The Cocktail Guru Show, hosted by Jonathan Pogash and his father, Jeffrey, features actress Emily Meade discussing her career and personal journey. Emily shares her experiences in various TV shows, including "The Deuce" and "Broad City," and her transition to sobriety. She also talks about the challenges of acting, including auditioning and the impact of COVID-19 on the industry. The show also includes a non-alcoholic cocktail recipe using POM Wonderful pomegranate juice, highlighting the growing trend of high-quality non-alcoholic drinks.
Hey everyone, Jonathan and Jeffrey here, bringing you the season finale of Season 4 of The Cocktail Guru Show, live from the vibrant city of New Orleans at Cafe Amelie. This episode is packed with incredible guests, insightful discussions, and, of course, amazing cocktails and food.
We had the pleasure of hosting some fantastic guests this season, including:
Kyle McHugh from Proof Media
Laura Cullen
Ben Jones from Spiribam Spirits
Alejandro Coronado from Cuervo Tequila
Jaime Salas from Proximo Spirits
Absinthe distiller, Absinthia Vermut
Celebrity guests Cheech and Chong
In this episode of The Cocktail Guru Podcast, hosts Jonathan and Jeffrey Pogash welcome longtime friend and world-class bartender Chris Cardone. From his early days in flair bartending competitions to building craft cocktail programs in New York, Chris has carved a unique career in hospitality. But his story goes beyond the bar—after a pivotal moment in 2015, he embraced a healthier lifestyle and shifted focus toward non-alcoholic spirits and craft mocktails, proving that sophistication in a glass doesn’t always require alcohol.
What do you get when you combine a decorated U.S. Air Force veteran, humanitarian deminer, and wine importer? Meet Sam Lerman, CEO of Spirit Worldwide, whose life reads like a real-world spy thriller. In this episode of The Cocktail Guru Show, hosts Jonathan and Jeffrey Pogash sit down with Sam tohear how a mission in Ukraine led to the discovery of world-class wines — and how he’s now introducing them to the U.S.
➡️ Learn about rare Ukrainian varietals like Saperavi,the humanitarian mission behind the brand, and why Sam’s story is anything but ordinary.
🎧 Listen now and toast to a story of courage, compassion, and craft.
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Join Jonathan and Jeffrey Pogash, the dynamic father-son duo, as they dive into the world of cocktails, spirits, and hospitality trends in this special episode of The Cocktail Guru Show, recorded live at the WSWA Access Live Convention in Denver, Colorado! We had some incredible conversations with industry trailblazers including basketball super start Al Harrington, Morgan Weinstock of Jackson Morgan Southern Cream, Neal Cohen from Tip Top Cocktails and Mariana Quintanar from Tequila Malas Lenguas. Plus, Jonathan whips up a new cocktail with Mad River Revolution Rye in this week's Tipple Time.
In this episode of the Cocktail Guru Show, Jeffrey and Jonathan Pogash, had the pleasure of interviewing Charlie Baum, the son of the legendary restaurateur Joe Baum. This episode was particularly special for Jeffrey, as he has had a personal connection with Joe Baum's work since he was a child.
The Episode begins by discussing Charlie's upbringing in a food-centric family, with his father Joe Baum being a significant influence in the restaurant industry. Charlie shared nostalgic memories of his early experiences in the hospitality world, including visits to his grandparents' hotel in Saratoga Springs and the iconic Newarker restaurant at Newark Airport.
The conversation then shifted to Joe Baum's groundbreaking contributions to the restaurant industry. We delved into his innovative projects such as the Newarker, the Forum of the Twelve Caesars, and the Four Seasons. Charlie highlighted how Joe's insistence on using American products and fresh ingredients was revolutionary for its time.
Also explored was Joe Baum's other notable ventures, including La Fonda del Sol, the original Brasserie, and the various dining establishments within the Pan Am Building. Charlie shared fascinating anecdotes about the extensive research and creativity that went into these projects, making them unique dining experiences.
All this and much more on this episode of The Cocktail Guru Show!
In this episode of The Cocktail Guru Show, Jeffrey Pogash and Jonathan Pogash, had the pleasure of diving deep into the world of wine with a very special guest, Manuel Lozada, CEO of Viña Almaviva. They began by reminiscing about Jeffrey's early career in the wine industry, including his transformative experience in Paris where he met Jonathan's mother and developed a lifelong passion for wine.
Manuel Lozada shared his fascinating journey in the wine industry, starting from his early exposure to wine at the age of five, thanks to his grandfather. He recounted his diverse experiences across the globe, from Portugal to Argentina, and eventually to Chile, where he now oversees the production of some of the world's finest wines at Almaviva.
The three discussed the unique qualities of Almaviva wines, the blend of French savoir-faire with Chilean terroir, and the meticulous process involved in creating these exceptional wines. Manuel also highlighted the importance of precision and humility in wine making, emphasizing that each vintage has its own character shaped by subtle climatic variations.
The conversation was deeply personal and filled with mutual respect and admiration. Manuel's passion for wine making was evident as he described the creative process and the joy of sharing wine with others. We also touched on the differences between the wine and spirits industries, noting the unique life and evolution of wine in the bottle.
Overall, this episode was a heartfelt exploration of the art and passion behind wine making, enriched by the long-standing friendship between my father and Manuel. We hope our listeners enjoyed this intimate look into the world of wine and the stories behind some of its most dedicated artisans.
