Barcode Mixer

In this episode, we sit down with Aistis, the mind behind Panamericano, the speakeasy-style cocktail bar known for showcasing spirits exclusively from across the Americas.

Aistis shares his incredible journey from Lithuania to Miami — including the life-changing moment he won a green card lottery that opened the door to a new chapter in the U.S. What started as a leap of faith turned into a career built on discipline, curiosity, and a deep respect for hospitality.

We dive into the philosophy behind Panamericano’s cocktail program — how limiting the back bar to spirits from North, Central, and South America sparks creativity rather than restriction. Aistis breaks down the balance between technical precision and storytelling, and how intention shapes every drink that leaves the bar.

We also explore:

The mindset required to grow in a competitive hospitality city like Miami

Why perspective matters more than hype

How identity influences creativity behind the bar

This conversation is about resilience, opportunity, and building something meaningful far from where you started.

A story of craft and cocktails done with purpose.

In this episode, we sit down with Phil and James, the founders of Aphlora Passion Flower Liqueur, a spirit distilled at Big Cypress Distillery that captures the wild, tropical soul of South Florida.

Childhood friends turned business partners, these two South Florida natives share the journey from growing up together to creating something truly original. What started as an idea rooted in curiosity and creativity became a beautifully crafted passion flower liqueur — floral, expressive, and unmistakably Floridian.

We talk about:

How Aphlora was born and why passion flower

The process of bringing a niche liqueur to life

Working with Big Cypress Distillery to refine and distill the product

The challenges of launching a spirits brand in today’s market

Redefining the “Florida Man” narrative through craftsmanship and intention

Phil and James prove that Florida isn’t just headlines and chaos — it’s innovation, culture, and artistry. This conversation is about friendship, risk, identity, and building something meaningful from the ground up.

South Florida roots. Real craftsmanship. A liqueur that tells a story.

In this episode, we sit down with Fernando Plata of Big Cypress Distillery to talk about his journey into the world of distillation, the passion behind craft spirits, and the wide range of products he’s helped create and develop.

Fernando shares how he first got introduced to distilling, the challenges and rewards of working in the craft spirits industry, and what makes the Big Cypress approach unique. From concept to bottle, we dive into the artistry, science, and storytelling behind each product he’s involved with.

Due to unexpected technical camera difficulties during recording, this episode takes on a unique visual twist. Instead of traditional footage, the conversation is presented through animation and comic-book-inspired visuals as an homage to classic Captain America-era cartoon storytelling. The result is a fun, nostalgic style that adds a creative layer to an already great conversation.

If you’re interested in craft spirits, entrepreneurship, or hearing how passion projects evolve into full-fledged brands, this episode delivers insight, personality, and a little vintage comic-book flair. Hope you enjoy. Cheers!

In this episode, we link up with Kayla for one of the most unconventional interviews we’ve done yet. Recorded while shooting pool, the conversation carries a laid-back, spontaneous energy that mirrors Kayla’s adventurous spirit and lifestyle.

Kayla shares her experience traveling across 16 countries in just 6 months, diving into the cultures, people, and unexpected lessons she encountered along the way. From meaningful conversations with strangers to moments of personal growth and perspective shifts, her journey became more than just travel — it became a catalyst for redefining how she wants to live her life.

Fresh back in Miami for only 48 hours, Kayla reflects on reverse culture shock, the emotional highs and lows of constant movement, and how traveling helped her realize she wants to fully pursue life as a digital nomad. We talk about what inspired that decision, the realities behind the lifestyle, and the challenges she now faces as she prepares to take her next steps toward living and working abroad again.

This episode is about curiosity, stepping outside comfort zones, and what happens when you give yourself permission to explore the world — and yourself — without limits. Hope you enjoy. Cheers!

In this episode, we sit down with Alex Velazquez from Kaori to talk about his journey behind the bar and the mindset that keeps him grounded in the industry. Alex breaks down his role at Kaori and gives us a peek into the philosophy and creativity behind parts of the cocktail menu.

We dive into how he first got into bartending, the importance of authenticity in hospitality, and why staying true to yourself matters in a fast-paced scene. Outside of the bar, Alex shares how he decompresses and resets through his workout routine and the discipline it brings into other areas of his life.

A conversation about craft, balance, and staying centered while chasing growth.

In this episode, we sit down with Harry Ortiz, bartender at Sra. Martinez, for a conversation that blends cocktails, cinema, and sound.Harry shares how movies played a huge role in shaping who he is—especially how James Bond influenced not just his taste, but his decision to step behind the bar. From suave on-screen moments to real-life hospitality, we break down how film helped mold his style and approach to bartending.We also touch on Harry’s lesser-known work behind the scenes as a sound guy on several films, talking about life on set, the importance of sound in storytelling, and how those experiences inform his creativity today.We wrap things up by nerding out over some of our favorite shows we’re currently watching and why good storytelling, whether on screen or in a glass, always matters. Hope you guys enjoy. Cheers

In this episode, we sit down with Anays Diaz from Spiribam for a full-on deep dive into the world of rhum agricole. What started as a conversation quickly turned into a spirited (pun intended) geek-out as we explored what makes rhum agricole so unique—from its raw material and production methods to its flavor profile and cultural significance.

If you’ve ever wondered how rhum agricole differs from traditional rum, why terroir matters, or why bartenders and spirits nerds hold it in such high regard, this episode is for you. Educational, passionate, and unapologetically nerdy, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone curious about rum beyond the basics.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• What rhum agricole is and how it differs from molasses-based rum

• The role of fresh sugarcane juice and terroir

• Production methods and regional influences

• Flavor profiles and how to approach tasting rhum agricole

• Why rhum agricole has such a devoted following in the spirits world

Whether you’re a bartender, spirits enthusiast, or just rum-curious, this episode delivers knowledge, context, and plenty of enthusiasm.

🎙️ Press play and nerd out with us

In this episode we sit down with the very talented Frankie Padilla. Frankie is the General Manager of Bistro 8 (Ohco), a modern Mexican restaurant with a French Bistro feel right in the heart of Little Havana. We talk about what it was like growing up in Miami, the changes we've seen good and not so good, and what appears to be the revival of one of Miami's most historic and beloved neighborhoods. We also have special guest Co-Host Eli Diaz from the Codígo De Barra Podcast, it's always fun when she's around. Hope you guys enjoy and see you next week. Cheers!

In this episode we kick off season 2 with Rebecca Quiñonez, the master mind behind Q Consulting Firm. Rebecca shares stories of how she went from humble beginnings to not only owning her own business but thriving in it. We explore both the beauty and the struggle, and the beauty within the struggle, of growing up as a first-generation American. She holds a wealth of information and is eager to share it with anyone that asks. Definitely no gate keeping here. Hope you enjoy. Cheers! 🥂

✨ NOW POURING: Build Your Own Lane
Our final episode of the 2025 run — before we return in 2026.

We close the chapter with Courtney Lane, an industry legend whose story is built, not borrowed. From small-town bar beginnings in Gainesville, Courtney worked her way through South Florida staples like Craft Social Club, Baby Jane, 1306, Wynwood Diner, and Employees Only — each stop shaping the next step.

We talk about:
• Earning your path through consistency and curiosity 🛣️
• The transition from behind the bar into spirits distribution & supply 📦
• How she paved her own way to becoming Director of Brand Strategy at Atian Gin 🍸

A fitting close to the season — a reminder that there’s no single blueprint. You build it, step by step, lane by lane.

We’ll see you in the next chapter.