The Cocktail Academy

In this episode, Damian is joined by Slovak bartender, author, and mentor Stanislav Harciník, the creator of The Cocktail Balance and The Cocktail Balance 2.0. Broadcasting from Mirror Bar in Bratislava, Stan shares the unexpected beginnings of his hospitality career, the philosophy behind his writing, and his firm belief in the power of hospitality done right.This conversation dives deep into what it means to be a modern bartender , not just in terms of technique and creativity, but as someone who understands flavour, business, and guest experience in equal measure. From the theory sections of his book to how he trains new team members at Mirror Bar, Stan’s holistic approach is a blueprint for the future of bartending.In This Episode, You'll Learn:How Stan went from hating bar work to finding real purpose in hospitalityThe moment he discovered the magic of connecting with guestsWhy his love of cooking and flavour memory shaped his bartending styleThe origin story of The Cocktail Balance, written during lockdownWhy the first edition was released only in Slovak — and the deeper reason behind itWhat The Cocktail Balance 2.0 set out to do — and why theory comes before recipesWhy hospitality is more than just service, and how pricing tells a storyHow Stan’s recipes act as creative blueprints, not rigid instructionsHis take on hospitality as “selling love” — and why that’s what guests really pay forKey Quotes:“Being a modern bartender isn’t just about what’s in the glass. It’s about what you deliver, how you connect, and how you grow others.”“You’re not just selling a drink — you’re selling an experience, a feeling, a piece of yourself.”“We’re in the business of love. Hospitality is how we show it.”P.S. The bonus Lock-In session with Stanislav Harciník — where we go deeper into bartender training, creativity, and his “Learn. Grow. Pass it on” philosophy — will be available soon for free at thecocktailacademy.com.Connect with Stanislav Harciník:Instagram: @stan_harcinikWebsite: thecocktailbalance.comContact Damian:Website: www.thecocktailacademy.comEmail: sayhello@thecocktailacademy.comInstagram: @welovecocktailsTikTok: @welovecocktailsxFacebook: @welovecocktailsx

Preston Lee has helped scale some of the busiest and most beloved hospitality businesses across the UK and beyond — but his story started like many others: behind the bar, with no clue what he was doing.In this episode, Preston breaks down how he turned personal failure into the foundation for The 30% Rule — a training and operations system that’s helped restaurants and bars go from chaos to consistency.We talk about what most venues get wrong about training, why being nice isn’t the same as offering hospitality, and how systems can make your worst night feel like your best. Whether you’re an operator, bartender, or GM, this one is packed with real talk and real tools.What We CoverWhy only 30% of staff naturally operate at a high levelThe mindset shift that doubled revenue in a struggling venueWhy most managers fail (and how to stop it)The difference between service and hospitality — and why guests feel itHow to build training that actually worksWhat consistency really looks like on a busy Saturday nightCulture killers that start at the topWhy you can’t scale a team without clear, repeatable systemsWhat closing early says about your businessWhy hospitality is one of the most valuable skills in the worldQuotes to Remember“Most restaurants don’t have a training problem — they have a leadership and systems problem.”“Hospitality isn’t about being nice. It’s about making your guests feel valued. That’s a mindset.”Resources & Mentions30percentrule.com – Preston’s training and consulting platform@the30rule on Instagram👋 Connect With UsWebsite → www.thecocktailacademy.com Instagram → @welovecocktails TikTok → @welovecocktailsx Email → sayhello@thecocktailacademy.com🔐 Want More?This episode includes a bonus Lock-In segment exclusively for hospitality professionals, covering:Why most training doesn’t stickPreston’s “hospitality hill to die on”Advice for founders scaling multi-site operations → Unlock it now at thecocktailacademy.com

