Best Champagne Martinis Podcasts (2024)

1
The Daisy 1:09:51

7d ago1:09:51

1:09:51

Marshall Minaya, beverage director at New York’s Valerie, Madame George, and Lolita, joins us today to pick the petals off the surprisingly intricate cocktail — and category of cocktails — that is The Daisy. Since the late 19th century, Daisies have taken on so many different guises — embraced such a wide range of base spirits and formulas — that a…

1
Reimagining Classic Cocktails With Tequila 53:22

8d ago53:22

53:22

Manuel "Manny" De Avila, the Los Angeles based brand ambassador for Don Julio, joins us today to examine why there are relatively few classic tequila cocktails, and explain how to reimagine classics made with other spirits using tequila. Listen on, or read below, to learn Manny's recipes — and don't forget to like, review, and subscribe! Tequila Wh…

1
703: The Art of Enough with Becky Hall 48:06

15d ago48:06

48:06

The Art of Enough with Becky Hall Today's episode is with Lenore Becky Hall. Becky Hall is an EMCC registered senior practitioner executive coach, leadership consultant and facilitator with over 20 years’ experience working with senior leaders and executive teams around the globe. In Becky’s most recent book, The Art of Enough, she explores the unp…

1
The (Re)Manhattan 1:02:00

15d ago1:02:00

1:02:00

Sebastian Tollius, beverage director of New York's Eleven Madison Park, joins us today to re-examine one of the world's most iconic cocktails: the Manhattan. More than 100 episodes have passed since we first covered this drink, and on this go-round, we're diving into both bourbon and rye recipes, modern interpretations, dubious histories, cocktail …

1
The Champagne Cocktail 1:04:04

22d ago1:04:04

1:04:04

Cocktail or category of cocktails? That’s the big debate at Cocktail College today, as we welcome Amy Racine, the beverage director for JF Restaurants, to explore the Champagne Cocktail. The IBA classes today’s drink as a “contemporary classic,” listing its ingredients as chilled Champagne, Cognac, Angostura bitters, a sugar cube, and — curiously —…

1
The Bijou 58:41

29d ago58:41

58:41

Diamonds, rubies, and emeralds in a glass? That's right, it's The Bijou — a one-stop shop for those seeking boozy, stirred, "up" cocktails, and another use for that bottle of Green Chartreuse you spent so long hunting down. Here to give us the virtual low-down is Adam Fournier, beverage director of Spago Beverly Hills. Listen on, or read below, to …

1
702: Investing in Diversity and Innovation with Lenore Champagne Beirne 35:09

29d ago35:09

35:09

Investing in Diversity and Innovation with Lenore Champagne Beirne Today's episode is with Lenore Champagne Beirne. Lenore is is the Founder and Managing Partner of Bright Ventures, a Black woman-led fund and strategic advisory firm. Bright Ventures is on a mission to build the next generation of the inclusive economy through coaching, community, a…

1
Flair Bartending 1:01:18

1M ago1:01:18

1:01:18

We're diving into the history, styles, community, and culture of flair bartending today, with Lindsay Palumbo, a certified flair bartender, instructor, and competitor who plies her trade at the Circa Hotel and Casino on Las Vegas’s Fremont Street. Listen on for Blue Blazers, TGI Fridays, and a certain actor with the initials TC — and don't forget t…

1
701: Journey to Your Authentic Self with Paru Radia 53:06

1M ago53:06

53:06

Journey to Your Authentic Self with Paru Radia Today's episode is with Paru Radia. Paru is rare! Most people fall into one camp as either left brained or right brained. Paru, however, has always mixed her logical side with her creative side to thrive while navigating challenging environments, whether it be in the corporate world or as a founder and…

1
Vintage Cocktails 1:14:26

2M ago1:14:26

1:14:26

Joining us on Cocktail College today is Aaron Goldfarb, a longtime VinePair contributor and author of the recently released “Dusty Booze: In Search of Vintage Spirits.” As the names of both today’s episode and Aaron’s newest book suggest, this episode will take us on a historical deep dive, and shed light on one of the most fascinating facets of mo…

