Introducing "The Cocktail Academy" with your host Damian Cole, a seasoned veteran of the hospitality industry. Join Damian and his expert guests on a spirited journey through the world of cocktails, spirits, and all things booze-related.
Whether you're a home cocktail enthusiast or aspiring bartender, this podcast is your go-to source for practical tips and insider knowledge, served straight up with no nonsense. From mastering classic cocktail recipes to exploring the latest trends in mixology, "The Cocktail Academy" has everything you need to shake, stir, and sip like a pro. Tune in for candid conversations, industry insights, and plenty of laughs along the way.
016: Reviving Poitín: Dave Mulligan’s Mission to Modernise Ireland’s Native Spirit
Season 1 · Episode 16
Monday, September 16, 2024 • Duration 01:02:26
In this episode of the Cocktail Academy Podcast, Damian Cole chats with Dave Mulligan, the visionary behind Bar 1661 and an advocate for the revival of Poitín, Ireland's native spirit. Dave shares his journey in the hospitality industry, from his early days in Dublin to becoming a key player in modernising Irish cocktail culture. He discusses his passion for Poitín, the challenges of running a bar during the pandemic, and the unique community-focused approach at Bar 1661. Listeners will gain insight into how Dave is reshaping Irish spirits and the global perception of Poitín through his innovative cocktails and bar concepts.
Key Topics Discussed:
Dave’s Journey into Bartending:
Dave's background in hospitality and early experiences that led him to pursue a career in bartending and bar ownership.
His travels across London and various countries, where he developed his love for spirits and cocktails.
Reviving Poitín – Ireland’s Native Spirit:
The story of how Dave was inspired to promote Poitín, an Irish spirit with a 900-year history, and its misunderstood role in Irish culture.
The importance of changing the narrative around Poitín, from its illicit past to its place in modern cocktail menus.
Bar 1661 and Community-Focused Cocktails:
The concept and inspiration behind Bar 1661, a bar dedicated to showcasing Poitín and other Irish spirits through innovative cocktails.
The role of community, collaboration, and authentic storytelling in the success of Bar 1661.
Navigating the Pandemic and the Launch of Craft Cocktails:
How Dave and his team adapted to the challenges of the pandemic, launching Little & Green, a range of ready-to-drink cocktails, and evolving their business model to thrive in a difficult time.
The expansion of Bar 1661’s offerings, from high-end cocktails to accessible, fun experiences for customers.
The Future of Poitín and Irish Spirits:
Dave’s mission to see Poitín on back bars worldwide and to educate consumers about its versatility and history.
The global interest in craft spirits and the opportunity for Irish Poitín to carve its niche in the modern cocktail landscape.
Poitín has been around for 900 years, and it's still here—surviving prohibition. Now is the time to reintroduce it to the world in a modern, exciting way. We’re creating real-life experiences with authentic Irish ingredients, and Poitín is at the heart of that." – Dave Mulligan
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to the Cocktail Academy Podcast for more stories from the world of cocktails and spirits. Don’t forget to leave a review and share this episode with anyone interested in Irish cocktail culture and the growing revival of Poitín.
015: How Chris Leavitt Built Not Just a Bartender: Cocktail Content Creation Secrets
Season 1 · Episode 15
Monday, September 9, 2024 • Duration 01:02:02
In this episode of the Cocktail Academy Podcast, Damian Cole interviews Chris Leavitt, the man behind the successful Not Just a Bartender social media brand. Chris shares his journey from being a bartender in Pennsylvania to becoming a full-time content creator known for his cocktail videos on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Chris opens up about his early struggles in pharmaceutical sales, his transition back into bartending, and how he leveraged his passion for cocktails to create a massive online following. This episode provides an insider's view into the life of a cocktail content creator and offers practical tips for those looking to break into the world of social media marketing for cocktails.
Key Topics Discussed:
Chris’s Journey into Bartending and Content Creation:
How Chris transitioned from pharmaceutical sales back to his passion for bartending.