On this episode of THE COCKTAIL GURU SHOW, hosts Jonathan & Jeffrey Pogash talk hospitality and acclaimed bartender, author, host, and educator Alba Huerta's singular commitment to excellence in it. Watch, listen, and learn how the Mexican-born and Texas-raised entrepreneur has racked up a raft of honors for both herself and Julep, the James Beard Award-winning bar that's played a leading role in transforming Houston's cocktail culture from dive dominated to craft focused.
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.
On this episode of THE COCKTAIL GURU SHOW, the premiere installment of Season 4, hosts Jonathan & Jeffrey Pogash deep-dive the whiskey world with serial entrepreneur Raj Alva and veteran whiskey maker Ari Sussman, who, together with country music superstar Eric Church, founded JYPSI Whiskey. Watch, listen, and learn how this team of unlikely partners launched a new whiskey brand, formulated an innovative whiskey-making process—including some unique aging techniques—and mastered the art and science of blending whiskeys from across the globe. Plust, enjoy a taste of the fascinating history of punch—it hasn't always been a syrupy concoction served as children's birthday parties—in Papa Pogash's "Cocktail Commentary."
THE COCKTAIL GURU SHOW 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 you enjoy your favorite shows.
Join us for the exciting second part of our Season 3 finale, recorded high atop New Orleans at Café Amélie, overlooking the vibrant French Quarter. In this special episode, we celebrate the spirit of New Orleans with a fantastic lineup of guests and delve into the world of cocktails, spirits, and hospitality.
On this edition of THE COCKTAIL GURU PODCAST, hosts Jonathan & Jeffrey Pogash talk accounting, life insurance, and real estate—oh, and rum and rum cocktails!—with CPA, insurance executive, real estate developer, and rum entrepreneur Steven Gubb, Founder, President & CEO of Boston-based Paradise Imports, suppliers of all-natural, organic Gubba Rum. Plus Jonathan & Jeffrey go "On the Road" to Bar Convent Brooklyn, snagging impromptu interviews with industry standards Tony Abou-Ganim, Dale DeGroff, H. Joseph Ehrmann, Reza Esmaili, Jamie Gordon, Trish Rossiene, and Lucinda Sterling, and to Brooklyn's Green-Wood Cemetery to visit the resting places of Charles Feltman, creator of the hot dog, and William Niblo, theatre impresario and pioneering New York restaurateur. All brought to you by The Cocktail Guru Shop, now selling fine spirits!
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.
In this special two-part season finale of the Cocktail Guru Podcast, we went live from Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans. The episode featured three amazing guests: Jim Ruane from Cierto Tequila, Nick Rose from Hudson Whiskey, and Jeff Naples from Reyka Vodka. Also in this episode Jeffrey dives into the history of the Sazerac cocktail, tracing its origins back to Antoine Amédée Pechault's apothecary in New Orleans.
On this edition of THE COCKTAIL GURU PODCAST, hosts Jonathan & Jeffrey Pogash talk comfort food that sticks to your ribs—and the pot!—with entrepreneur Nadia Liu Spellman, co-author of Dumpling Daughter: Heirloom Recipes from Our Restaurants and Home Kitchens and founder of Boston's Dumpling Daughter, the ever-expanding culinary empire inspired by Nadia's mother, co-author, and celebrity chef Sally Ling. All brought to you Emilio Lustau, maker of Lustau Vermut Dry, an exceptional, Manzanilla sherry-based Spanish vermouth.
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.
On this edition of THE COCKTAIL GURU PODCAST, hosts Jonathan & Jeffrey Pogash deep-dive into coffee, discovering how an abiding passion for it prompted Kelly Abbott to leave behind 20 years of teaching K-12 students and seize the opportunity to become Owner, CEO & Roaster at Unleashed Coffee in Vacaville, California. All brought to you by Unleashed Coffee and The Cocktail Guru Shop, now selling fine spirits!
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.
The Cocktail Guru Podcast: A Tribute to Steven Spurrier
Join Jonathan Pogash, the Cocktail Guru, and his father, Jeffrey Pogash, as they dive into the fascinating world of wine and spirits. In this special episode, they pay tribute to the legendary Steven Spurrier, the man who revolutionized the wine industry.
Jeffrey shares personal anecdotes about his mentor, Steven Spurrier, and how a simple wine class in Paris changed the course of his life. They are joined by Steven's son, Christian Spurrier, who provides intimate insights into his father's life and legacy.
Jonathan's recent trip to Paris and the memories it brought back.
Jeffrey's early days in Paris and his introduction to the world of wine.
The story of Steven Spurrier and his impact on the wine industry.
The historic 1976 Judgment of Paris and its lasting effects.
Christian Spurrier's current projects and his father's final experiment with English wine.
Christian Spurrier: Screenwriter and son of Steven Spurrier, sharing personal stories and professional insights.
The exciting news about the Cocktail Guru's new shop featuring cocktail kits, bar tools, and more!
A sneak peek into upcoming events and limited edition memorial magnums commemorating Steven Spurrier.
For show notes and more, visit TheCocktailGuruPodcast.com.
Cheers! 🍸
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On this edition of THE COCKTAIL GURU PODCAST, hosts Jonathan & Jeffrey Pogash talk cocktail speed, style, and substance with hospitality legends Lynnette Marrero and Ivy Mix, co-founders of Speed Rack, a global all-women bartending competition that has raised over $1.5 million for charities supporting breast cancer research, and coauthors—with Megan Krigbaum—of A QUICK DRINK, a new book that elevates home cocktailing while advancing the cause of women's breast health. All brought to you by Barrel Room Chronicles and The Cocktail Guru Shop, now selling fine spirits. 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.
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.
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.