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Featured Cocktail of the Week: The Sunflower

• Created by Sammy Ross of Milk and Honey fame.
• Recipe:
• 20ml (3/4 oz) London Dry Gin
• 20ml (3/4 oz) Cointreau
• 20ml (3/4 oz) Elderflower Liqueur (e.g., Saint Germain)
• 20ml (3/4 oz) Fresh Lemon Juice
• Optional: Absinthe rinse for added complexity.
• Shaking and serving tips: Chill your glass, shake ingredients with ice, strain into a coupe glass, garnish with a twist of lemon or orange.

Setting Up Your Home Bar

• Start with what you like: Choose spirits based on your preferences to avoid unnecessary purchases.
• Keep it simple: Fewer bottles mean less confusion and cost.

Essential Spirits

1. Gin

• Versatile for cocktails like Clover Club, Sunflower, Gin Martini.
• Start with a gin you already like or try a new one for variety.

1. Vodka

• Neutral spirit, good for cocktails like East 8 Hold Up.
• Choose a decent quality vodka; no need to splurge.

1. Rum

• Diverse flavours from different regions (Cuban, Jamaican, etc.).
• Great for Daiquiris, Mai Tais, Mojitos.

1. Tequila

• Growing in popularity, essential for Margaritas, Palomas, and more.
• Choose a good quality tequila to start.

1. Whiskey

• Wide variety (Bourbon, Rye, Irish, Scotch).
• Perfect for Manhattans, Bee's Knees, Tipperary.

1. Brandy

• Commonly used for classic cocktails like the Sidecar and Jack Rose.
• Start with a good Cognac or apple brandy.

Essential Liqueurs

• Orange Liqueur: Cointreau, Grand Marnier, or Curacao for Margaritas, Sidecars, Cosmopolitans.
• Elderflower Liqueur: Adds a unique flavour to many cocktails, versatile.
• Coffee Liqueur: Trending choice like Mr. Black for espresso martinis and other coffee-based drinks.

Vermouth and Amaro

• Vermouth: Essential for martinis and Manhattans. Keep it in the fridge to extend its life.
• Amaro: Adds complexity to drinks like Negronis and Aperol Spritz.

Bitters

• Non-Potable Bitters: Angostura, aromatic bitters for depth and complexity in cocktails.
• Potable Bitters: Like Campari and Aperol, great for various modern cocktails.

Final Tips

• Start simple: Begin with a few essential spirits and liqueurs.
• Gradually expand your collection based on your growing preferences and cocktail experiments.
• Keep vermouth in the fridge and consider buying smaller bottles to avoid waste.

Closing Remarks

• Follow the podcast on your favorite platform and leave a review please

• Home bar essentials
• Must-have spirits for home bar
• Best liqueurs for cocktails
• Cocktail recipes for beginners
• How to set up a home bar
• Essential cocktail ingredients
• Best gin for cocktails
• Classic cocktail recipes

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Episode Summary: Welcome to the Cocktail Academy podcast! In this episode, host Damian Cole demystifies the essential tools every home bartender needs to make delicious, consistent cocktails. From shakers to strainers, Damian covers the basics and shares pro tips to help you craft perfect drinks for any occasion.

Key Topics Covered:

Introduction to Bar Tools

• Importance of having the right tools for consistency.
• Avoiding unnecessary gadgets for home bartending.

The Mighty Cocktail Shaker

• Types of shakers: Boston, Cobbler, and Parisian.
• Recommendations for versatility and durability.
• DIY alternatives for shakers.

Measuring Your Ingredients

• The importance of accurate measurements.
• Different types of jiggers and measuring cups.

Strainers for Precision

• Hawthorne strainer and its uses.
• The necessity of a fine strainer for double straining.

Mixing Glasses and Bar Spoons

• Benefits of using a mixing glass.
• Choosing the right bar spoon for stirring.

Juicing Tools for Fresh Citrus

• Different types of juicers and presses.
• Importance of using fresh citrus juice.

Additional Essential Tools

• Muddlers for incorporating fresh fruit.
• Bar knives and peelers for garnishes.
• Squeezy bottles for prepped juices and syrups.
• Kitchen scales for making consistent syrups.