Damian is joined by Bart Miedeksza and Valentino Girotto, longtime collaborators, former bar owners, and co-authors of Bubbles: A Guide to Carbonated Cocktails. In this first half of the episode, they dive into the origins of their partnership, the evolution of Crossroads Bar into a consultancy, and the obsessive research process that led to their groundbreaking book. Expect tales of late-night DMs, deep dives into molecular flavor compounds, and why carbonation is more than just sparkle — it’s a science.🧪 What You’ll LearnHow Bart & Val transitioned from running bars to full-time consultingWhy they wrote Bubbles — and how an Instagram post forced their handCollaborating with a Cambridge professor to decode carbonation chemistryHow they used flavor compound mapping to reverse-engineer cocktailsWhy consistency trumps complexity in modern bar programsTips for designing menus with both guests and GP in mind🔗 Links & ResourcesCrossroads Consultancy🌐 www.crossroads.bar📸 @crossroads.consultancyThe Book📘 Bubbles: A Guide to Carbonated Cocktails — available via their website.🔒 Bonus ContentTo hear the exclusive Lock-In Session with Bart & Val — where we dive deeper into carbonation techniques, common pitfalls, and pro tips — head to thecocktailacademy.com.🎧 Hosted by Damian Cole📸 @welovecocktails🌐 www.thecocktailacademy.com

In this episode of The Cocktail Academy Podcast, Damian sits down with one of modern bartending’s most influential voices Jeffrey Morgenthaler. Known for his no-nonsense approach to cocktails, pioneering work at Clyde Common, and the bestselling Bar Book, Jeff shares practical insights from 30 years behind the stick.Together, they dive into what’s changed in the bar world, what hasn’t, and why sometimes the most successful drinks are the simplest. From how to make a better Amaretto Sour, to why great bars can thrive outside major cities, this conversation is full of sharp, honest, and empowering takeaways for bartenders and bar owners alike.🍸 What You'll LearnJeff’s journey from architecture student to world-renowned bartender and authorHow the cocktail landscape has shifted over three decadesWhy small cities can outperform major cocktail hubs with the right approachThe myth of “cool” cocktails — and why the most popular drinks shouldn’t be ignoredThe story behind The Bar Book and why it’s still one of the most recommended in the gameJeff’s thoughts on RTDs, gin overload, and emerging spirits trendsThe rise of bartender burnout — and why hospitality starts with taking care of yourselfGame-changing tools: batching, syrup ratios, and consistency tips from the trenchesThe difference between service and hospitality — and how to hire people who “get it”How to build drink menus that actually work — for your team and your guests🛠️ Resources Mentionedjeffreymorgenthaler.com – Jeff’s official website with blogs, recipes, and free toolssyrupcalc.com – Free syrup calculatorbatchcalc.com – Free batching calculatorThe Bar Book: Elements of Cocktail Technique by Jeffrey MorgenthalerDrinking Distilled: A User’s Manual by Jeffrey MorgenthalerRegarding Cocktails by Sasha PetraskeThe Joy of Mixology by Gary ReganCosmopolitan: A Bartender’s Life by Toby Cecchini📣 Perfect For:Bartenders looking to sharpen their skillsBar managers refining their training or menusBar owners in small markets trying to raise the standardAnyone tired of cocktail snobbery and ready to build great hospitality from the ground up📲 Connect with The Cocktail AcademyWebsite: www.thecocktailacademy.com Instagram: @welovecocktails TikTok: @welovecocktailsx Facebook: @welovecocktailsx Email: sayhello@thecocktailacademy.com📲 Connect with Jeffrey MorgenthalerInstagram: @jeffmorgen Website: jeffreymorgenthaler.com