1
700: Creating Human-Centered Workplaces with Angela R. Howard 40:20

2M ago40:20

40:20

Creating Human-Centered Workplaces with Angela R. Howard Today's episode is with Angela R. Howard. Angela is a changemaker and expert in workplace culture transformation. As the founder of Call for Culture, she focuses on creating human-centered workplaces that support thriving businesses and empowered employees. Her approach is data-driven and gro…

1
The Vodka Martini 1:16:28

2M ago1:16:28

1:16:28

Fred Astaire in a glass? That’s right folks, it’s the world’s most underrated cocktail, serially disregarded by “serious” drinkers. But not us — not here at Cocktail College! To the Vodka Martini, we’re devoting more than an hour of hot takes, technical insight, and cultural analysis with none other than Tony Abou-Ganim. Calling in from Las Vegas, …

1
The Fog Cutter (Live from Sunken Harbor Club) 1:00:42

2M ago1:00:42

1:00:42

Live from Brooklyn’s Sunken Harbor Club, we proudly present: The Fog Cutter… and so much more! That’s right, it’s an episode of firsts and threes: the first Cocktail College recorded in front of a (sell-out) crowd; our first time featuring three guests (and audience questions); not one, not two, but three cocktails (at least one of which contains t…

1
Techniques: Punches 1:08:52

2M ago1:08:52

1:08:52

It's another historical deep dive today, as we cast our gaze hundreds of years into the past to explore punches, something the Oxford Companion to Spirits & Cocktails describes as "the foundational drink of modern mixology and the first mixed drink based on spirits to gain global popularity.” Helping us do so is Tural Hasanov, the director of Arts …

1
699: How to Develop Wellness at Work with Lívia de Bastos Martini 41:20

2M ago41:20

41:20

How to Develop Wellness at Work with Lívia de Bastos Martini Today's episode is with Lívia de Bastos Martini. Lívia is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in wellness and employee health strategies. As an expert in corporate wellness, she has been instrumental in developing and implementing programs that enhance employee well-being an…

1
The (Re)Espresso Martini 1:12:22

2M ago1:12:22

1:12:22

In the two years since we first covered the Espresso Martini, precious little has changed on the drink’s popularity front. In fact, it’s probably more popular now than ever. On reflection, this should come as no surprise, and today we’re joined by Stephen Kurpinsky — Mr. Black’s long-time U.S. brand ambassador — to learn exactly why that’s the case…

1
The Vesper (re-run) 54:32

3M ago54:32

54:32

We’re stepping into the time machine today and digging deep into the Cocktail College vaults, as we resurface our conversation on the Vesper. Little did we know it when we first recorded this episode, but the Vesper has been on something of a quiet tear in recent times, with bartenders building on the Martini trend and lending their interpretations…

1
The Tuxedo 1:05:59

3M ago1:05:59

1:05:59

The Tuxedo is a complex cocktail in many different ways, but primarily because it has a number of… well, numbered variations, the most well-known of which contains sherry, which is a whole different category of variations itself. Luckily enough for us, we’re joined by the wonderful tutor (and bartender!) Kat Foster, an EMP alum and bar manager of B…

1
698: Bridging Intuition and Science with Dr. Liz Letchford 46:40

3M ago46:40

46:40

Bridging Intuition and Science with Dr. Liz Letchford Today's episode is with Dr. Liz Letchford. Dr. Letchford is a mentor, coach, clinician, researcher, and artist with a background in sports medicine and a PhD in Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science. She focuses on health and movement through emotional wellness, combining science and intuition …

1
697: Discovering Mobile Home Park Investing with Charlotte Dunford 31:02

3M ago31:02

31:02

Discovering Mobile Home Park Investing with Charlotte Dunford Today's episode is with Charlotte Dunford. She is the driving force behind Johns Creek Capital. With her expertise in the real estate investment landscape, Charlotte has established herself as a prominent figure, managing an impressive $5 million in Assets Under Management (AUM) across 2…

