The Cocktail Academy

In this week's episode of The Cocktail Academy Podcast, we're diving into the world of cocktail garnishes — from essential citrus twists to outrageous tiki showstoppers! Whether you’re a home bartender or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with tips to elevate your drink presentation and flavor.What You'll Learn:🍋 The Basics of Cocktail Garnishes: Why they matter and how they enhance flavor, aroma, and presentation.🌿 Essential Garnishes for Your Bar: Including citrus twists, herbs, and creative options.🔥 Show-Stopping Garnishes: Learn about flaming peels, whipped cream, and even quirky touches like plastic dinosaurs!💡 Pro Tips for Home Bartenders: From perfecting your citrus twists to preserving fresh herbs.🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid: Don't let wilted herbs, dried-out citrus, or garnish overload ruin your masterpiece.Featured Tips & Tricks:✅ How to master the perfect citrus twist✅ The secret to a flawless salt rim (hint: keep it outside the glass!)✅ Why a plastic dinosaur might just be your best garnish yetWhether you prefer minimalist elegance or tiki-inspired flair, this episode will help you add a professional touch to your cocktails. 🥂🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!💬 What’s the wildest cocktail garnish you’ve ever seen? Tag us @WeLoveCocktails on Instagram and TikTok!#CocktailAcademy #GarnishGoals #Mixology101 #DrinkLikeAPro #CocktailTips #HomeBartender #GarnishGame

In this episode of The Cocktail Academy Podcast, we’re breaking down one of the most fundamental questions in mixology: When should you shake, and when should you stir? Whether you're making a classic Martini, a refreshing Daiquiri, or a velvety Manhattan, getting this technique right can make or break your cocktail.🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ The science behind shaking and stirring – why they matter ✅ When to shake (hint: citrus, dairy, and eggs are involved!) ✅ When to stir (keep it silky and smooth for spirit-forward drinks) ✅ How dilution, aeration, and temperature impact flavor & texture ✅ The biggest mistakes people make when mixing cocktails (and how to avoid them!) ✅ Ice matters! Learn why not all ice is created equal ✅ The truth about James Bond’s Vesper Martini – why he got it wrong 🍸🤫 ✅ Pro tips on mastering the perfect shake and stir techniques📖 Essential Resources Mentioned: 📚 Liquid Intelligence by Dave Arnold 📚 The Bar Book by Jeffrey MorgenthalerSo whether you're a home bartender looking to elevate your cocktail game or a seasoned pro refining your technique, this episode has everything you need to master the art of mixing drinks like a pro.👉 Listen now, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!💬 Join the Conversation: Got a cocktail question? Want to show off your perfect shaken or stirred creation? Tag us on Instagram @WeLoveCocktails and let us know! 🍹#CocktailAcademy #ShakenOrStirred #Mixology101 #CocktailTechniques #BartenderTips #CocktailScience #Drinkstagram #HomeBartender

In this episode, we’re diving deep into one of the most iconic cocktails of all time – The Margarita. From its mysterious origins to its pop culture rise, we’re tracing the evolution of this tequila classic. We also break down the classic vs. modern variations, explore the spicy margarita phenomenon, and uncover the secret tips that take a margarita from good to unforgettable.Whether you're a Tommy’s Margarita purist or love a mezcal twist, this episode has something for every margarita fan. Plus, we give you the lowdown on salt rims, tequila selection, and essential techniques to master your margarita game at home.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ The mystery behind the Margarita’s origin – Who really invented it?✅ How tequila’s boom in the US helped shape the cocktail’s global success.✅ The rise of frozen margaritas – Game-changer or lazy bartending?✅ The spicy margarita takeover – The most popular riff in modern mixology.✅ Classic vs. Tommy’s Margarita – Are you team Cointreau or team Agave?✅ Margarita variations you need to try – Blood Orange, Mezcal, Watermelon & more!✅ Expert tips on tequila, citrus, salt rims, and unexpected margarita hacks.Cocktail Shoutouts & Mentions:🍹 Classic Margarita – Tequila, Cointreau, lime, salt rim. Perfection.🔥 Tommy’s Margarita – No orange liqueur, just agave syrup magic.🌶️ Spicy Margarita – The modern icon. Jalapeño infused tequila + heat.🥃 Toreador – The Margarita’s apricot-laced cousin.🍍 Beach Fire Margarita – A mezcal & tequila hybrid with smoky depth.Want to Level Up Your Margarita Game?📌 Follow Caitlin Stewart (@likablecocktails) for top-tier margarita riffs.📌 Listen back to our Julio Bermejo episode for Tommy’s Margarita history.📌 Try making your own salt or MSG solution for next-level flavor!Join the Conversation:What’s your ultimate margarita variation? Are you team Classic or Tommy’s?Drop your thoughts in the comments, DM us, or leave us a 5-star review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐📲 Follow us on:Instagram: @welovecocktailsTikTok: @welovecocktailsxFacebook: The Cocktail Academy🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Available now on all podcast platforms!🥂 Here’s to the Margarita – a cocktail with a past as bold as its future! 🍋🔥

