Episodes

  • From Bouchon Bakery to Sprinkle Town: Zach Young's Sweet Success Story
    May 15 2024

    In this episode of the Cocktail Guru Podcast, we had the pleasure of interviewing Zach Young, a renowned pastry chef and television personality known for his appearances on various food shows. Zach shared his journey from culinary school to working with David Burke and eventually creating the famous Piecaken dessert. He discussed the evolution of Piecaken and its popularity during different holidays.

    During the episode, Zach shared insights into the process of making Piecaken and how technology has enhanced the production. He also mentioned his upcoming venture, Sprinkle Town ice cream and donuts in Foxwoods, Connecticut.

    To conclude the episode, the hosts indulged in tasting the Piecaken, a decadent combination of spice cake, apple pie, pumpkin pie, and pecan pie layers with buttercream. They expressed their delight at the unique flavors and the success of the Piecaken concept.

    Overall, the episode provided a fascinating look into Zach Young's culinary journey, the creation of Piecaken, and the exciting ventures he has in store for the future.

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    40 mins
  • Not Just a Bartender Meets Beautiful Booze with Chris Leavitt & Natalie Migliarini (TCGP S3 E13)
    May 1 2024

    On this edition of THE COCKTAIL GURU PODCAST, live from Libertine Social at Mandalay Bay on the Las Vegas Strip, Jonathan Pogash talks the look of life from behind the stick with Chris Leavitt—bartender, social media sensation, and creator of Not Just a Bartender. Plus, from just around the corner at Caesars Forum, we talk the look of cocktails with Natalie Migliarini—creator of Beautiful Booze and a competitor who left a memorable mark on popular Netflix series Drink Masters. All brought to you by Lustau Vermut Dry, an exceptional, Manzanilla sherry-based Spanish vermouth featured in this episode's Tipple Time segment.

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    39 mins
  • The Guilded Bartender with Livio Lauro (TCGP S3 E12)
    Apr 18 2024

    On this edition of THE COCKTAIL GURU PODCAST, live from Libertine Social at Mandalay Bay on the Las Vegas Strip, Jonathan Pogash talks organizing bartenders—no, it's not like herding cats—bar designing, beverage engineering, and more with Livio Lauro, the living hospitality legend responsible for reviving and expanding the United States Bartenders' Guild, designing the EuroBar Station, and authoring or co-authoring several celebrated cocktail books. Plus Jeffrey Pogash dives deep into the Mai Tai on this episode's Cocktail Commentary, brought to you by Monin Gourmet Flavored Syrups, while Jonathan whips up a Whiskey Sour featuring Glenmorangie Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky during our Tipple Time segment.

    THE COCKTAIL GURU PODCAST is produced by 1st Reel Entertainment and distributed by EatsDrinksTV, a service of the Center for Culinary Culture—Home of The Cocktail Collection, and is available wherever fine podcasts can be heard. The Center for Culinary Culture—Telling the Story of Food & Drink…One Taste at a Time.

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    37 mins
  • Green's Finest Meets the Wiz with Duane Fernandez & Pamela Wiznitzer(TCGP S3 E11)
    Apr 4 2024

    On this edition of THE COCKTAIL GURU PODCAST, live from The Vault, the ultra-exclusive bar inside the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, host Jonathan Pogash talks bartending, chasing challenges, and embracing opportunities—plus a fair bit of whiskey wonkery—with Duane Fernandez Jr. and Pamela "The Wiz" Wiznitzer, two leading hospitality professionals who personify the episode's themes. All brought to you by Emilio Lustau, The Perfect Purée of Napa Valley, and Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, as featured in our Cocktail Commentaries and Tipple Time segments. THE COCKTAIL GURU PODCAST is produced by 1st Reel Entertainment and distributed by EatsDrinksTV, a service of the Center for Culinary Culture—Home of The Cocktail Collection, and is available wherever fine podcasts can be heard.

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    34 mins
  • The BarSomm Meets the Moscow Mule with Rachel Kling (TCGP S3 E10)
    Mar 21 2024

    Join Jonathan Pogash, the Cocktail Guru, and his father Jeffrey as they delve into the fascinating history of Smirnoff vodka and the iconic Moscow Mule in this episode of the Cocktail Guru Podcast. Special guest Rachel Kling from Diageo discusses the educational programming and partnership with the US Bartenders Guild. Discover the evolution of vodka in the US, the marketing genius behind Smirnoff, and the creation of the Moscow Mule. Learn about the Diageo Bar Academy, the World Class bartending competition, and the impact of Diageo's support during the pandemic. Plus, get insights into the use of copper mugs in cocktails and a special offer from Moscow Copper. Cheers to cocktail history and innovation!

    Don't miss out on this engaging episode filled with cocktail history, industry insights, and educational initiatives in the world of spirits and mixology. Subscribe to the Cocktail Guru Podcast for more entertaining and informative episodes with leading experts in the hospitality industry. Cheers!

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    39 mins
  • Tequila Thespian with Joe Mantegna (TCGP S3 E9)
    Mar 7 2024

    On this episode of THE COCKTAIL GURU PODCAST, host Jonathan Pogash talks film, television, and tequila with acting great Joe Mantegna, co-owner of Señor Rio, a very special agave spirit born of business, love, and shared passion—and created by fellow guest Debbie Medina—in the Mexican state of Jalisco. We will also speak with Paul Imbesi about his roll at Barritt's Ginger Beer. All brought to you by Monin Gourmet Flavored Syrups, Mozart Chocolate Liqueur, and Señor Rio and Tequila Barritt's Ginger Beer. THE COCKTAIL GURU PODCAST is produced by 1st Reel Entertainment and distributed by EatsDrinksTV, a service of the Center for Culinary Culture—Home of The Cocktail Collection, and is available wherever fine podcasts can be heard. The Center for Culinary Culture—Telling the Story of Food & Drink…One Taste at a Time.

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    38 mins
  • Chefwise with Shari Bayer (TCGP S3 E8)
    Feb 25 2024

    On this episode of THE COCKTAIL GURU PODCAST, hosts Jonathan & Jeffrey Pogash go behind-the-scenes at some of the world's legendary restaurants and bars with intrepid foodie and world traveler Shari Bayer, founder of Bayer Public Relations, host and producer of All in the Industry, and author of Chefwise: Life Lessons from Leading Chefs Around the World. All brought to you by Cierto Tequila and The Perfect Purée of Napa Valley. THE COCKTAIL GURU PODCAST is produced by 1st Reel Entertainment and distributed by EatsDrinksTV, a service of the Center for Culinary Culture—Home of The Cocktail Collection, and is available wherever fine podcasts can be heard. The Center for Culinary Culture

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    37 mins
  • The Miracle Worker with Luis Lopez (S3 E7)
    Feb 8 2024

    On this episode of THE COCKTAIL GURU PODCAST, hosts Jonathan & Jeffrey Pogash talk cocktails, spirits—including, of course, agave spirits!—and a whole lot more with Milagro Tequila Ambassador Luis Lopez, a literal "miracle-working" Los Angeles native and West Hollywood resident who's long drawn upon his deep Guatemalan roots for mixological inspiration. All brought to you by Emilio Lustau and Milagro Tequila.

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    33 mins