1
The 20th Century Cocktail 53:00

3M ago53:00

53:00

Named after "the most famous train in the world," today's drink sees us head to London with significant stops in New York and Chicago, as we explore the 20th Century Cocktail. Joining us to do so is Meredith Barry, the co-owner and operator of Platypus and New Society in St. Louis. Listen on (or read below) to discover Meredith’s 20th Century Cockt…

1
The Saturn 1:12:39

3M ago1:12:39

1:12:39

In this planetary edition of Cocktail College, we’re joined by Ray Sakover to embark on a deep space exploration of The Saturn. Ray is the co-owner of New York’s recently opened Paradise Lost, and the cocktail in question is a lesser-known, gin-based blended tiki concoction. Listen on (or read below) to discover Ray’s Saturn recipe, and don’t forge…

1
696: Discovering Identity and Turnkey Real Estate Investing with Matt Bowles 49:04

4M ago49:04

49:04

Discovering Identity and Turnkey Real Estate Investing with Matt Bowles Today's episode is with Matt Bowles. Matt Bowles co-founded Maverick Investor Group in 2007 as a fully-remote real estate brokerage to help you buy "turnkey" rental properties in the best U.S. real estate markets from anywhere. Matt and his co-founders at Maverick have helped i…

1
The (Re)Margarita 1:01:19

4M ago1:01:19

1:01:19

We’re revisiting one of the world’s (and certainly America’s) most beloved cocktails with Maxwell Reis, beverage director at Los Angeles’ Mírate, and VinePair 50 and VinePair Next Wave Awards winner. Prepare to learn all about his distinct approach to the Margarita, and get ready to reconsider all things agave, from syrup to spirits. Listen on (or …

1
Season’s Greetings! 2:23

4M ago2:23

2:23

During this holiday week, a quick season’s greetings from everyone here at Cocktail College and the VinePair HQ. See you next year, as we return to our regular programming on Jan 4th! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
The Martinez 44:47

4M ago44:47

44:47

A bonafide West Coast classic — one whose history is pretty agreed upon — the Martinez holds a very important place in cocktail history, as many believe it to be the bridge between the Manhattan and the Martini. But it’s so much more than that, and a drink deserving of a standalone episode. So here we are! Joining us is San Francisco local Nicolas …

1
The Gin Rickey 51:22

4M ago51:22

51:22

In Washington D.C., the Gin Rickey is not so much a preferred drink but part of the city’s cultural fabric. It is here, history and booze historians tell us, that gin cemented its status as the signature spirit of lime-scented highballs, before winning the hearts and palates of the social and political elite. Here to tell us how it did so, and why …

1
695: A Woman's Guide to Claiming Space with Eliza VanCort 32:45

4M ago32:45

32:45

A Woman's Guide to Claiming Space with Eliza VanCort Today's episode is with Eliza VanCort. After enduring traumatic kidnappings as a child and then surviving a life-altering bicycle accident as an adult, Eliza VanCort has become a #1 bestselling author, renowned speaker, top podcaster and sought-after consultant. Utilizing her academic expertise a…

1
El Capitán 56:54

5M ago56:54

56:54

In simple terms, El Capitán is a Manhattan made with Pisco and garnished with an olive. As is so often the case, though, it’s worth noting that this drink is also so much more than that. El Capitán is a snapshot of Peruvian history — a celebration of the country’s iconic national spirit. Here to divulge more and dive deeper into all of the above, i…

1
694: Growing From Leader to Legacy Builder with Mark Mears 1:00:06

5M ago1:00:06

1:00:06

Growing From Leader to Legacy Builder with Mark Mears Today's episode is with Mark Mears. Mark A. Mears is a #1 Best Selling author, keynote speaker, consultant, and visionary business leader. He has a significant track record of building shareholder value. He has driven innovation and profitable growth among world-class, high-profile brands such a…

