Bartender at Large

Latest Episodes:

Slow Drinks w Danny Childs & Rob Scott | Bartender at Large ep 473 Nov 17, 2025

Show notes

Join us for a masterclass in cocktails as we sit down with the award-winning duo behind Philadelphia's Almanac bar, Danny Childs, the James Beard Award-winning author and ethnobotanist, and Rob Scott, head bartender. Danny shares the story of founding the "Slow Drinks" movement, a field-to-glass philosophy that uses hyper-seasonal, foraged, and preserved ingredients to create a truly local expression. Rob discusses how he masterfully translates this vision into reality, blending these Mid-Atlantic flavors with the precision and profound hospitality.

Together, they reveal the magic of their partnership, detailing how a shared history and a trip to Japan shaped Almanac's exquisite cocktail program. This conversation is a deep dive into how limits breed creativity, why the best ingredients are found in your own backyard, and what it means to build a bar program that is both environmentally conscious and exceptionally delicious.

Buy the book: https://booklarder.com/products/slow-drinks-a-field-guide-to-foraging-and-fermenting-seasonal-sodas-botanical-cocktails-homemade-wines-and-more

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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

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Building a New Drinks Media Platform w Tim McKirdy | Bartender at Large ep 472 Nov 10, 2025

Show notes

Today we are joined by Tim McKirdy, former Managing Editor of VinePair and host of Cocktail College. He discusses his new venture as co-founder of the independent podcast network, The Coaster. Tim shares the vision behind this new project and its first show, "Sauced." This weekly podcast, created with Sother Teague, explores the world of cooking with booze and drinking with food. Listen to learn about building an independent media company in the drinks world矜

Perfect Puree: https://perfectpuree.com/foodservice/complimentary-samples/?utm_source=bartenderatlarge&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sampling202
Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/timmckirdy/sauced-the-podcast
Sauced Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sauced.pod/
My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timmckirdy/

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Pumping Up Your City w Ryan Ota | Bartender at Large ep 471 Nov 03, 2025

Show notes

This week we sit down with Ryan Ota, the Director of Beverage Operations for MO-hospitality, known for bars like Paper Plane, Still OG / Alter Ego, and Mini Boss. He shares his experience running acclaimed craft cocktail programs in overlooked markets. Ryan discusses the unique advantages and challenges of building a bar scene outside of major hubs. He offers valuable insights into creating community and finding success in these innovative and vibrant markets. ____________________________________

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

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Comic Books & Cocktails w David Wondrich | Bartender at Large ep 470 Oct 27, 2025

Show notes

This week, we are joined by acclaimed writer and cocktail historian David Wondrich, to discuss his newest book, the illustrated "The Comic Book History of the Cocktail." David shares why he chose this unique format to tell the story of drinks. As a James Beard Award-winner and editor of the Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails, he brings deep expertise to the topic. Listen in for a fascinating look at cocktail history from a true authority on classic cocktails. Get the book here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/675535/the-comic-book-history-of-the-cocktail-by-david-wondrich-illustrated-by-dean-kotz/

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Mastering Agave Spirits w Agave Masters | Bartender at Large ep 469 Oct 20, 2025

Show notes

Today we sit down with two leaders in agave spirits education, David Alan, Director of Advocacy for the Agave Spirits Portfolio at Bacardi USA, and Rob McCaughey, Global Head of Business Development at WSET. David shares how his program was built to support bartenders and grow the entire agave category, while Rob explains the unique structure of the Agave Masters program and what makes it a standout educational experience. Together, they offer a comprehensive look at the mission of top-tier agave education.

Learn More: https://www.academiapatron.com/certifications

This episode is brought to you in collaboration with Academia Patrón & WSET.

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From World Class Champ to Published Author w Kaitlyn Stewart | Bartender at Large ep 468 Oct 13, 2025

Show notes

This week we are joined by Kaitlyn Stewart, the 2017 World Class Bartender of the Year, also know as the social media phenomenon @LikableCocktails. She discusses her new book, "Three Cheers: Cocktails Three Ways." Kaitlyn explains the unique format, which presents recipes as classics, creative riffs, and zero-proof sips. She shares why this inclusive approach is the future of modern drink-making. She also discusses her journey from behind the bar to becoming a published author.

Get the book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/746727/three-cheers-by-kaitlyn-stewart/

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

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Cutting Edge Cocktails in a High-Volume Space w Maxwell Reis | Bartender at Large ep 467 Oct 06, 2025

Show notes

This week we sit down with acclaimed bartender and partner Maxwell Reis to discuss his innovative work in Los Angeles. He shares his deep commitment to sustainability and his use of natural ingredients in cocktails. Maxwell talks about his creative process and how he balances modern ideas with classic traditions in bars that do serious volume. He also gives us a look into running the bar programs at Mirate and the new Daisy Margarita Bar.

PRO400DSEL Digital Benchtop Homogenizer: https://proscientific.com/digital-benchtop-homogenizers/pro400dsel-digital-benchtop-homogenizer-extra-length/

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

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Exploring the Flavors of Oaxaca w Fabiola Santiago | Bartender at Large ep 466 Sep 29, 2025

Show notes

This week, we are joined by Fabiola Santiago to discuss her important work with the non-profit organization, Mi Oaxaca. She explains their mission to preserve the Indigenous food and beverage cultures of Oaxaca. Fabiola shares how their new non-profit status will help expand their efforts. This work includes creating educational opportunities and building cross-border collaborations. Listen to learn how Mi Oaxaca is protecting these vital cultural traditions.

Learn more: https://www.mioaxaca.org

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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

The Whiskey Bible w Noah Rothbaum | Bartender at Large ep 464 Sep 22, 2025

Show notes

This week we are joined by acclaimed cocktail writer Noah Rothbaum to discuss his new book, "The Whiskey Bible." This comprehensive guide is the result of his 25 years of researching and tasting whiskies from around the world. Noah takes us on a journey to solve whiskey mysteries, settle debates, and bust common myths. The book features in-depth regional analysis, practical facts, and cocktail recipes. Listen to our conversation about this complete guide to the world's greatest spirit.

learn more: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/noah-rothbaum/the-whiskey-bible/9781523512706/

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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

Himkok at 10 Years w Maros Dzurus | Bartender at Large ep 465 Sep 21, 2025

Show notes

We sit down with Maroš Dzurus, the bar manager of Oslo's world-renowned Himkok Bar and Distillerie. As the bar celebrates its 10th anniversary, we discuss how it stays at the forefront of the cocktail world. Maroš shares the philosophy behind their constant innovation and creative process. He explains how they keep their drinks and experience fresh for guests year after year. Listen to learn the secrets behind a decade of success.

Himkok Menu: https://barmagazine.com/himkoks-sips-beats-cocktail-menu/

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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

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