The Buildout

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 recipe — and don’t forget to subscribe! Laura Newman’s (Classic) Pornstar Martini Recipe Ingredients - 1 1⁄2 ounces vanilla vodka, such as Grey Goose La Vanille - 1⁄2 ounce passion fruit liqueur - 2 ounces passion fruit puree - 2 barspoons vanilla sugar - 2 ounces sparkling wine, ideally Champagne Garnish:- 1⁄2 fresh passion fruit Directions 1. Add all ingredients except sparkling wine to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. 2. Shake vigorously until well-chilled and aerated. 3. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. 4. Garnish with fresh passion fruit and a demi tasse spoon. 5. Serve with sparkling wine sidecar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Cachaça - ¾ ounce Don Q rum - ¼ ounce El Dorado 3 Year Old - ¾ ounce fresh pineapple juice - 1 ounce “Coco Biz” (equal parts Coco Lopez and full fat coconut milk) - ½ ounce fresh lemon juice- 1 tsp simple syrup Garnish: - Freshly grated nutmeg - Pineapple frond - Jamaican dark rum float  Directions 1. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with one ice cube. 2. Shake vigorously until well-chilled and aerated. 3. Strain into a crushed-ice-filled collins glass. 4. Float a small amount of Jamaican dark rum on top and garnish with nutmeg and pineapple fronds.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Traditional Long Island Iced Teas break all the rules that have since defined the craft cocktailmovement. But that doesn’t mean that — when made to more exacting standards — we shoulddiscount its merits as a quality cocktail. In today’s episode, Porchlight beverage directorNicholas Bennett teaches us how to upgrade the LIIT. Listen on (or read below) to discoverBennett’s Long Island Iced Tea recipe — and don’t forget to subscribe!Nicholas Bennett’s Long Island Iced Tea Recipe Ingredients - 1⁄2 ounce vodka- 1⁄2 ounce London Dry gin- 1⁄2 ounce white rum- 1⁄2 ounce blanco tequila- 1⁄2 ounce Cointreau- 3⁄4 ounce fresh lemon juice- 1/2 ounce simple syrup- Coca Cola, to top- 4 dashes Angostura bittersDirections 1. Add vodka, gin, rum, tequila, Cointreau, simple syrup, and fresh lemon juice to a cocktail shaker with ice.2. Shake until chilled.3. Strain into an ice-filled highball glass.4. Top with Coca Cola.5. Finish with 4 dashes Angostura bitters and garnish with an optional orange or lemon wedge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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!  Jack Schramm’s Paloma Recipe  Ingredients - 2 ounces tequila, preferably Siete Leguas Blanco - 1 ounce fresh grapefruit juice - ¾ ounce fresh lime juice - ½ ounce simple syrup - 5 drops 20 percent saline solution - Club soda, to top  Directions 1. Build all ingredients except soda in a shaking tin. 2. Fill with ice and shake until chilled. 3. Strain into an ice-filled highball glass. 4. Top with soda.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Joaquín Simó, bartender at Pouring Ribbons, as he shares his expertise on crafting the perfect Sidecar cocktail. Explore the history of the Sidecar, the art of ingredient selection, and tips for achieving balance in this classic drink. Discover the nuances of Cognac, the evolution of daisy cocktails, and responsible hosting practices in the world of mixology.

Lynnette Marrero, an award-winning bartender and co-founder of Speed Rack, dives into the velvety world of Pisco and its iconic Pisco Sour cocktail. She shares her expert tips on perfecting this drink, highlighting the essential role of egg whites for that iconic texture. The conversation also touches on the complexities of Pisco, the artistry behind mixing, and innovative adaptations in cocktail culture. Listeners are encouraged to embrace Pisco's rich flavor profile while exploring sustainable practices in spirit production.

Cocktail expert Ms. Franky Marshall discusses the French 75 cocktail, its history, and preferred ingredients like Cognac. They explore different champagne styles, garnishes, and the importance of menu placement in bartending. The episode highlights the uniqueness of the French 75 and listener appreciation.

In this week’s episode, Tim digs deep into the Margarita with award-winning bartender and podcast host, Erick Castro. Prepare to learn all about Erick’s favorite Margarita riffs, why he thinks fresh lime juice can be even more important than tequila, and how integral the Margarita has been in his journey as a bartender. Listen on (or read below) to discover Erick’s Classic Margarita recipe. And don’t forget to subscribe!   Erick Castro’s Classic Margarita Recipe  Ingredients 1 ½ ounces blanco tequila, such as Olmeca Altos ¾ ounce Cointreau ¾ ounce fresh lime juice ½ ounce agave syrup (3 parts agave nectar to 2 parts water) Directions Add all ingredients to a shaker with Kold Draft ice cubes. Shake until cold. Dump cocktail and ice into a cold, salt-rimmed rocks glass.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For a century old cocktail, many aspects of The Bamboo make it a decidedly on-trend drink in today’s landscape. The Bamboo eschews a base spirit in favor of industry darling sherry, which also allows it to arrive with a lower alcohol content. To walk us through the complex, stirred blend of Spanish wine, vermouth, and bitters, we’re joined today by Alex Day, one of the partners of Death & Co. Listen on (or read below) to discover Alex’s Bamboo recipe. And don’t forget to subscribe!  Alex Day’s Bamboo Recipe  Ingredients 1 ½ ounces Amontillado sherry ¾ ounce blanc vermouth ¾ ounce dry vermouth 1 dash of orange bitters Garnish: lemon twist Directions Add all ingredients to a mixing glass filled with ice and stir until chilled. Ideally the sherry and vermouths will be fridge cold prior to mixing, and stirring should take around two-thirds of the amount used to mix higher-ABV cocktails, such as the Martini. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a lemon twist.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join William Elliott, the managing partner of Maison Premiere in NYC and an authority on classic cocktails, as he dives deep into the art of the Daiquiri. Discover how this seemingly simple drink serves as a true test for mixologists and the importance of balancing flavors. William shares his unique recipe, including insights into the art of shaking and the crucial role of high-quality ice. They even touch on the Hemingway Daiquiri and its fascinating history, making it a must-listen for cocktail enthusiasts!