1
The New York Sour 34:18

5M ago34:18

34:18

It’s a whiskey sour with a red wine float — but it’s also so much more than that. With various different preparations in modern mixology, the New York Sour is also strange in that it's gone by many monikers over the years, and despite what we now call it, its creation holds little or no ties to the Big Apple. Here to explore the New York Sour with …

1
Can Unions and Cocktail Bars Mix? 1:05:48

5M ago1:05:48

1:05:48

Very recently (at the time of publishing, at least), the topic of organizing labor came up unexpectedly in the bar industry, as workers at one of the country’s most notable craft cocktail spots announced their intention to unionize. We’re not going to dig too deep into the specifics of that effort, though we will touch upon it throughout the episod…

1
693: Preparing for Battle in an Evolving In The Business World with Chad Price 44:45

5M ago44:45

44:45

Preparing For Battle with Chad Price Today's episode is with Chad Price. Chad is a seasoned serial entrepreneur with an impressive track record spanning over a decade. He founded Kettlebell Kings from scratch and orchestrated a remarkable 3 year multi-million dollar acquisition back in November of 2021. Today, it stands tall as a thriving internati…

1
Techniques: Clarification 1:01:10

6M ago1:01:10

1:01:10

It’s our most ambitious techniques episode to date. It involves chemicals, special — and fairly pricy — equipment, and a not insignificant investment in time and effort. But don’t worry, listener, because not only do we have the perfect guest to explain the technique and hold our hands throughout the process, but he’s also devised a home bartender …

1
The American Trilogy (re-run) 1:06:14

6M ago1:06:14

1:06:14

We're diving into the archives today at Cocktail College as we resurface an episode and cocktail we think you might have missed first go around: The American Trilogy. We're exploring it with the Applejack-based drink's co-creator, and owner of New York’s Dutch Kills bar and Hundredweight Ice Company, Richie Boccato. Listen on to learn the story beh…

1
The Hanky Panky 49:25

6M ago49:25

49:25

Stirred, boozy, and beloved by bartenders across the globe, the Hanky Panky feels like a modern creation but it's steeped in history, having been created over 100 years ago by Ada "Coley" Coleman at the American Bar at the Savoy hotel. Here to join us today and share his expertise on the drink is Ektoras Binikos, a New-York-based long-time industry…

1
692: Hair Pride and Inclusivity in Hollywood with Shalita Grant 47:57

6M ago47:57

47:57

Hair Pride and Inclusivity in Hollywood with Shalita Grant Tony-nominated actress Shalita Grant publicly quit a popular television show after suffering from traction alopecia, thinning hair, and breakage in front of an audience of millions. A year and a half later, she created a patent-pending plant-based hair treatment that solved every one of her…

1
The (Re)Piña Colada 51:08

6M ago51:08

51:08

People often describe the holy trinity of tropical drink ingredients as being rum, lime, and sugar. But with an irresistible mix of rum, pineapple, and coconut, the Piña Colada enters the chat and challenges that title. Such is its appeal and renown, the Piña Colada has been the national drink of Puerto Rico since 1978, with not one but two bars cl…

1
The Carajillo 35:22

7M ago35:22

35:22

Coffee-based digestif cocktail but make it two-ingredient and simple to serve: it is, of course, the Carajillo. Literally, all you need for this one is freshly pulled espresso, Licor 43, decent ice, and a good shaking arm. Here to explain how to bring all of that together is Tito Pin Perez, creative director of Mexico City's Rayo cocktail bar. List…

1
691: Why Accepting Adversity Drives Power and Freedom with Samreen McGregor 43:27

6M ago43:27

43:27

Why Accepting Adversity Drives Power and Freedom with Samreen McGregor Samreen McGregor is an executive coach who has worked globally with senior leaders and teams across industry sectors. With a unique ability to create the conditions leaders need to stretch beyond their existing capabilities, her interventions lie in a unique cross-section betwee…