His early bartending days in Pennsylvania and how he found success through networking and competitions.
The Rise of Not Just a Bartender:
How Chris created the Not Just a Bartender brand and built a loyal online following by making authentic cocktail content.
His viral success on TikTok through reviewing cocktail videos and how that platform helped him grow.
Content Creation as a Full-Time Career:
Chris shares the challenges of moving from bartending to full-time content creation, including balancing creativity and brand partnerships.
Insight into the opportunities, from brand deals to international travel, that come with being a successful cocktail influencer.
006: The Art of Batching Cocktails: Tips, Techniques, and Recipes for Effortless Entertaining
Season 1 · Episode 6
Monday, July 8, 2024 • Duration 22:42
Episode Summary: In this episode of The Cocktail Academy, Damian explores the art of batching cocktails, a perfect technique for summer barbecues, parties, and gatherings. Damian delves into the history, benefits, and practical tips for batching cocktails, ensuring you can enjoy your event without being tied to the bar. Featuring the classic Bramble cocktail, this episode provides a step-by-step guide on how to batch cocktails efficiently, from choosing the right recipes to scaling, diluting, and garnishing for a flawless presentation.
· Omission: when adding the dilution and you have calculated the % of water to add, make sure you multiply that by whatever factor you are using. We used 14 in the worked example in the episode….. sorry I forgot to mention that.
Highlights:
Introduction to Batching Cocktails: Understanding the concept and historical roots of batching.
Featured Cocktail - The Bramble: Recipe and tips for making this classic gin-based cocktail.
Benefits of Batching Cocktails: Time-saving, consistency, waste reduction, and enhanced hospitality.
Techniques and Tips for Successful Batching: Choosing suitable cocktails, scaling recipes, managing citrus, and adding dilution.
Advanced Batching Tips: Handling bitters, adjusting sweetness, creative garnishing, and recommended resources for further reading.
Join the Batching Movement: Share your batching experiences on social media and connect with us for more tips and recipes.
Key Takeaways:
Time-Saving and Convenience: Batching cocktails allows you to prepare in advance and enjoy your party.
Consistency and Quality: Ensure every cocktail tastes perfect with precise measurements and techniques.
Creative Presentation: Enhance your batch cocktails with beautiful garnishes and thoughtful presentation.
005: From Belfast to the Big Apple: Jack McGarry's Journey to Crafting the World's Best Cocktails at The Dead Rabbit
Season 1 · Episode 5
Monday, July 1, 2024 • Duration 01:10:07
Host Damian Cole chats with Jack McGarry, the co-founder and managing director of The Dead Rabbit in New York City. From his humble beginnings in West Belfast to becoming the International Bartender of the Year, Jack shares his incredible journey and the philosophy behind creating one of the world's most celebrated cocktail bars. Discover the secrets behind The Dead Rabbit's unique blend of Irish pub culture and high-end cocktails, and learn about Jack's plans for the future.
Highlights:
Early Beginnings: Jack discusses his start in the cocktail world, working at the Hunting Lodge in West Belfast.
Journey to the Merchant Hotel: The transition from local pubs to high-end cocktail bars, and the significance of working at the Merchant Hotel.
Creating The Dead Rabbit: The inspiration behind The Dead Rabbit, combining Irish pub culture with world-class cocktails.
Awards and Recognition: How The Dead Rabbit became an award-winning bar, including its designation as the world's best bar.
Irish Whiskey Focus: Jack's commitment to promoting Irish whiskey and its current market state.
Future Plans: Upcoming expansions of The Dead Rabbit, including new locations and innovative concepts like McGarry's.
Advice for Aspiring Bartenders: Tips on making quality cocktails at home, the importance of fundamentals, and recommended cocktail books.
Favorite Cocktail Stories: Jack shares iconic moments from his career, including making the world's most expensive Mai Tai.
Quickfire Questions: Fun and insightful rapid-fire questions about Jack's preferences and pet peeves in the cocktail world.
