- 269. The "Living Loaded" Cocktails
At the start of each chapter in Dan's book, Living Loaded, you'll discover cocktail recipes crafted to perfectly complement the theme of the chapter. These tantalizing drinks were exclusively created for the book by fifteen of the world’s top mixologists, all of whom Dan proudly counts as friends. In this episode, Dan spotlights a few of these masterfully mixed cocktails, featuring contributions from legendary figures like Dale DeGroff, Aisha Sharpe, Allen Katz, and more.
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyS1E269 - 26m - Aug 20, 2024 - 3-Minute Bartender: Boulevardier
In a few shakes of a lamb's tail, Dan tips his hat to the Boulevardier, that urbane cousin of the Negroni. Swapping out gin's juniper jab for whiskey’s warm embrace, this cocktail mingles sweet vermouth and bitter Campari, achieving a rich, ruddy hue. Conceived in the roguish Parisian circles of the 1920s, where expatriates like Erskine Gwynne heralded its creation, the Boulevardier whispers of smoky parlors and literary wit, an elixir not just sipped, but savored.
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy8m - Aug 13, 2024 - 268. Pumpkin Spice Must Be Stopped
History tells us that anything that becomes popular is immediately beaten to death with a shovel. This has certainly been the case with Pumpkin Spice Lattes, or PSLs for those who find syllables too burdensome. In this episode, our intrepid host declares it’s time to admit we’ve reached the pinnacle of pumpkin spice mania. The higher we’ve climbed, the harder the inevitable fall. When the PSL backlash hits, it'll be brutal, and Dan will be hailed as a prophet. And since we’re smack dab in the middle of summer vacation season, Dan would like to offer a public service announcement: The Do’s and Don’ts of Summer Vacation Drinking.
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyS1E268 - 20m - Aug 6, 2024 - 267. Aisha Tyler and her losophē
One of our all-time favorite humans graces the podcast once again! The multi-talented Aisha Tyler—actor, director, writer, and spirits entrepreneur—joins Dan along with guest co-hosts Claire Coppi and Austin Melrose for a whirlwind chat at the cozy Melrose Umbrella Co. in Los Angeles. We dive deep into Aisha's star-studded career from "Criminal Minds" to "Friends," and even those memorable "Talk Soup" days with our very own Mr. Dunn. And what's on the menu for today? None other than Aisha's latest smash hit, losophē—the margarita in a bottle that's set to topple all your cocktail expectations!
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyS1E267 - 56m - Jul 30, 2024 - 266. Summer Wine Extravaganza 2024
It's been said that it's always wine o'clock in the summertime, and that's certainly the case on this episode, featuring a bunch of great wine and a pair of vino experts in Claire Coppi and Austin Melrose... oh, and Dan too! The wines sampled include Rodney Strong Alexander Valley Sauvignon Blanc, FitVine Aluminum Chillable Red Blend, Diatom Santa Barbara County Chardonnay, Stag’s Leap Winery Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, Loveblock Organic Sauvignon Blanc, Champagne Lanson Le Green Label and Beaulieu Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Recorded on location at Melrose Umbrella Co. in West Hollywood, CA.
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyS1E266 - 52m - Jul 23, 2024 - 265. What Whiskey Has Taught Me
Dan imparts hard-earned wisdom gleaned from years spent perched upon barstools the world over. For instance, did you know that if you multiply the number of whiskies drank in a session by ten, subtract from your body weight, divide by four, add one for every decade you’ve been alive, you get the precise number of hours you’ll be hungover the next day? Try it. Works every time. Also, we hand out our annual bar industry awards in oft-overlooked categories such as Best Bartender Tattoo, World’s Worst Bar, and Best Guy To Pick A Fight With In A Dive Bar. And finally, we showcase a new rye from Wild Turkey in our wildly popular "Drinks of the Week" segment.
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyS1E265 - 19m - Jul 9, 2024 - 264. Remembering Brian
Dan pays tribute his brother Brian on the 14th anniversary of his passing,
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyS1E264 - 33m - Jul 2, 2024 - 3-Minute Bartender: Harvey Wallbanger
Harvey Wallbanger does indeed sound more like a lawyer you'd call after a fender bender than a cocktail you'd order at a swanky soirée. Whipped up in the psychedelic whirlwind of the '60s, this groovy concoction blends the slick, cool vibe of vodka with the bright, cheery optimism of orange juice, topped off with a mysterious float of Galliano. Donning a golden hue and a stature that rivals any lava lamp, this drink is as much a throwback to its era as shag carpets and bell bottoms, yet it's infinitely more delectable and significantly less of a fire hazard. Cheers to that!