This week on the Cocktail Academy Podcast, we’re diving into the beautiful fusion of coffee and cocktails—two of the world’s most beloved beverages. From bold espresso martinis to tiki-style coffee drinks, we explore how coffee has shaped the cocktail world and why this trend is here to stay.☕ What’s in the mix?✅ A deep dive into the history of coffee in cocktails – from the 1800s to today✅ The Irish Coffee effect and why this drink became a global icon✅ How Dick Bradsell changed the game with the Espresso Martini✅ The rise of craft coffee culture and its crossover into mixology✅ Some of the best coffee-based spirits and liqueurs (spoiler: Mr. Black is worth every penny)✅ Must-try coffee cocktails beyond the Espresso Martini – from the Spanish Carajillo to the bold RevolverCoffee lovers, cocktail geeks, and caffeine-fueled mixologists—this one's for you! Whether you're a barista, a bartender, or just someone who enjoys a great coffee cocktail at home, this episode has plenty of inspiration.💬 Got a go-to coffee cocktail? We want to hear about it! Share your recipes and favorites over on @WeLoveCocktails on Instagram or Cocktail Academy on Facebook.🎧 Listen now & give us a rating if you love what you hear!#CocktailAcademy #CoffeeCocktails #EspressoMartini #IrishCoffee #MrBlack #CoffeeLovers #Mixology #CocktailTrends

This week, Damian sits down with one of the most innovative minds in the cocktail industry, Ryan Chetiyawardana (aka Mr. Lyan). Renowned for challenging conventions and pioneering some of the world’s most groundbreaking cocktail bars, Ryan takes us on a deep dive into his journey from chef to bartender, the philosophy behind his award-winning bars, and his approach to sustainability, flavor, and creativity.From ripping up the rulebook with White Lyan (the first cocktail bar to remove ice, citrus, and perishables) to his new Irish whiskey project, Fierfield, Ryan shares his insights on how bartenders can break boundaries and make drinks that truly connect with people.What We Cover in This Episode🍸 Ryan’s Journey – How he transitioned from the kitchen to the bar and what drew him to cocktails.🔥 White Lyan & Challenging Cocktail Traditions – The radical concept behind White Lyan and why it became a game-changer.🌍 Sustainability in Bars – Why sustainability is more than just cutting food waste and how bars can make a real impact.🏆 Winning ‘World’s Best Bar’ (Three Times!) – What it takes to lead an award-winning bar and how the industry has evolved.🥃 Firefield – A New Take on Irish Whiskey – How Ryan is rethinking whiskey by blending tradition with innovative infusions.📖 Masterclass & Making Cocktails More Accessible – His experience teaching cocktail creation and making mixology easy for everyone.🍵 Underrated & Overrated Cocktail Ingredients – Why tea is a must-have and why fresh strawberries might be overrated.🚀 Advice for Bartenders & Hospitality Pros – Finding your unique path in the industry and embracing your passions.Key Takeaways✔️ The best cocktail bars challenge conventions while staying rooted in hospitality.✔️ Sustainability is about more than just food waste—it’s about industry-wide change.✔️ Cocktails should be fun, engaging, and made for everyone, not just the elite.✔️ The best bartenders understand flavors, storytelling, and human connection.Guest Links & Recommendations🔗 Follow Ryan Chetiyawardana – @MrLyan🔗 Explore Ryan’s Bars & Projects – Mr. Lyan Website📖 Ryan’s Books – Good Things to Drink & Good Things to Mix📺 Masterclass – Watch Ryan’s cocktail course alongside Lynette Marrero🥃 Firefield Whiskey – Ryan’s latest Irish whiskey project with JJ Corry📚 Book Recommendations: The Bartender’s Manual (Jim Meehan), Flavorama (Dr. Arielle Johnson)#CocktailAcademy #RyanChetiyawardana #MrLyan #CocktailPodcast #Mixology #BartenderLife #SustainableCocktails #WhiskeyInnovation

Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Cocktail Academy Podcast! This week, Damian dives into a topic near and dear to his heart: cocktail books. From gateway guides to advanced manuals, Damian shares some of his favorite reads that have shaped his bartending journey and helped him perfect his craft. Whether you're a home enthusiast, aspiring bartender, or industry pro, this episode has a book recommendation for everyone.What to Expect🔖 Why Cocktail Books Matter – Damian’s personal journey with cocktail literature and how it shaped his career.📚 Essential Reads for Every Level – Recommendations for beginners, seasoned pros, and cocktail history buffs alike.🛠️ Techniques & Tips – Highlighting books that focus on technique, flavor balancing, and even ice mastery.💡 For the Cocktail Nerds – Discover the science behind cocktails and how to push boundaries with innovative ideas.🎉 Personal Favorites – Damian’s all-time favorite cocktail book and the stories behind why it resonates.Featured BooksThe Craft of the Cocktail by Dale DeGroff – Damian’s gateway cocktail book. Perfect for enthusiasts and professionals alike.The Bar Book by Jeffrey Morgenthaler – A must-have for mastering technique and efficiency.Imbibe! by David Wondrich – The definitive history of cocktails through the lens of Jerry Thomas.The Bartender’s Manifesto by Toby Maloney – Elevate your creativity and design cocktails with intention.Liquid Intelligence by Dave Arnold – A deep dive into the science and innovation behind great cocktails.The Ice Book by Camper English – Everything you need to know about crafting and mastering ice.Episode Highlights🌟 The first cocktail book Damian ever bought and why it’s still a go-to today.🌟 Books that blend storytelling with technique for beginners and seasoned bartenders.🌟 Why ice is the soul of a drink and the book that demystifies it.🌟 How books like Liquid Intelligence and The Bartender’s Manifesto push the boundaries of modern mixology.🌟 Damian’s call to action: share your favorite cocktail books with him!Connect with Us📸 Instagram: @WeLoveCocktails🎥 TikTok: @WeLoveCocktailsx📩 Email: sayhello@thecocktailacademy.com

In this episode, host Damian Cole sits down with Raf Agapito, founder of FUBA Cachaça and owner of Copa Lisboa, to explore the rich history, unique production methods, and versatility of Brazil's iconic spirit, cachaça. From childhood memories of making caipirinhas to running a world-class cocktail bar in Lisbon, Raf shares his journey and passion for this underappreciated spirit.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🇧🇷 What is Cachaça?: Learn how this sugarcane-based spirit differs from rum and why it’s the most diverse spirit in the world.🍹 Making the Perfect Caipirinha: Raf’s step-by-step guide to Brazil’s national cocktail, with tips for home bartenders.🌱 The Art of Sustainability: Why cachaça’s terroir and regional diversity make it truly unique.🌟 The Journey of FUBA: From a family idea to an award-winning cachaça brand.🌍 Cachaça Culture Worldwide: How Raf is expanding the global appreciation of cachaça through education and innovation.Key Takeaways:Cachaça’s Unique Identity: Made from fresh sugarcane juice, not molasses, cachaça offers a distinct, fruity, and earthy flavor profile.Diversity in Every Sip: With over 40 types of Brazilian wood for aging and countless regional styles, no two cachaças are the same.Perfecting the Caipirinha: Stick to simplicity—lime, sugar, and cachaça, but don’t be afraid to experiment with fruits or bitters.FUBA’s Global Mission: Raf’s dedication to bringing premium cachaça to the world and showing its versatility beyond caipirinhas.Cachaça as a Lifestyle: With only 2% of Brazil’s cachaça exported, the untapped potential for global markets is immense.Cocktail Tips from Raf:Lime Matters: Use fresh, juicy limes and lightly muddle to release essential oils.Sugar Options: Try caster sugar, syrups, or even honey for different profiles.Experimentation is Key: Add passion fruit, bitters, or other fruits to elevate your caipirinhas.Don’t Pulverize: Muddle gently to avoid bitterness from the lime peel.Use Quality Cachaça: A great caipirinha starts with a quality base spirit like FUBA.Connect with Raf & Copa Lisboa:👉 Instagram: @rafuba👉 Copa Lisboa: @CopaLisboaConnect with Damian:Instagram, TikTok, Facebook

Episode Highlights:Join host Damian Cole as he kicks off 2025 with predictions for the biggest cocktail and bar trends of the year. After a festive break and a well-earned third-place finish at the Irish Podcast Awards, the Cocktail Academy Podcast is back and ready to dive into what’s next for the cocktail world. From hyper-local menus to immersive bar experiences, this episode covers it all!What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🍸 Hyper-local cocktail menus: How sustainability and local ingredients are shaping the future of bar menus.🥂 The rise of moderation: Why low- and no-alcohol drinks are here to stay.☕ Coffee and chocolate cocktails: Why these indulgent flavors are making waves.🌵 The agave boom: Tequila, mezcal, and beyond—exploring the expanding world of agave spirits.🎮 Immersive bar experiences: From gamified bars to silent reading clubs, discover how venues are leveling up.Key Takeaways:Sustainability matters: Hyper-local ingredients and seasonal menus are transforming the industry.The future is low-ABV: Non-alcoholic spirits like Seedlip and creative mocktails are gaining ground.Flavor trends: Coffee, chocolate, and umami flavors are set to dominate the cocktail scene.Agave diversity: Move over tequila—mezcal, sotol, and raicilla are ready for their spotlight.Immersive experiences rule: Bars are creating unique environments to engage and delight customers.Damian’s Tips for Home Bartenders:Visit local farmers' markets for unique, sustainable ingredients.Experiment with zero-proof spirits and teas to craft creative non-alcoholic drinks.Don’t overlook coffee and chocolate for your next cocktail experiment.Try Damian’s favorite chocolate Negroni recipe: it’s a game-changer!Connect with Damian:👉 Instagram: @WeLoveCocktails👉 TikTok: @WeLoveCocktailsX👉 Facebook: The Cocktail Academy