Key Takeaways:
Commitment to Quality: Jack emphasizes the importance of using quality ingredients, precise measurements, and proper techniques to create exceptional cocktails.
He advocates for a strong foundation in traditional cocktail knowledge before innovating and creating new drinks.
004 Home Bar Essentials: The Ultimate Guide to Must-Have Booze for Perfect Cocktails
20ml (3/4 oz) Elderflower Liqueur (e.g., Saint Germain)
20ml (3/4 oz) Fresh Lemon Juice
Optional: Absinthe rinse for added complexity.
Shaking and serving tips: Chill your glass, shake ingredients with ice, strain into a coupe glass, garnish with a twist of lemon or orange.
Setting Up Your Home Bar
Start with what you like: Choose spirits based on your preferences to avoid unnecessary purchases.
Keep it simple: Fewer bottles mean less confusion and cost.
Essential Spirits
Gin
Versatile for cocktails like Clover Club, Sunflower, Gin Martini.
Start with a gin you already like or try a new one for variety.
Vodka
Neutral spirit, good for cocktails like East 8 Hold Up.
Choose a decent quality vodka; no need to splurge.
Rum
Diverse flavours from different regions (Cuban, Jamaican, etc.).
Great for Daiquiris, Mai Tais, Mojitos.
Tequila
Keywords for SEO:
002: Essential Bar Tools for Home Bartenders: Your Ultimate Guide to Crafting Perfect Cocktails
Season 1 · Episode 2
Monday, June 17, 2024 • Duration 19:15
Episode Summary: Welcome to the Cocktail Academy podcast! In this episode, host Damian Cole demystifies the essential tools every home bartender needs to make delicious, consistent cocktails. From shakers to strainers, Damian covers the basics and shares pro tips to help you craft perfect drinks for any occasion.
Key Topics Covered:
Introduction to Bar Tools
Importance of having the right tools for consistency.
Avoiding unnecessary gadgets for home bartending.
The Mighty Cocktail Shaker
Types of shakers: Boston, Cobbler, and Parisian.
Recommendations for versatility and durability.
DIY alternatives for shakers.
Measuring Your Ingredients
The importance of accurate measurements.
Different types of jiggers and measuring cups.
Strainers for Precision
Hawthorne strainer and its uses.
The necessity of a fine strainer for double straining.
Mixing Glasses and Bar Spoons
Benefits of using a mixing glass.
Choosing the right bar spoon for stirring.
Juicing Tools for Fresh Citrus
Different types of juicers and presses.
Importance of using fresh citrus juice.
Additional Essential Tools
Muddlers for incorporating fresh fruit.
Bar knives and peelers for garnishes.
Squeezy bottles for prepped juices and syrups.
Kitchen scales for making consistent syrups.
003: Inside McConnell’s Distillery: Crafting Premium Irish Whiskey with Graeme Miller
Season 1 · Episode 3
Monday, June 17, 2024 • Duration 01:05:50
Episode Summary:
Join host Damian Cole on a captivating journey to the historic Crumlin Road Jail, now home to McConnell’s Irish Whiskey Distillery. In this episode, Damian sits down with Graeme Miller, Master Distiller and Head of Supply at McConnell’s, to explore the fascinating transformation of this iconic location into a premier whiskey distillery. Discover the rich history of McConnell’s Irish Whiskey, the intricate distillation process, and savor a guided tasting of their renowned whiskey expressions.
Episode Highlights:
Introduction to McConnell’s Distillery:
• Graeme Miller discusses the remarkable transformation of Crumlin Road Jail into the state-of-the-art McConnell’s Distillery.
• The historical significance of the location and its impact on the brand.
Graeme Miller’s Journey:
• Graeme shares his career path from studying food technology to becoming a master distiller.
• Insights into his experiences at Diageo, Captain Morgan’s, and Echlinville before joining McConnell’s.
Distillation Process at McConnell’s:
• A detailed overview of the whiskey-making process, from malted barley to the final distillation.