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy6m - Jun 25, 2024 - 263. 5th Anniversary Special with Phil Rosenthal
Raise your glasses high, folks—it's our 5th Anniversary Bash! To celebrate, we're uncorking a lineup of liquid legends with two hilariously high-spirited guests. Dan's chilling with Phil Rosenthal, the globe-trotting gourmand from 'Somebody Feed Phil,' and Emmy-winner Tom Caltabiano, a man who knows his way around a joke as well as a jigger. Join us as we sip, savor, and dissect a tantalizing array of top-shelf treasures, from the agave-kissed brilliance of Tequila Ocho to the cool Icelandic charms of Reyka Vodka, the botanical beat of Ford's Gin, the South American warmth of Santa Teresa Rum, the smooth sophistication of Michter's Sour Mash Whiskey, and the smoky secrets of Bunnahabhain Scotch. Here's to five years of spirited shenanigans!
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyS1E263 - 46m - Jun 18, 2024 - 3-Minute Bartender: Amaro Shakerato
In the time it takes to walk an old dog, Dan reveals all about the Amaro Shakerato. It's like your wild Italian cousin who studied mixology instead of law. It's a frothy fiesta of bittersweet flavors that demands a shake more vigorous than a salsa dance off. This cocktail's a dark, mysterious concoction that's both bitter and sweet, kind of like most of Dan's exes. Shaken, not stirred, because apparently, that’s how we deal with our feelings now. It's the perfect drink to sip while pondering where you went wrong with your barista. Cheers, or as the Italians say, "Aiuto!"
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyS1 - 5m - Jun 11, 2024 - 262. Live from "Last Night on Earth" premiere
Recorded at the legendary The Belmont bar in West Hollywood, Dan goes all in on some Tequila Fortaleza while hanging out with the creative and star-studded trio behind the new film "Last Night on Earth" — writer-director Marcos Efron and stars Dee Wallace and Shane West.
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyS1E262 - 48m - Jun 4, 2024 - 261. Jimmy Yeager & Sean Kenyon of Woody Creek Distillers
Dan kicks off a rollicking episode by inviting bar-industry heavyweights Jimmy Yeager and Sean Kenyon to dive into the world of Woody Creek Distillers, a Colorado gem that's all about that farm-to-bottle magic. Their top-notch spirits have turned heads with their quality and eco-friendly swagger, serving up a true Rocky Mountain high. Get ready for some spirited banter as the gang tackles the hot topic of auto-gratuities in bars, with opinions flying as fast as shakers at happy hour. Also on tap, Dan gives the scoop on a rockin' new rum from the Rolling Stones, plus a cheeky breakdown of what your frozen drink choice might just be whispering about you. Buckle up—it’s going to be a wild ride!
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyS1E261 - 38m - May 21, 2024 - 260. Mike Love of the Beach Boys
Dan is joined by Mike Love, the eternal Beach Boy; the high priest of Good Vibrations, holding court over summer anthems and gorgeous sunsets. With a voice that can summon the spirit of the sixties and a cap that has never known defeat, Mike has serenaded generations with tales of surf, sand, and teenage dreams. With Club Kokomo Spirits, Mike and his son Brian, who's also on the show, have bottled the essence of endless summers and sunlit surf. It's a lineup of laid-back ready-to-drink libations and premium rums, each sip a first-class ticket to "Fun, Fun, Fun," transporting beachcombers straight to the shores of paradise with every sip. Also, Dan answers listener voicemails, and showcases some "Drinks of the Week."
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyS1E260 - 41m - May 14, 2024 - 259. Reyka Vodka with Jeff Naples
In Iceland's icy grip, Reyka Vodka stands out like a Norse god at a cocktail party, distilled amidst volcanic fervor and the soft murmurs of elfin lore. This boutique spirit, clearer than a polar gale, is lovingly wrought from glacial waters, offering a taste so disarmingly smooth, it might just mediate a Viking truce. Joining Dan is Reyka's stalwart National Ambassador, Jeff Naples, to delve deep into this top-tier tipple. And don’t miss another fiery episode of "Driving Me to Drink," where Dan skewers the ever-growing sensationalism festering within the New York Times.
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyS1E259 - 47m - May 7, 2024 - 258. Economy Class Cocktails
Sipping on a budget means your cocktail might occasionally taste like paint thinner—but hey, it's all part of the adventure! Imbibing low-budget cocktails is an art form perfected by thrifty tipplers and college students worldwide. Picture this: a dimly lit kitchen, a motley crew of friends gathered around, each clutching a plastic cup filled with something vaguely alcoholic. The ingredients? Whatever's on sale—off-brand cola, no-name rum, and if you're feeling fancy, a splash of fruit punch from a carton that's definitely been in the fridge too long. It's not about the taste; it's about the memories. Or perhaps, it's about forgetting. Cheers to budget-friendly bad decisions!
