In this episode of The Cocktail Academy Podcast, host Damian Cole sits down with Erick Castro — bartender, bar owner, and creator of the acclaimed Bartender at Large podcast — for a wide-ranging conversation that spans decades of hospitality, creative evolution, and the fundamentals of great bartending.

From scrubbing dishes as a teenager to launching industry-leading bars like Raised by Wolves and Gilly's, Erick shares his origin story, the pivotal moments that shaped his cocktail education, and why bartending is more demanding (and rewarding) than ever before.

This episode covers:

• Erick’s journey from beer-slinging nightclubs to craft cocktail institutions
• The early books and mentors that fueled his obsession with cocktails
• Why learning the classics is still the most important skill for new bartenders
• The rise of isolated acids, slushy machines, and the role of flavor depth
• How Bartender at Large became one of the world’s most loved cocktail podcasts
• Collaboration, creativity, and why hospitality must compete with smartphones
• The importance of hobbies and real-world inspiration in avoiding burnout

Whether you're a bartender, a bar owner, or a cocktail enthusiast, this episode is packed with advice, humor, and practical wisdom from one of the most respected voices in the industry.

🔗 Connect with Erick:

Instagram: @hungrybartender

Podcast: Bartender at Large

🔗 Connect with Damian:

Instagram: @welovecocktails

TikTok: @welovecocktailsx

Website: thecocktailacademy

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