• The significance of sourcing quality ingredients and the role of local suppliers.
• Innovations and sustainability practices in the distillation process.
001: From Belfast to The Dead Rabbit: Sean Muldoon's Cocktail Journey and Award-Winning mentality
In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Sean Muldoon, a renowned figure in the cocktail industry. Starting as a humble bartender in Belfast, Sean's story is one of passion, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. He discusses his early days amidst the Troubles, his love for music, and his determination to become the best. Sean's path led him to London, New York and everywhere in between, he even started his own training company, and garnered multiple awards for his cocktail creations.
Sean provides an inside look at the creation and success of the Merchant Hotel's award-winning cocktail bar in Belfast and the pivotal transition to The Dead Rabbit in New York. The conversation also touches on the opening of Hazel & Apple in Charleston, South Carolina, highlighting the challenges and triumphs along the way. Sean shares his future plans, including a return to Ireland and his admiration for the bar Boadas in Barcelona.
Key Takeaways:
Early Beginnings: Sean Muldoon began his cocktail journey in Belfast, driven by a passion to escape the Troubles and excel in bartending.
Influences and Learning: Inspired by figures like Morgan Watson, Sean traveled to London to hone his craft, eventually starting his own training company and winning multiple awards.
014: The Indie Bartender: Danil Nevsky’s Wild Ride in the Global Cocktail Scene
Season 1 · Episode 14
Monday, September 2, 2024 • Duration 56:38
In this episode, Damian Cole interviews the charismatic and adventurous Danil Nevsky, the founder of The Indie Bartender. Danil shares his incredible journey from his early days working at weddings in Aberdeen to becoming a prominent figure in the global cocktail community. With stories of extreme bartending, skydiving while making cocktails, and his experiences across various countries, Danil provides a unique perspective on the world of bartending and cocktail culture. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the unconventional paths that can lead to success in the hospitality industry.
Key Topics Discussed:
Danil’s Introduction to Bartending:
How Danil started his career in hospitality at the age of 15, working at weddings in Scotland.
The influence of his multicultural upbringing on his bartending style and approach.
The Indie Bartender and Vagabond Project:
The origin story of The Indie Bartender and Danil’s passion for traveling and bartending around the world.
The challenges and highlights of the Vagabond Project, where Danil worked at bars across different countries for free.
Extreme Bartending Adventures:
The inspiration behind Danil’s “Extreme Bartending” series, including making cocktails while skydiving and other wild stunts.
The impact of social media on his journey and how it helped him build a global presence.
Insights into the Cocktail Industry:
Danil’s thoughts on the current state of the cocktail industry, including the rise of mezcal and wine-based cocktails.
His perspective on cocktail competitions and the importance of creativity in bartending.
013: Exploring the Bramble: From Dick Bradsell’s Original to Modern Twists
Season 1 · Episode 13
Monday, August 26, 2024 • Duration 16:27
In this episode of the Cocktail Academy Podcast, Damian Cole takes a deep dive into one of the most beloved cocktail recipes in the world: the Bramble cocktail. Created in 1989 by the legendary Dick Bradsell, the Bramble has become a staple in bars and restaurants globally. Damian explores the history of this modern classic cocktail, shares the original recipe, and discusses his own variations that make this drink even more versatile and delicious. Whether you’re a professional bartender or a home mixologist, this episode is packed with insights into making the perfect Bramble and experimenting with its ingredients.
Key Topics Discussed:
Origin of the Bramble Cocktail:
The story behind the creation of the Bramble by Dick Bradsell in London’s Soho at Fred’s Bar.
The inspiration for the Bramble’s name, rooted in Bradsell’s childhood memories of picking blackberries on the Isle of Wight.
Original Bramble Cocktail Recipe:
A detailed breakdown of the classic Bramble recipe, including London Dry Gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, rich simple syrup, and creme de mure (blackberry liqueur).
Step-by-step instructions on how to create the original Bramble, complete with tips on garnishing and presentation.