1
The Winchester 1:10:29

7M ago1:10:29

1:10:29

It’s been described as “the first and best cocktail of the 21st century to push the boundaries of classic tiki,” and also, simply, “A hell of a good drink.” It’s The Winchester (and the Double Barrel Winchester) and we’re diving into it with creator and returning friend of the show, Brian Miller. Listen on (or read below) to discover the recipe — a…

1
The Batanga 1:03:05

7M ago1:03:05

1:03:05

The Batanga, or charro negro as it’s more commonly known across Mexico, is a simple combination of tequila, lime and coke. Despite the simplicity of its composition, that doesn’t mean we can’t do the deep dive on the drink we typically do here at Cocktail College. This is a beverage with rich national significance, that requires careful considerati…

1
The Warday's 54:44

7M ago54:44

54:44

The genre of split-base classic cocktails is a lot thinner than you might imagine. And, honestly, it’s questionable whether today’s drink, The Warday’s, can even be considered a classic, such is its relative anonymity. But it is past time you get to know this 1930s gin and apple brandy mashup. Here to explore it with us is Eryn Reece, a New York-ba…

1
The (Re)Martini 1:09:54

7M ago1:09:54

1:09:54

It's Mr. David Wondrich. It's the Martini. And this ain't no riff or re-run. Instead, we're revisiting this most iconic of classics at Cocktail College, and we're doing so with one of the biggest names in the business. For decades, Wondrich has been at the forefront of chronicling and uncovering cocktail history. He is a James Beard Award-winning a…

1
690. Understanding the 32 Principles by Rener Gracie with Paul Volponi 44:30

7M ago44:30

44:30

Understanding the 32 Principles by Rener Gracie with Paul Volponi Paul Volponi is the award-winning author of 20 books including Phyllis George: Shattering the Ceiling (a nonfiction biography), and the novels The Final Four (on the NYC Chancellor’s reading list NYC Reads 365), Top Prospect (part of Scholastic’s nationwide book club), and Black and …

1
What Ever Happened to the ‘Beer Cocktail Boom’? 1:05:44

8M ago1:05:44

1:05:44

Take yourself back, listener, to the early 2010s. Craft beer has reached a crescendo. The cocktail movement has fully established itself. And so, for the better part of a decade, “beer cocktails” were being dangled as a dazzling new hybrid form of mixed drinks that might take on. That was the idea, at least. But then…well, it never really took off.…

1
Episode 100 Special: (Re)Defining the Cocktail 55:21

8M ago55:21

55:21

"A stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water, and bitters." Over 200 years since their publication in a New York state newspaper, those 13 words continue to stand as the very definition of the cocktail. They ring true when dissecting everything from an Old Fashioned to a Martini, Manhattan, Sazerac, or Pisco Sour. But do the…

1
689. Focusing on Women-Led Businesses in Sub Saharan Africa with Sarah Dusek 29:52

8M ago29:52

29:52

Focusing on Women-Led Businesses in Sub Saharan Africa with Sarah Dusek Sarah Dusek is a managing partner and co-founder of Enygma Ventures, a private investment fund dedicated to supporting and investing in women-led businesses in Africa. In 2022, Sarah launched a $600 million capital vehicle to drive conservation efforts globally. With plans to i…

1
Techniques: Garnishes 1:08:51

8M ago1:08:51

1:08:51

Garnishes: Form or function? Foundational part of a drink's creation or afterthought? These are but a sprinkling of the topics we’re exploring in today’s techniques episode, where we're joined by New York-based Leo Robitschek, a James Beard Award-winning author and beverage director, and partner at Sydell Group. Listen on to discover Leo's consider…

1
Techniques: Bitters 1:04:28

8M ago1:04:28

1:04:28

Angostura. Peychaud's. Orange. Chances are, that might be the extent to which your cocktail bitters experience extends, and if that is the case, you're missing a trick. Because as today's guest explains, bitters are an essential cocktail seasoning and a requirement in every drink. That guest is Sother Teague, beverage director at New York's Amor y …

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Champagne Martinis Podcasts

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