Wrapping Up

• Encouragement to leave reviews and feedback.
• Follow Damian on social media for more tips and tutorials.

Resources Mentioned:

• link to blog post (updated soon)

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Episode Summary:

Join host Damian Cole on a captivating journey to the historic Crumlin Road Jail, now home to McConnell’s Irish Whiskey Distillery. In this episode, Damian sits down with Graeme Miller, Master Distiller and Head of Supply at McConnell’s, to explore the fascinating transformation of this iconic location into a premier whiskey distillery. Discover the rich history of McConnell’s Irish Whiskey, the intricate distillation process, and savor a guided tasting of their renowned whiskey expressions.

Episode Highlights:

Introduction to McConnell’s Distillery:

• Graeme Miller discusses the remarkable transformation of Crumlin Road Jail into the state-of-the-art McConnell’s Distillery.

• The historical significance of the location and its impact on the brand.

Graeme Miller’s Journey:

• Graeme shares his career path from studying food technology to becoming a master distiller.

• Insights into his experiences at Diageo, Captain Morgan’s, and Echlinville before joining McConnell’s.

Distillation Process at McConnell’s:

• A detailed overview of the whiskey-making process, from malted barley to the final distillation.

• The significance of sourcing quality ingredients and the role of local suppliers.

• Innovations and sustainability practices in the distillation process.

The McConnell’s Brand:

• The legacy of Eleanor McConnell and the historic milestones of the McConnell’s brand.

• The rebirth of McConnell’s Irish Whiskey and its position in the contemporary market.

Guided Tasting Experience:

• Graeme leads a tasting of three McConnell’s expressions: the Five-Year Blend, Sherry Cask, and the exclusive 20-Year-Old Single Malt.

• Tasting notes, flavor profiles, and ideal cocktail pairings for each expression.

Future of McConnell’s Whiskey:

• Exciting upcoming releases and special cask projects.

• McConnell’s vision for the future and the evolution of the Irish whiskey market.

Stay Connected:

• Follow McConnell’s on their website mcconnellsirishwhiskey.com.

• Engage with McConnell’s on social media: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X (formerly Twitter).

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Episode Summary:

In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Sean Muldoon, a renowned figure in the cocktail industry. Starting as a humble bartender in Belfast, Sean's story is one of passion, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. He discusses his early days amidst the Troubles, his love for music, and his determination to become the best. Sean's path led him to London, New York and everywhere in between, he even started his own training company, and garnered multiple awards for his cocktail creations.

Sean provides an inside look at the creation and success of the Merchant Hotel's award-winning cocktail bar in Belfast and the pivotal transition to The Dead Rabbit in New York. The conversation also touches on the opening of Hazel & Apple in Charleston, South Carolina, highlighting the challenges and triumphs along the way. Sean shares his future plans, including a return to Ireland and his admiration for the bar Boadas in Barcelona.

Key Takeaways:

• Early Beginnings: Sean Muldoon began his cocktail journey in Belfast, driven by a passion to escape the Troubles and excel in bartending.
• Influences and Learning: Inspired by figures like Morgan Watson, Sean traveled to London to hone his craft, eventually starting his own training company and winning multiple awards.
• Merchant Hotel: Building the award-winning Merchant Hotel cocktail bar in Belfast was a significant milestone, earning international recognition.
• The Dead Rabbit: The transition to The Dead Rabbit marked a new chapter, with the bar achieving fame for its unique concept and talented team, including key partner Jack McGarry.
• Hazel & Apple: Opening Hazel & Apple in Charleston faced challenges, including scaling down the original concept and handling landlord issues, but remained a community-focused endeavor.
• Resilience and Future Plans: Sean's experiences have instilled resilience and determination, with future plans to return to Ireland and open a pub, and a strong admiration for Boadas in Barcelona.

About the Host:

Damian Cole is a hospitality industry veteran and the founder of The Cocktail Academy. Damian specializes in developing innovative drinks programs, providing top-notch training, and delivering captivating public speaking engagements. Known for his cocktail and spirit masterclasses, Damian shares his extensive knowledge and enthusiasm with audiences, making him a distinguished figure in the world of mixology.

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