This episode of 3-Minute Bartender celebrates one of the most fascinating—and criminally underrated—cocktails of the early 20th century: the Blood and Sand. Named after a 1922 silent film about bullfighting, this drink is proof that sometimes the weirdest combinations create the biggest magic. Scotch, sweet vermouth, cherry liqueur, and orange juice might sound like a boozy identity crisis, but in the right hands, it’s a masterpiece.

And here’s the cherry on top—bartending legend Dale DeGroff himself joins us to share his thoughts on the Blood and Sand recipe. We’ll also dive into some Hollywood trivia, explore why this drink deserves a spot in your cocktail repertoire, and celebrate its resurgence in bars around the world.

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As he approaches the finish line on his latest book—a full-length novel, no less—Dan reflects on the rollercoaster ride of being a published author. The highs, the lows, and the myths people often get wrong—he lays it all bare. Plus, an in-depth dive into everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the Hot Toddy but didn’t know how to ask. And don’t miss the exciting details about a live podcast recording featuring Glen Howerton of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, happening January 29th in Venice, California.

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This episode dives into Cristalino, a fast-growing and unique tequila category celebrated for its combination of aged complexity and crystal-clear appearance. First introduced in Mexico in 2008 with Maestro Dobel Diamante, crafted by 11th-generation tequila maker and visionary Juan Domingo Beckmann, Cristalino has become a game-changer. It's growing three times faster than the overall tequila market and is projected to make up 7% of U.S. tequila sales by 2027.

Dan, Katia, and Brad are joined by Jaime Salas, Head of Agave Advocacy at Proximo Spirits—an expert who knows tequila inside and out. The episode features a lineup of standout brands, including Dobel Diamante, Cuervo, 1800, Gran Centenario, and Gran Coramino. Recorded at the iconic Corner Door in Culver City, CA, this is a spirited conversation you won’t want to miss.

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Dan reflects on the profound heartbreak of the recent Los Angeles fires, which left a trail of devastation across the city he calls home. He also speaks from the heart about the recent passing of his beloved dog, Buna, whose absence has left a void in his life. Buna was more than a companion—she was a source of joy, comfort, and unwavering loyalty. In the midst of unimaginable loss, his memories of her serve as a bittersweet reminder of resilience and the enduring power of love, even in the face of tragedy.

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We're kicking off 2025 in style with one of our most lively and enlightening episodes yet! The spotlight is on Japanese whisky, and Dan's got an all-star lineup of guests: world-renowned spirits guru Brad Japhe, Emmy-winning writer and comedian Tom Caltabiano, and Emmy-winning actor Dulé Hill—yes, the guy from The West Wing and Psych (and plenty of other gems).

The whiskies they're savoring? Only the finest: Hibiki Harmony, Nikka from the Barrel, Mars Iwai Komagatake, Kanosuke, and Chichibu. But it doesn’t stop there. The conversation takes a delightful turn into tap dancing, Winnie the Pooh, the genius of Douglas Adams, the Philly-New York sports rivalry, and even PBS.

It's a little bit of everything, wrapped up in one irresistible episode. Don’t miss it!

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It’s the end of the year. The magical season where every critic, pundit, and unemployed know-it-all crawls out of their hole to slap you in the face with lists. Oh, the lists. “Best of this.” “Most compelling that.” Like you’ve been wandering through 2024 in some kind of cultural fog, just praying for some random chump to come along and tell you which Taylor Swift song defined your existence.

What have you been doing all year? Living under a rock? Completely unaware of the Top Ten Ways to Make Your Coffee Taste Like Regret or the Most Overplayed Breakup Anthem That Made You Want to Gouge Your Ears Out? Clearly, you need saving. And here comes Dan, because he, too, is a sucker for this ridiculous yearly tradition.

So, fine—here’s his contribution to the nonsense: “The 63 Coolest Things About Drinking.” Why 63? Because lists with odd numbers are edgy now. So grab a drink, scroll through this thing, and let’s pretend this matters. If you can’t beat ‘em, at least you can toast to how stupid it all is. Cheers!

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Eggnog: the boozy holiday sweater you drink. A festive concoction born from the unholy union of eggs, cream, sugar, and whatever bottle of booze your uncle reaches for first. Traditionally spiked with rum, brandy, or bourbon (or all three if you’re aiming for a sleigh ride straight to DrunkyTown), this yuletide classic feels like a dessert, a drink, and a dare all at once.

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The Paper Plane is a drink so perfectly balanced, it could moonlight as a tightrope walker. Born in 2008 at the hands of NYC bar legend Sam Ross, this beauty is an equal-parts wonder: bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice, shaken into a frothy symphony of citrusy, bittersweet perfection. It’s light enough for summer, complex enough for winter, and just strong enough to make your in-laws semi-tolerable this holiday season. Served up in a coupe, it’s as sleek and stylish as its name implies. Buckle up for this high-flying edition of 3-Minute Bartender, where Dan takes the Paper Plane for a well-deserved spin.

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Oxnard, California—a charming, sun-drenched coastal town better known for its strawberries and surf than for spirits. But that’s changing, thanks to the arrival of one of the whisky world’s most celebrated figures. Enter John Campbell, a man who spent over 25 years crafting single malt masterpieces at the iconic Laphroaig Distillery on Islay, Scotland. Now? He’s trading briny peat and windswept moors for California sunshine and a bold new challenge at Sespe Creek Distillery.Campbell’s name is synonymous with whisky excellence, a guy who’s had his fingerprints all over some of the most beloved Scotch whiskies on the planet. And now, he’s bringing that same legendary skillset to a scrappy upstart distillery nestled in the agricultural heart of Ventura County. It’s a move that’s equal parts unexpected and inspired, and you better believe Dan had to see it for himself. In this episode, we’ll dive deep into John’s incredible journey—how a kid from Islay grew up surrounded by whisky lore, mastered the craft at one of Scotland’s most revered distilleries, and ended up transforming spirits in a sleepy California beach town. Plus, we’ll get an inside look at what he’s working on now at Sespe Creek and what’s next for this whisky pioneer turned SoCal trailblazer.

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We do our best to steer clear of politics on this show—unless, of course, the folks in Washington start tampering with our beloved booze. And it looks like that might be the case once Donald Trump returns to the Oval Office. During his first term, Trump slapped tariffs on imports that hammered the booze industry hard—unfortunately, not in the fun way. This time, he’s promising more of the same. In this episode, Dan dives into what happened last time, what’s likely ahead, and how we can fight back. Plus, “Drinks of the Week” featuring fresh gins from the always-creative Tamworth Distilling.

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