Bartender at Large

In this episode, we sit down with Sammi Katz and Olivia McGiff, the author & illustrator of Spirited Women: Makers, Shakers, and Trailblazers in the World of Cocktails. Their book celebrates the groundbreaking women who have shaped the cocktail world, from bartenders and distillers to historians and writers. Sammi and Olivia also share insights into their research process and some of the incredible stories they uncovered.

Get the book: https://www.unionsquareandco.com/9781454944461/spirited-women-by-sammi-katz/

____________________________________

Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro, interviews some of the bar industry's top talents from around the world, including bartenders, distillers & authors. If you love cocktails & spirits then this award-winning podcast is just for you. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: Get early access to episodes, exclusive bonus episodes, special content and more: https://www.patreon.com/BartenderAtLarge WATCH OUR VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/bartenderatlarge

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Erick Castro: www.instagram.com/HungryBartender Bartender at Large: www.instagram.com/BartenderAtLarge

FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK: Erick Castro: https://www.tiktok.com/@hungrybartender?_t=ZT-8uBekAKOGwU&_r=1 Bartender at Large: www.tiktok.com/BartenderAtLarge

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: Erick Castro: www.twitter.com/HungryBartender Bartender at Large: www.twitter.com/BartendAtLarge

Join us for a conversation with Danil Nevsky, entrepreneur, bartender, and founder of Indie Bartender. In this episode, he shares his insights on independent bartending, brand collaborations, and the future of the industry. From creative cocktail development to building a personal brand, Danil offers invaluable advice for bartenders looking to break free from the traditional mold. Don't miss this inspiring discussion with one of the most dynamic voices in the cocktail world.

____________________________________

Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro, interviews some of the bar industry's top talents from around the world, including bartenders, distillers & authors. If you love cocktails & spirits then this award-winning podcast is just for you. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: Get early access to episodes, exclusive bonus episodes, special content and more: https://www.patreon.com/BartenderAtLarge

WATCH OUR VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/bartenderatlarge

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Erick Castro: www.instagram.com/HungryBartender Bartender at Large: www.instagram.com/BartenderAtLarge

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: Erick Castro: www.twitter.com/HungryBartender Bartender at Large: www.twitter.com/BartendAtLarge

Kaitlyn Stewart, the beverage powerhouse behind Likable Cocktails and a former World Class Global Bartender of the Year, joins the podcast to talk about making demystifying cocktails and making them more approachable for folks at home. With years of experience in the industry, Kaitlyn has built a platform that celebrates creativity, education, and a love for great drinks. We also dive into her journey from bartending champion to social media entrepreneur.

Perfect Purée: https://perfectpuree.com/foodservice/complimentary-samples/?utm_source=bartenderatlarge&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sampling202

____________________________________

Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro, interviews some of the bar industry's top talents from around the world, including bartenders, distillers & authors. If you love cocktails & spirits then this award-winning podcast is just for you. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: Get early access to episodes, exclusive bonus episodes, special content and more: https://www.patreon.com/BartenderAtLarge

WATCH OUR VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/bartenderatlarge

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Erick Castro: www.instagram.com/HungryBartender Bartender at Large: www.instagram.com/BartenderAtLarge

FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK: Erick Castro: https://www.tiktok.com/@hungrybartender Bartender at Large: https://www.tiktok.com/@bartenderatlarge

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: Erick Castro: www.twitter.com/HungryBartender Bartender at Large: www.twitter.com/BartendAtLarge

In this week's episode, Vinepair writer & host of Cocktail College, Tim Mckirdy shares his perspective on the state of the craft cocktail bar in 2025. This week, we dive deep into how innovative trends balanced with experience and price are reshaping the craft cocktail landscape. He highlights the delicate balance between classic cocktail traditions and modern experimentation. Throughout our conversation, Tim provides compelling insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the industry. Perfect Purée: https://perfectpuree.com/foodservice/complimentary-samples/?utm_source=bartenderatlarge&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sampling202

____________________________________

Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro, interviews some of the bar industry's top talents from around the world, including bartenders, distillers & authors. If you love cocktails & spirits then this award-winning podcast is just for you. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: Get early access to episodes, exclusive bonus episodes, special content and more: https://www.patreon.com/BartenderAtLarge

WATCH OUR VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/bartenderatlarge

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Erick Castro: www.instagram.com/HungryBartender Bartender at Large: www.instagram.com/BartenderAtLarge

FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK: Erick Castro: https://www.tiktok.com/@hungrybartender Bartender at Large: https://www.tiktok.com/@bartenderatlarge

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: Erick Castro: www.twitter.com/HungryBartender Bartender at Large: www.twitter.com/BartendAtLarge

Join us for an interview with Gilbert Marquez, the Global Brand Ambassador for Mezcal Ilegal. Marquez has been with the brand since its early days and played a key role in its rise to international acclaim. As a first-generation Mexican American, he is deeply committed to preserving Oaxaca's mezcal traditions, working closely with fourth-generation mezcaleros Armando and Alvaro Hernandez. Tune in for a conversation on heritage, innovation, and the future of mezcal. Perfect Purée: https://perfectpuree.com/foodservice/complimentary-samples/?utm_source=bartenderatlarge&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sampling202

____________________________________

Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro, interviews some of the bar industry's top talents from around the world, including bartenders, distillers & authors. If you love cocktails & spirits then this award-winning podcast is just for you. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: Get early access to episodes, exclusive bonus episodes, special content and more: https://www.patreon.com/BartenderAtLarge

WATCH OUR VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/bartenderatlarge

