.instagram.com/timmckirdy/ - The Mothership: https://www.instagram.com/themothershipmke/ - Ricky: https://www.instagram.com/ickyrickyricky/       Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Izzy Tulloch, the head bartender at New York's Milady's, shares her expertise on the iconic Blood and Sand cocktail. She delves into its intriguing history linked to bullfighting and early cinema. Izzy reveals her unique recipe, emphasizing the importance of balance among ingredients like orange juice and sweet vermouth. The discussion also highlights the craftsmanship required in cocktail making and the value of authenticity in the bustling hospitality world. Plus, don't miss her personal anecdotes that bring the cocktail to life!

Glendon Hartley, a DC-based bartender and owner of Service Bar, Causa, and Amazonia, shares his expertise on the Chilcano cocktail. He discusses its refreshing blend of pisco, ginger, and lime, revealing its intriguing history and cultural roots in Peru. Glendon explains the artistry behind crafting this drink, balancing flavors and innovative garnishing techniques. He also highlights the diverse types of Pisco and how they influence the cocktail experience, making the Chilcano a must-try for cocktail enthusiasts!

In this enlightening discussion, renowned mixologist Jeffrey Morgenthaler shares his expertise on the Negroni, a cocktail that has captivated drinkers worldwide. He reveals his journey from an initial aversion to a deep appreciation of the drink’s complex flavors. Morgenthaler emphasizes the importance of quality ingredients, particularly Campari, and critiques homemade variations. He also details the art of barrel aging Negronis and shares humorous anecdotes from his bartending experiences, offering listeners a blend of history, craft, and community.