Cocktail College

Tural Hasanov, Director of Arts Club and Punch Room at the Tampa EDITION explores the history and recipes of punches and provides tips on balancing acidity in cocktails made with less acidic fruits. They also discuss making delicious and visually appealing punches, share favorite cocktails and a recipe for the Charlie Chaplin, and explore the use of apricot liquor in cocktails.

Explore the factors contributing to the success of the espresso martini, the mystery of its origin, the coffee culture in Australia and its influence, the importance of simplicity and transparency in cocktail ingredients, the cultural significance of sugar cane, choosing the last bar to visit, favorite cocktails and a disappointing experience, and the importance of educating people about the espresso martini.

We’re stepping into the time machine today and digging deep into the Cocktail College vaults, as we resurface our conversation on the Vesper. Little did we know it when we first recorded this episode, but the Vesper has been on something of a quiet tear in recent times, with bartenders building on the Martini trend and lending their interpretations of this version of the cocktail to their menus. Join us for that chat was Patrick Smith, the then manager of bar openings for, and now senior beverage manager of, Union Square Hospitality Group. Listen on (or read below) to discover Smith’s Vesper recipe — and don’t forget to subscribe!  Patrick Smith’s Vesper Recipe  Ingredients - 2 ounces London Dry gin - 1 ounce vodka - 1 ounce of Tempus Fugit Kina L'Aéro d'Or  Directions 1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. 2. Stir until cold and strain into a chilled coupe glass. 3. Garnish with an expressed, manicured lemon twist.    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The podcast explores the complexities and variations of the Tuxedo cocktail, particularly the Sherry version. They discuss different types of gin, Maraschino and Absinthe in cocktails, Miss Stells fortified wines, and the importance of seeking help. They also discuss favorite bars, the benefits of bottle shops for craft beers and wine, and their love for New Orleans.

Named after "the most famous train in the world," today's drink sees us head to London with significant stops in New York and Chicago, as we explore the 20th Century Cocktail. Joining us to do so is Meredith Barry, the co-owner and operator of Platypus and New Society in St. Louis. Listen on (or read below) to discover Meredith’s 20th Century Cocktail recipe, and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe!  Meredith Barry’s 20th Century Cocktail Recipe  Ingredients 1 1/2 ounces gin, such as Hayman’s or Plymouth 3/4 ounce Cocchi Americano 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice 1/4 ounce creme de cacao, such as Tempus Fugit 2 dashes (1 dropper) saline solution   Directions Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until well chilled. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.        Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this planetary edition of Cocktail College, we’re joined by Ray Sakover to embark on a deep space exploration of The Saturn. Ray is the co-owner of New York’s recently opened Paradise Lost, and the cocktail in question is a lesser-known, gin-based blended tiki concoction. Listen on (or read below) to discover Ray’s Saturn recipe, and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe!  Ray Sakover’s Saturn Recipe  Ingredients 5 drops 25% saline solution ½ ounce fresh lime Juice ½ ounce fresh lemon Juice ¼ ounce Boiron passion fruit puree ¼ ounce Orgeat Works Latitude 29 Orgeat ½ ounce Orgeat Works Toasted Orgeat ¼ ounce Thai Spice Falernum ½ ounce Hayman's Old Tom Gin  ½ ounce Bimini Gin 1 ¼ ounces Perry's Tot Navy Strength Gin  Directions Combine all ingredients in a shaker tin. Flash-blend with 8 ounces (1 cup) pebble ice for 5 seconds or until the tin is frosty. Dump into a double rocks glass with 4 ounces of pebble ice. Garnish with a lemon wheel, lime wheel, round rosette paper cocktail fan, and alien toys.      Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re revisiting one of the world’s (and certainly America’s) most beloved cocktails with Maxwell Reis, beverage director at Los Angeles’ Mírate, and VinePair 50 and VinePair Next Wave Awards winner. Prepare to learn all about his distinct approach to the Margarita, and get ready to reconsider all things agave, from syrup to spirits. Listen on (or read below) to discover Max’s Margarita recipe, and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe!  Maxwell Reis’ Mírate Margarita Recipe  Ingredients 1 ounce fresh lime juice ¾ ounce No-gave syrup** 2 ounces blanco tequila or mezcal Garnish: orange- or sal-de-gusano-salted rim  Directions Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with 4 cubes of Hoshizaki ice. Hard shake until cold. Strain into a salt-rimmed rocks glass over ice.  *No-gave Syrup Ingredients 2 parts water 2 parts demerara sugar 1 part honey, ideally single variety orange blossom    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

During this holiday week, a quick season’s greetings from everyone here at Cocktail College and the VinePair HQ. See you next year, as we return to our regular programming on Jan 4th! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nicolas Torres, bar director of True Laurel, joins the podcast to discuss the Martinez cocktail. Learn about its history and ingredients, including old Tom gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino, and orange bitters. Discover how the Martinez inspired a popular drink at True Laurel. Explore the world of coconut-washed rye and pine-flavored cocktails. Delve into the characteristics of Spanish vermouth. Discuss the charm of San Francisco's dive bars and favorite cocktails. Farewell and sponsors mentioned.

Join Andra “AJ” Johnson, a hospitality veteran and managing partner of Serenata, as she uncovers the cultural significance of the Gin Rickey in Washington D.C. Discover its origins from a lobbyist's twist on bourbon to a gin-based staple among the elite. AJ shares her insights on the importance of fresh lime and quality carbonation, along with tips for crafting the perfect cocktail. Learn about the nuances between various gin styles and how they elevate the Gin Rickey experience, ensuring this classic drink remains a refreshing favorite.