The Buildout

Today, Meaghan Dorman is rightfully considered one of the OGs of New York’s craft cocktail movement—but breaking into the scene wasn’t always so straightforward. Her entry point? Answering a Craigslist ad for a mysterious new speakeasy in Chelsea called Raine’s Law Room. That gig would ultimately lead to Dorman opening an equally—if not more—celebrated bar with her partners a few years later: Dear Irving.From reviving and perfecting the Gibson to setting a new standard for guest experience, Dear Irving became an instant classic, eventually expanding to two more locations and solidifying Dorman’s reputation as one of the city’s great hospitality minds.Meaghan joins Adam in the studio to share how it all started, how the bar evolved over the years, and what she’s learned from building one of NYC’s most beloved cocktail institutions.Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/buildoutpodcastDear Irving: https://www.instagram.com/dearirvingMeaghan Dorman: https://www.instagram.com/gingerrickeyVinePair: https://www.instagram.com/vinepairHosted by VinePair Co-Founder: https://www.instagram.com/adamteeterProduced and edited by: https://www.instagram.com/dolldoctor

What began as a weekly pop-up inside the now-shuttered Fort Defiance slowly evolved into one of Brooklyn’s most imaginative cocktail destinations. The Sunken Harbor Club charted its own unlikely course—thanks in part to a shortage of decent drinks near the Downtown Brooklyn courthouses (yes, really), and the sudden availability of one of New York’s most visionary bartenders.Adam sits down with St. John Frizell, Ben Schneider, and Garret Richard to unpack the twists of fate, creative risks, and behind-the-scenes hustle that turned a temporary idea into one of the most exciting bars in New York and beyond.Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/buildoutpodcastSunken Harbor Club: https://www.instagram.com/sunkenharborclubnycGarret Richard: https://www.instagram.com/garretjrichardSt. John Frizell: https://www.instagram.com/stjohnfrizellBen Schneider: https://www.instagram.com/benisclovisVinePair: https://www.instagram.com/vinepairHosted by VinePair Co-Founder: https://www.instagram.com/adamteeterProduced and edited by: https://www.instagram.com/dolldoctor

Ask most drinks writers to name their favorite New York City bar, and chances are you’ll hear the same answer: The Long Island Bar. But the story of how Toby Cecchini and Joel Tompkins finally opened this now-iconic spot is far more complicated than its easygoing vibe suggests—complete with notes slipped under doors, late-night window peeking, and a perfectly timed chance encounter.Adam sits down with Toby and Joel to unpack how this beloved Brooklyn bar almost never happened, and what gives it its enduring magic.Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/buildoutpodcastLong Island Bar: https://www.instagram.com/longislandbarVinePair: https://www.instagram.com/vinepairHosted by VinePair Co-Founder: https://www.instagram.com/adamteeterProduced and edited by: https://www.instagram.com/dolldoctor

In 2013, two celebrated bartenders from Belfast arrived in New York with a single goal: to open the world’s best bar, proudly rooted in Irish heritage. Adam sits down with co-founder Jack McGarry to unpack how they made that vision a reality—and where this now-iconic brand is headed next.Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/buildoutpodcastThe Dead Rabbit: https://www.instagram.com/thedeadrabbitnyJack McGarry: https://www.instagram.com/jackmcgarry1VinePair: https://www.instagram.com/vinepairHosted by VinePair Co-Founder: https://www.instagram.com/adamteeterProduced and edited by: https://www.instagram.com/dolldoctor

They built one of Europe’s most celebrated bars. But when it came time to open in New York City, how did Moe Aljaff and Juliette Larrouy make sure the follow-up didn’t just live up to the original — it surpassed it?In this episode of the buildout they tell Adam their story.Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/buildoutpodcastschmuck.: https://www.instagram.com/schmuck.nyVinePair: https://www.instagram.com/vinepairHosted by VinePair Co-Founder: https://www.instagram.com/adamteeterProduced and edited by: https://www.instagram.com/dolldoctor

Introducing The Buildout — launching next week.Every great bar has a story. We’re going behind the scenes with the people who built them: the founders, dreamers, and industry legends shaping the world’s most inspiring drinking destinations. From Maison Premiere to The Dead Rabbit, Long Island Bar, Schmuck, and beyond — this is how the world’s best bars get built.Follow us @buildoutpodcastHosted by VinePair Co-Founder @adamteeterProduced and edited by @dolldoctor

After hundreds of cocktails, countless techniques, and one unforgettable journey through the art of mixology, Cocktail College is closing the tab. For our final session, we’re doing something a little different: Tim is stepping into the guest seat to share his personal Martini recipe and reflect on what makes the Martini such an iconic cocktail. If you’d like to follow Tim’s next chapter, you can find him on Instagram @timmckirdy. In the meantime, let’s enjoy one last Martini together!  Tim McKirdy's Martini Recipe  - 3 ½ ounces London Dry gin, such Tanqueray or Ford’s - ½ ounce Dolin dry vermouth - 2 dashes Regans’ orange bitters - Garnish: lemon twist  Directions  1. Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice. 2. Stir until well chilled. 3. Strain into a frozen Coupe glass. 4. Express and discard lemon twist to garnish.  📧Get in touch: cocktailcollege@vinepair.com  🍸Follow us:  - VinePair: https://www.instagram.com/vinepair/ - Tim: https://www.instagram.com/timmckirdy/ 

Is the Gibson a garnish, a riff, or a true standalone cocktail? In this episode, Sother Teague returns to Cocktail College to unpack his favorite pickled-onion Martini. From origins and oddities to the art of pickling itself, we explore what makes the Gibson unique — and why it’s become both a personal and community touchstone for Sother. Listen on (or read below) to discover Sother's Gibson recipe — and don't forget to leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts!  Sother Teague's Gibson Recipe - 2 ½ ounces London Dry gin, such as Hayman's- ½ ounce Dolin dry vermouth- 1-2 bar spoons Rakkyo brine- Garnish: 3 pickled rakkyosDirections  1. Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice.2. Stir until well chilled.3. Strain into a frozen Nick & Nora or Coupe glass.4. Garnish with 1-3 pickled and chilled rakkyos.  📧Get in touch: cocktailcollege@vinepair.com 🎧 Related episodes: (7) The Gibson (54) Dirty Martini  🍸Follow us:  - VinePair: https://www.instagram.com/vinepair/ - Tim: https://www.instagram.com/timmckirdy/ - Sother: https://www.instagram.com/creativedrunk/- Amor y Amargo: https://www.instagram.com/amoryamargo/