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyS1E258 - 20m - Apr 30, 2024 - 257. Once Upon a Time There Was Zima
On this episode, Dan waxes nostalgic about Zima, which was for one brief shining moment in the 1990s, a sparkling sensation on the adult beverage scene. For those of you too young to remember, or who may have repressed the memory due to trauma, Zima was a clear, lightly carbonated alcoholic beverage that the Coors Brewing Company burped out in 1993. Basically, Zima was training wheels for people who thought beer was too, y’know, beer-y. Also, Dan chats with one of the world’s most revered master blenders, Rachel Barrie, who oversees the whisky-making for three iconic Scotch brands- Benriach, GlenGlassaugh and Glendronach. And finally, a special "Drinks of the Week" segment for those who love a good, ready-to-drink espresso martini.
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyS1E257 - 32m - Apr 23, 2024 - 256. Spring Wines with Claire Coppi, Pt. 2
It's Springtime, friends! That enchanting spell when Mother Nature peels off her chilly garb and dons a more revealing ensemble. It's that golden slice of the calendar when the globe stretches out, groggily murmurs, "How about we uncork a bottle?", and honestly, who are we to decline? As flowers burst into a riot of hues and trees deck themselves out in lush finery, there’s simply no grander stage for a delightful pour of wine. The air’s balmy, the days stretch lazily longer, and the wine? It’s as if a spring zephyr turned liquid—crisp, invigorating, and with a playful whisper of "let’s revel."
In this second installment of our two-part Spring Wine Celebration, Dan is thrilled to welcome back fan-favorite and vino virtuoso, Claire Coppi. On today’s tasting menu are some exquisite picks: Hampton Water 2022 Rose, Rodney Strong 2023 Sonoma Coast Rosé of Pinot Noir, Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Babich Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2022, The Better Half 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, and 2021 Waypoint Fort Ross Pinot Noir. So, lift your glass and let's toast to the splendors of spring. Cheers!
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyS1E256 - 44m - Apr 16, 2024 - 255. Spring Wines with Claire Coppi, Pt. 1
Ah, Springtime! That magical season when Mother Nature shakes off her frosty duds and slips into something a little more comfortable. It's the time of year when the world seems to be stretching its limbs and saying, "Hey, how about a glass of wine?" And who are we to argue? As the flowers put on their Technicolor dreamcoat and the trees get all leafy, there's no better backdrop for a bit of vino. The air is warmer, the days are longer, and the wine? Well, it's like the liquid equivalent of a spring breeze—light, refreshing, and with a hint of "let's party."
On this first installment of our two-part Spring Wine Celebration, Dan is joined by one of our favorite regular guests, wine expert Claire Coppi. The wines sampled include Freemark Abbey 2022 Napa Valley Chardonnay and 2023 Sauvignon Blanc; Davis Bynum 2022 River West Vineyard Chardonnay and 2021 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir; and Three Sticks 2021 Durell Vineyard Chardonnay and Gap’s Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir. So raise your glass and drink in the beauty of spring. Cheers!
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyS1E255 - 43m - Apr 9, 2024 - 3-Minute Bartender: The Death Flip
Imagine, if you will, a cocktail that stares back from the abyss with a frothy grin, daring you to dive into its depths. That, my friends, is the Death Flip. A concoction born of tequila's fire, Chartreuse's mystic herbal whispers, and a velvety curtain of egg white, this libation is not for the faint of heart. With a dash of sugar to sweeten the deal, it flips death on its head, offering a sip of the sublime. It's a ride on the wild side, a toast to the audacious, a testament to the bartender's dark arts. So, here's to the Death Flip, a cocktail that doesn't just knock on the door of the great beyond but kicks it down with a wink and a smile.
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyS1 - 6m - Apr 2, 2024 - 254. The Do's and Don'ts of Day Drinking
Ah, day drinking, that glorious bastion of hedonism where time ceases to hold sway, and societal norms take a well-deserved nap. It's the art of declaring, "To hell with productivity!" before noon has a chance to turn its judgmental gaze upon us. There’s a certain je ne sais quoi to sipping something spirited as the sun gallivants across the sky, a brazen act of rebellion against the nine-to-five grind. Day drinking whispers sweet nothings of freedom, promising adventures that the night, with all its crowded expectations, can never truly deliver. It’s the pursuit of happiness with a twist of lime, a cheeky middle finger to the concept of "appropriate times" for adult beverages. Whether it’s a languid beer on a lazy beach, a clandestine cocktail at a quiet café, or a solitary whiskey with a side of introspection, day drinking elevates the mundane to the magical. So, here’s to the sun worshippers and the rule breakers, may your glasses always be as full as your hearts, and may the daylight always find you ready for one more round.
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyS1E254 - 24m - Mar 27, 2024
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