Episode Summary: In this episode of The Cocktail Academy, Damian chats with Julio Bermejo, the North American Tequila Ambassador and the creator of Tommy’s Margarita. Julio shares his incredible journey from his family’s small Mexican restaurant to becoming a global tequila expert. Discover the secrets behind Tommy’s Margarita, learn about the intricacies of tequila production, and get insights into Julio's future plans in the tequila industry.

Highlights:

Early Beginnings: Julio discusses his start in the cocktail world, working at his family’s Mexican restaurant, Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant.

Journey to Tequila Expertise: The transition from being a reluctant restaurant worker to becoming a renowned tequila expert and North American Tequila Ambassador.

Creating Tommy’s Margarita: The inspiration behind Tommy’s Margarita and why it stands out in the cocktail world.

Awards and Recognition: How Tommy’s Margarita became a globally celebrated cocktail and the influence of bartenders worldwide in popularizing it.

Tequila Tasting and Education: Julio’s experience converting non-tequila drinkers into aficionados and the importance of 100% agave tequila.

Challenges and Successes: Overcoming challenges in the tequila industry, promoting authentic tequila, and educating patrons about quality tequila.

Future Plans: Julio’s upcoming project: launching his own tequila brand, L&J, and building a new distillery.

Advice for Aspiring Bartenders: Tips on making quality tequila cocktails at home, understanding the importance of 100% agave tequila, and recommendations for quality tequila brands.

Favorite Cocktail Stories: Julio shares iconic moments from his career, including memorable encounters with celebrities at Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant.

Quickfire Questions: Fun and insightful rapid-fire questions about Julio’s preferences and pet peeves in the cocktail world.

Closing Remarks: Final thoughts from Julio and how listeners can connect with him on social media.

Key Takeaways:

Commitment to Quality: Julio emphasizes the importance of using quality ingredients, precise measurements, and proper techniques to create exceptional cocktails.

Understanding Tradition: He advocates for a strong foundation in traditional tequila knowledge before innovating and creating new drinks.

Tequila Advocacy: Julio's dedication to promoting and educating people about 100% agave tequila is evident throughout the episode.

Innovative Concepts: The blend of authentic Mexican culture and high-end cocktails sets Tommy’s apart, and upcoming projects promise to continue this trend.

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Julio Bermejo:

Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant: Visit Website

Follow The Cocktail Academy:

Instagram:

Tiktok:

Facebook:

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Episode Description: Welcome to another flavorful episode of The Cocktail Academy Podcast, hosted by Damian Cole. In this episode, we dive deep into the sweet world of syrups, an essential component for crafting perfect cocktails. Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast or a professional mixologist, learning to make your own syrups can elevate your drink game to new heights.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to Syrups in Cocktails:
• Importance of syrups in balancing and enhancing flavors.
• Different types of syrups: simple syrup, rich syrup, flavored syrups.
• Simple Syrup:
• Definition and basic recipe (1:1 ratio of sugar to water).
• Tips for choosing the right type of sugar (white, brown, muscovado, turbinado).
• Methods of preparation: cold water vs. warm water techniques.
• Storage tips and shelf life.
• Rich Syrup:
• Recipe and uses (2:1 ratio of sugar to water).
• Best practices for making and using rich syrup in cocktails like Old Fashioned.
• Honey and Agave Syrup:
• Simplifying honey and agave for better mixing.
• Recipe (2:1 ratio of honey/agave to water).
• Ideal cocktails for these syrups, like Tommy's Margarita.
• Flavored Syrups:
• Herbal Syrups: Techniques for mint, basil, and woody herbs like rosemary.
• Fruit Syrups: Methods for making strawberry, raspberry, and pineapple syrups.
• Sugar and leave method.
• Mash and macerate method.
• Spiced Syrups: Creating cinnamon and ginger syrups for warm, spicy notes in cocktails.
• Infusions: Making vanilla and chili syrups without heat.
• Storage and Preservation:
• Sterilising bottles for longer shelf life.
• Adding vodka or citric acid to extend freshness.

Key Takeaways:

• Making your own syrups at home is cost-effective, customisable, and enhances the freshness of your cocktails.
• Experiment with different sugars and ingredients to create unique flavor profiles.
• Proper storage and preservation techniques can extend the life of your syrups, ensuring they're always ready for your next cocktail creation.

Next Week: Tune in next week for an exciting interview with Julio Bermejo, the global ambassador for tequila in North America and creator of the iconic Tommy's Margarita. Don’t miss this chance to learn from one of the best in the business!

Connect with Us:

• Follow us on Instagram: WeLoveCocktails
• Join the conversation on Facebook: WeLoveCocktails
• Follow us TikTok
• Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and let us know what topics you'd like us to cover next!

Tags: #CocktailRecipes #Syrups #CocktailSyrups #DIYCocktails #Mixology #CocktailAcademy #SimpleSyrup #RichSyrup #FlavoredSyrups #CocktailTips #DamienCole

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Episode Overview:

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Cocktail Academy podcast! Today, we are thrilled to bring you an exclusive interview with the legendary Dale DeGroff, also known as King Cocktail. Dale is a pioneer in the modern bartending scene and the man behind the resurgence of craft cocktails. Get ready to dive deep into the world of cocktails, bartending, and the rich history that shapes it all.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to Dale DeGroff: Discover how Dale became a central figure in the cocktail world, from his early days in New York to his significant influence on modern bartending.
• Journey to Bartending: Dale shares his fascinating story, including his university days, early jobs, and the serendipitous path that led him behind the bar.
• The New York Bar Scene: Insights into the vibrant bar culture of New York City in the late 20th century and how it shaped Dale's career.
• Crafting the Cocktail Renaissance: Learn about the creation of iconic cocktails, the revival of classic recipes, and the introduction of fresh ingredients that changed the bartending game.
• Madonna and the Cosmopolitan: The story behind the Cosmopolitan's rise to fame and its association with pop icon Madonna.
• Tips for Aspiring Bartenders: Dale provides invaluable advice for home bartenders and those looking to break into the industry, emphasising the importance of mastering the basics and understanding cocktail families.
• Innovative Cocktail Techniques: Discussion on molecular gastronomy, batching, and other advanced bartending techniques that Dale has embraced and promoted.
• Personal Reflections: Dale's favourite drinks, memorable moments, and his views on the evolving cocktail landscape.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of understanding the basics of cocktails and building on that foundation.
• The role of fresh ingredients and meticulous preparation in creating outstanding cocktails.
• The significance of the bartender's role in hospitality and the customer experience.
• Stories and anecdotes from Dale's illustrious career that offer both inspiration and practical wisdom.

Social Media Links:

• Follow Dale DeGroff on Instagram:
• Explore Dale’s spirits: DeGroff Spirits

Don’t forget to subscribe to the Cocktail Academy podcast for more episodes featuring the biggest names in the world of cocktails. Share this episode with your friends and leave us a review to let us know what you think!

Keywords:

Cocktail Academy podcast, Dale DeGroff, King Cocktail, craft cocktails, modern bartending, cocktail history, bartending tips, Cosmopolitan cocktail, New York bar scene, cocktail recipes, mixology techniques, home bartending, cocktail enthusiasts, legendary bartenders.

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