In this episode of The Cocktail Academy Podcast, Damian sits down with spirits educator and founder of Flavor Camp™, Reece Sims a true innovator when it comes to helping people taste differently.Reece shares her winding path from marketing to bartending, blogging, sales, and finally launching her own immersive spirits education platform. She dives into the origins of Flavor Camp, explaining how her flavour-camp system simplifies the overwhelming world of spirits and empowers people to explore based on taste, not just category or branding.We cover:Reece’s unorthodox entry into bartending (with a little résumé creativity)Building a million-dollar cocktail kit business during the pandemicWhy most tastings are biased and how Flavor Camp flips the scriptThe structure of a Flavor Camp session, including gamified blind tastingsHow her marketing background shaped the business modelThe power of visual learning and why icons, colours, and simplified cues matterThis episode is a masterclass in combining creativity, sensory science, and hospitality experience to build something truly useful and fun.🛑 Want more? Stick around for The Lock-In — a bonus segment where we talk practical tasting tips, flavor fatigue, judging spirits, and some hot takes on overrated bottles. Available exclusively on thecocktailacademy.com📲 Connect with ReeceInstagram: @flavorcampPersonal: @reecesimsWebsite & Free Resources: www.flavorcamp.com📲 Connect with Damian / The Cocktail AcademyInstagram: @welovecocktailsTikTok & Facebook: @welovecocktailsxWebsite: www.thecocktailacademy.comEmail: sayhello@thecocktailacademy.com

In this episode, Damian sits down with one of the sharpest pens (and palates) in the cocktail world — Kara Newman. Known for her work as a spirits reviewer for Wine Enthusiast and her no-nonsense, consumer-friendly cocktail books, Kara shares the unique journey that took her from writing about pork belly futures to profiling the future of drinks.Together, they unpack the importance of equal-parts cocktails, the genius of batching, and why cocktail families are the real secret weapon behind classic and modern drinks. Kara also reflects on what she looks for when tasting spirits, the challenge of translating bartender intuition into writing, and why the rise of agave spirits (and even cheesy Dorito distillates) is reshaping what lands on our bar shelves.🧠 What You'll LearnHow Kara moved from finance journalism to becoming one of the most trusted voices in drinks writingWhy Shake. Stir. Sip. became a sleeper hit with both home bartenders and industry prosThe power of equal-parts cocktails for building flavor literacy and techniqueKara’s approach to blind spirits tasting — what makes a bottle stand out?The nuanced world of mezcal, destilados de agave, and why she’s careful when critiquing craftThe challenges and opportunities in the no- and low-alcohol space — including the hunt for new non-alcoholic "classics"A behind-the-scenes look at Kara’s writing process and what makes a good cocktail story stick🛠️ Kara’s Tools of the Trade📚 Books Mentioned:Shake. Stir. Sip. by Kara NewmanCocktails for a Crowd by Kara NewmanNightcap by Kara NewmanCocktail Codex by Death & CoRegarding Cocktails by Sasha Petraske & Georgette Moger-Petraske📦 Projects: Kara’s Cocktail Recipe Decks – A beautiful, accessible way to explore classics and creative riffs📲 Connect with Kara NewmanInstagram: @newman_karaBooks on Amazon: Search “Kara Newman” on AmazonArticles: Wine Enthusiast, Punch, Bloomberg, Food & Wine, and more🍸 Connect with The Cocktail AcademyInstagram: @welovecocktailsTikTok: @welovecocktailsxWebsite: www.thecocktailacademy.comPatreon: The Cocktail Academy Patreon🎧 Like What You Heard?If you found value in this episode, please consider:Subscribing to the showLeaving a quick reviewSharing with your fellow bartenders and spirits nerdsAnd don’t forget — the “Lock-In” bonus segment with Kara is available exclusively on Patreon, where we dive even deeper into upcoming spirits trends, bar media strategy, and what makes a bar memorable.

Marco Ortiz is the creator behind the wildly relatable @not_barspoontv — where bartender humor meets real talk about burnout, content creation, and bar culture. In this episode, Marco shares his unexpected path from med school hopeful to cocktail competition winner and full-time lead bartender, all while growing an online presence that connects with bartenders worldwide.We talk about what keeps bartenders in the game, how to spot burnout before it spirals, why cocktail education needs an overhaul, and the difference between content that’s helpful vs. content that’s just for show. If you work behind the stick or run a bar program, this one’s for you.🔥 What We CoverHow Marco balances bartending full-time while growing a loyal online followingThe surprising backstory of how a cocktail comp beat out a chemistry finalWhy creators need to stop chasing algorithms and start speaking honestlyMarco’s take on burnout — what it looks like, and how to avoid it🥃 Connect With UsFollow Marco: @not_barspoontv Say hello to Damian: sayhello@thecocktailacademy.comFollow Damian on Instagram @welovecocktails Support the show + access Lock-In bonus episodes: patreon.com/thecocktailacademy Learn more: www.thecocktailacademy.com

