The Buildout

Jason Hedges, beverage director at Laurent Tourondel Hospitality, shares his take on 'The Brooklyn' cocktail, a refined twist on the Manhattan. Topics include the evolution of the Brooklyn cocktail, rye-based cocktails, and the importance of fresh herbs in mixology. The episode also explores the versatility of whiskey and agave spirits and the debate over the best New York Borough cocktail.

Vanessa Leon, National Educator for Diageo, shares her recipe for the Banana Daiquiri, featuring Zacapa 23 Rum and banana liqueur. Discussions explore the chemistry of rum and banana flavors, the evolution of the cocktail, and the importance of using quality ingredients. The podcast also delves into the unique Solera aging process of Zacapa rum, the contribution of biochemists to the brand, and the versatility of Zacapa rum in cocktails.

Toby Cecchini, inventor of The Cosmopolitan, shares the original Cosmo recipe. The podcast discusses the rise, fall, and resurgence of the Cosmopolitan cocktail. They also explore unique beverages like Aquavit and the importance of bar equipment.

Miles Macquarrie, beverage director at Kimball House, discusses preservation techniques in cocktails using fresh, local produce. Topics include fruit infusions, cordials, non-alcoholic creations, innovative methods like flavor stacking, diversity of spirits, mahia usage, and collaboration in the bar industry.

Bar manager Ricardo Rodriguez from Lita and La Otra discusses the El Floridita Daiquiri, blending Cuban rum, Luxardo Maraschino, and fresh lime juice in a blender. They explore the history and significance of Daiquiris, craft the perfect recipe, and touch on bar industry dynamics and mental health awareness.

Kyle Davidson joins Cocktail College today to discuss the Art of Choke, a rule-breaking rum, lime, Chartreuse, and Cynar-based stirred drink he invented while working at Chicago's The Violet Room. Listen to discover how a "bartender's choice" order inspired the cocktail, how it evolved since then, and why he's taken it to every subsequent bar he worked at. Don't forget to like, review, and subscribe!The Art of Choke Recipe Ingredients ⅛ ounce lime juice⅛ ounce Demerara syrupfat ¼ ounce Green Chartreuse1 ounce white rum (neutral)fat 1 ounce Cynar2 dashes Angostura bittersMintDirections Add all ingredients to a mixing glass including 2 sprigs of mint.Muddle and steep for 30 seconds.Fill with ice and stir until chilled.Strain into a rocks glass with a large cube.Garnish with additional mint sprigs.📧Get in touch: cocktailcollege@vinepair.com  🍸Follow us:VinePair: https://www.instagram.com/vinepair/Kyle: https://kindredcocktails.com/users/sasquatchTim: https://www.instagram.com/timmckirdy  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel Kling, a National Educator at Diageo, shares her deep love for mixology and the intriguing Old Pal cocktail. They explore its rich history and connections to Prohibition-era culture, emphasizing its overshadowed status compared to the Negroni. The discussion dives into crafting the perfect Old Pal, highlighting modern ingredient combinations and techniques. Rachel also touches on the complexities of rye whiskey, the art of cocktail creation, and the importance of thoughtful garnishing, sparking inspiration for both novice and seasoned mixologists.

Bar manager Austin Hennelly from Los Angeles' Kato explores the importance of sugar in cocktails, recommending alternatives to simple syrup for enhanced flavors. They discuss various sweetening techniques, including using different types of sugar and spirits to create optimal flavor profiles. The conversation also covers crafting citrus-infused syrups, experimenting with unique ingredients like whey, and utilizing essential bartending tools for consistency and creativity.

Marshall Minaya, beverage director at NYC's Valerie, delves into the rich history and evolution of The Daisy cocktail. From its various base spirits to unique formulas, the podcast covers misconceptions and the balance of sweetness. The conversation also touches on the tequila sunrise's evolution and the influence of Daisies on modern cocktails like the Margarita.

Manuel "Manny" De Avila, the Los Angeles based brand ambassador for Don Julio, joins us today to examine why there are relatively few classic tequila cocktails, and explain how to reimagine classics made with other spirits using tequila. Listen on, or read below, to learn Manny's recipes — and don't forget to like, review, and subscribe!Tequila White Negroni Recipe Ingredients1 ¼ ounces Don Julio Alma Miel1 ½ ounces Ancho Reyes Verde Chili Poblano Liqueur½ ounce Salers Aperitif¼ ounce Blanc vermouthGarnish: lemon twistDirectionsAdd all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice.Stir until chilled.Strain into a chilled rocks glass over a large ice cube.Garnish with lemon twist.Tequila Espresso Martini Recipe Ingredients 1 ½ ounces Don Julio 70 Cristalino1 ounce Mr. Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur¾ ounce cold brew cordial¼ ounce Ancho Reyes ClassicFew dashes Chocolate Mole BittersDirections Add all ingredients to a shaking tin with ice.Shake long and hard.Strain into a chilled coupe glass.📧Get in touch: cocktailcollege@vinepair.com  🍸Follow us:VinePair: https://www.instagram.com/vinepair/Manny: https://www.instagram.com/mannythebarkeep/Tim: https://www.instagram.com/timmckirdy  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.