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Erick Castro: www.instagram.com/HungryBartender Bartender at Large: www.instagram.com/BartenderAtLarge

FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK: Erick Castro: https://www.tiktok.com/@hungrybartender Bartender at Large: https://www.tiktok.com/@bartenderatlarge

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: Erick Castro: www.twitter.com/HungryBartender Bartender at Large: www.twitter.com/BartendAtLarge

This week, we are joined by Edward Slingerland, author of Drunk: How We Sipped, Danced, and Stumbled Our Way to Civilization. Edward unpacks the fascinating role alcohol has played in shaping human society, from fostering social bonds to sparking creative breakthroughs. We explore how intoxication has influenced culture, cooperation, and innovation throughout history. Edward also challenges modern perceptions of drinking, offering a thought-provoking perspective on why humanity continues to embrace alcohol. Perfect Purée: https://perfectpuree.com/foodservice/complimentary-samples/?utm_source=bartenderatlarge&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sampling202

____________________________________

Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro, interviews some of the bar industry's top talents from around the world, including bartenders, distillers & authors. If you love cocktails & spirits then this award-winning podcast is just for you. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: Get early access to episodes, exclusive bonus episodes, special content and more: https://www.patreon.com/BartenderAtLarge

WATCH OUR VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/bartenderatlarge

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Erick Castro: www.instagram.com/HungryBartender Bartender at Large: www.instagram.com/BartenderAtLarge

FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK: Erick Castro: https://www.tiktok.com/@hungrybartender Bartender at Large: https://www.tiktok.com/@bartenderatlarge

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: Erick Castro: www.twitter.com/HungryBartender Bartender at Large: www.twitter.com/BartendAtLarge

In this episode, we chat with Chris Leavitt, the creative mind behind the social media sensation @NotJustABartender." Chris shares his mission to highlight the multifaceted lives and talents of bartenders beyond their work behind the bar. We discuss the inspiration behind his platform and how it's reshaping the way the industry and the public perceive hospitality professionals. Chris also dives into the challenges and rewards of how to make your mark in a crowded online media feed. ____________________________________

Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro, interviews some of the bar industry's top talents from around the world, including bartenders, distillers & authors. If you love cocktails & spirits then this award-winning podcast is just for you. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: Get early access to episodes, exclusive bonus episodes, special content and more: https://www.patreon.com/BartenderAtLarge

WATCH OUR VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/bartenderatlarge

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Erick Castro: www.instagram.com/HungryBartender Bartender at Large: www.instagram.com/BartenderAtLarge

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: Erick Castro: www.twitter.com/HungryBartender Bartender at Large: www.twitter.com/BartendAtLarge

Join us, as we chat with Lars Williams, the innovative mind behind Empirical Spirits, to explore the art and science of distillation. Lars delves into the creative process behind their latest creation, a unique cilantro spirit that pushes the boundaries of flavor. We discuss how Empirical Spirits blends culinary techniques and fermentation to craft their distinctive spirits. Lars shares insights into their philosophy of reimagining ingredients and breaking traditional rules of distillation.

____________________________________

Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro, interviews some of the bar industry's top talents from around the world, including bartenders, distillers & authors. If you love cocktails & spirits then this award-winning podcast is just for you. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: Get early access to episodes, exclusive bonus episodes, special content and more: https://www.patreon.com/BartenderAtLarge

WATCH OUR VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/bartenderatlarge

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Erick Castro: www.instagram.com/HungryBartender Bartender at Large: www.instagram.com/BartenderAtLarge

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: Erick Castro: www.twitter.com/HungryBartender Bartender at Large: www.twitter.com/BartendAtLarge

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Rodricks, CEO of Royal Tiger Whiskey (and full-time physician,) and Craig Henriques, the owner and second-generation master distiller of Ocean King Distillers in Goa, India. Together, they share the story behind Royal Tiger Whiskey and the intricate process of creating a spirit that reflects the heritage and flavors of India. Michael discusses balancing his career in medicine with his passion for whiskey, while Craig offers insights into his family's legacy in distillation. From innovative techniques to time-honored traditions, they reveal what sets their whiskey apart in a competitive market. Learn More: https://royaltigerwhisky.com ____________________________________

Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro, interviews some of the bar industry's top talents from around the world, including bartenders, distillers & authors. If you love cocktails & spirits then this award-winning podcast is just for you. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: Get early access to episodes, exclusive bonus episodes, special content and more: https://www.patreon.com/BartenderAtLarge

WATCH OUR VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/bartenderatlarge

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Erick Castro: www.instagram.com/HungryBartender Bartender at Large: www.instagram.com/BartenderAtLarge

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: Erick Castro: www.twitter.com/HungryBartender Bartender at Large: www.twitter.com/BartendAtLarge

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Cabrera, the former National LGBTQ+ Portfolio Ambassador for Bacardi. Chris shares his insights on advocating for trans rights and fostering inclusivity in the spirits industry. Tune in for a real conversation about representation, allyship, and the power of community.

____________________________________

Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro, interviews some of the bar industry's top talents from around the world, including bartenders, distillers & authors. If you love cocktails & spirits then this award-winning podcast is just for you. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: Get early access to episodes, exclusive bonus episodes, special content and more: https://www.patreon.com/BartenderAtLarge

WATCH OUR VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/bartenderatlarge

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Erick Castro: www.instagram.com/HungryBartender Bartender at Large: www.instagram.com/BartenderAtLarge

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: Erick Castro: www.twitter.com/HungryBartender Bartender at Large: www.twitter.com/BartendAtLarge