In this episode, Damian sits down with Keegan McGregor, 2024 World Class Global Bartender of the Year. Based in Halifax, Keegan shares the journey from touring musician to top-tier cocktail craftsman. They dive deep into how travel fuels his creativity, why he believes bartending is an expressive art form, and the surprising ingredients he's using to push Canadian cocktail culture forward. Expect sharp insights on competition prep, community, and why authenticity is the ultimate edge.📌 Topics CoveredFrom death metal gigs to global cocktail stagesWinning World Class: what changed the third timeWhy flavor is the ultimate creative starting pointHow Halifax and Newfoundland shaped his style“Taste the brand, not just the category” – advice for competitionsEmbracing mushrooms, seaweed, birch sap, and pawpawCancelling straws (for real)Why new bartenders need to collaborate, not competeThe most underrated ingredient behind the barBuilding better menus, training better staff💬 Standout Quotes“You don’t have to win World Class to grow—you just have to show up and be yourself.”“Taste the brand, not just the category. That’s how you win brand-led competitions.”“Straws are out. Let your nose do the work.”📚 Resources & MentionsBooks:Roundbuilding by Kevin ArmstrongDeath & Co (first edition)Meehan’s Bartender ManualThe Flavor MatrixThe Vegetarian Flavor BibleTechniques & Tools:Superjuice, yogurt clarification, mushroom infusionsTanqueray 10, Don Julio 1942, Johnny Walker BlueBars & Projects:Highwayman (Halifax)Three Sheets (London pop-up)Montreal Cocktail FestivalThe infamous “Screech-In” tradition explained👥 Connect with Keegan📸 Instagram: @keeganmakescocktails👋 Connect with The Cocktail Academy🌍 Website: www.thecocktailacademy.com 📸 Instagram: @welovecocktails 📧 Email: sayhello@thecocktailacademy.com 🎧 Support us on Patreon for bonus content & The Lock-In📣 Call to ActionIf you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, or leave a review wherever you listen. It helps more bartenders and cocktail lovers discover the show and grow with the community.

In this episode of The Cocktail Academy Podcast, Damian Cole sits down with Leandro DiMonriva — better known as The Educated Barfly — to explore what it really takes to combine bartending, content creation, and cocktail education at the highest level.Leandro shares his journey from LA’s bar scene to YouTube success, how he uses technique to elevate even the simplest cocktails, and why authenticity and consistency matter more than chasing trends. They also discuss his upcoming book Home Bartending Mastery and what sets it apart from today’s crowded cocktail book shelf.Whether you're a bartender, bar owner, or drinks educator, this episode is loaded with practical insights and hard-earned wisdom.🧠 Topics Covered:Leandro’s transition from bartender to YouTube creatorWhy technique makes or breaks a cocktailThe problem with original recipes and the myth of complexityWhat makes Home Bartending Mastery differentThe reality of creator burnout and staying inspiredNavigating brand partnerships and setting your value📘 Leandro’s BookHome Bartending Mastery – Coming October 2025 A beginner-friendly book that teaches how to make pro-quality drinks at home, with an emphasis on technique and balance.🔗 Connect with Leandro📺 YouTube: The Educated Barfly 📸 Instagram: @theeducatedbarfly 🎙️ Podcast: The Good Spirits Project (YouTube only)🔗 Connect with Damian & The Cocktail Academy🌐 Website: www.thecocktailacademy.com 📸 Instagram: @welovecocktails 📱 TikTok: @welovecocktailsx 📘 Facebook: @welovecocktailsx 🎙️ Patreon: patreon.com/thecocktailacademy 📧 Email: sayhello@thecocktailacademy.com🎙️ Enjoyed the episode? Leave a review, hit follow, and share it with your crew. Want more? Join us on Patreon for bonus episodes and deep-dive "Lock-In" sessions with hospitality's best and brightest.