Modern Variations of the Bramble:
Damian’s personal twist on the Bramble, including the use of lime juice instead of lemon juice for a slightly more aggressive flavor.
The benefits of using cube dice instead of crushed ice in professional bar settings and how it affects the drink’s balance and texture.
Incorporating fresh blackberries into the shaker for a deeper color and more robust flavor.
Creative Alternatives and Riffs:
Suggestions for substituting gin with other spirits like or to create unique Bramble variations.
Apple Podcasts
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The Impact of Social Media on Bartending:
How the rise of TikTok and Instagram has transformed the way people learn about cocktails.
The importance of authenticity and storytelling in building a personal brand in the cocktail industry.
Advice for Aspiring Content Creators:
Chris offers practical advice on how to break into cocktail content creation, from equipment essentials to navigating brand partnerships.
The importance of consistency, creativity, and community in building an engaged audience.
Quotable Moments:
"Being a bartender is more than just serving drinks. It’s about creating moments that stick with people—and that’s what I try to do online too." – Chris Leavitt
"You can be more than just a bartender. You can leverage your skills, your knowledge, and your passion into something bigger, especially with today’s social media opportunities." – Chris Leavitt
Subscribe & Review: Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The Cocktail Academy on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen and leave a review to help more people discover our cocktail journey!
Irish Whiskey Advocacy: Jack's dedication to promoting and educating people about Irish whiskey is evident throughout the episode.
Innovative Concepts: The Dead Rabbit's blend of Irish pub culture and high-end cocktails sets it apart, and upcoming projects promise to continue this trend.
Merchant Hotel: Building the award-winning Merchant Hotel cocktail bar in Belfast was a significant milestone, earning international recognition.
The Dead Rabbit: The transition to The Dead Rabbit marked a new chapter, with the bar achieving fame for its unique concept and talented team, including key partner Jack McGarry.
Hazel & Apple: Opening Hazel & Apple in Charleston faced challenges, including scaling down the original concept and handling landlord issues, but remained a community-focused endeavor.
Resilience and Future Plans: Sean's experiences have instilled resilience and determination, with future plans to return to Ireland and open a pub, and a strong admiration for Boadas in Barcelona.
About the Host:
Damian Cole is a hospitality industry veteran and the founder of The Cocktail Academy. Damian specializes in developing innovative drinks programs, providing top-notch training, and delivering captivating public speaking engagements. Known for his cocktail and spirit masterclasses, Damian shares his extensive knowledge and enthusiasm with audiences, making him a distinguished figure in the world of mixology.
Danil shares valuable advice for those looking to make a mark in the bartending world, emphasizing the importance of travel, continuous learning, and staying humble.
Quotable Moments:
"Once you get into the subculture of bartending, you belong to this little sadomasochistic club of people who want to work too many hours and care about things that no one else does." – Danil Nevsky
"The best thing I did was to get rid of all the unnecessary stuff, travel the world, and embrace the experiences that came my way." – Danil Nevsky
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to the Cocktail Academy Podcast for more engaging conversations with leaders in the cocktail and hospitality industry. Leave a review and share this episode with fellow cocktail enthusiasts to spread the word!
Exploring different liqueurs such as creme de cassis or even apricot liqueur to put a new spin on the classic.
Expert Tips for Bartenders and Cocktail Enthusiasts:
The importance of selecting the right gin and liqueur brands for the Bramble.
Advice on using fresh versus dehydrated garnishes and the impact of these choices on the final drink.
Quotable Moments:
"The Bramble is essentially a gin sour with a quintessentially British twist—simple, delicious, and timeless." – Damian Cole
"Whether you’re sticking to tradition or adding your own flair, the Bramble’s versatility makes it a favorite for bartenders and cocktail lovers alike." – Damian Cole
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to the Cocktail Academy Podcast on your favorite platform. Don’t forget to leave a review and share this episode with your friends who love cocktails and mixology. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more cocktail recipes and inspiration!
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