The Cocktail Academy

Introducing "The Cocktail Academy" with your host Damian Cole, a seasoned veteran of the hospitality industry. Join Damian and his expert guests on a spirited journey through the world of cocktails, spirits, and all things booze-related. Whether you're a home cocktail enthusiast or aspiring bartender, this podcast is your go-to source for practical tips and insider knowledge, served straight up with no nonsense. From mastering classic cocktail recipes to exploring the latest trends in mixology, "The Cocktail Academy" has everything you need to shake, stir, and sip like a pro. Tune in for candid conversations, industry insights, and plenty of laughs along the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Cocktail Academy is a arts podcast hosted by Damian Cole, with 78 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Damian Cole hosts The Cocktail Academy, a arts show with 78 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #80

  Inside AJABU: The Rise of Africa's Cocktail Culture

  Aug 14, 202632 min

  AJABU: The Festival Putting African Cocktails on the World Stage Recorded live during Tales of the Cocktail 2026 in New Orleans, Damian sits down with Colin Asare-Appiah and Alexander Quest to explore one of the most exciting movements in global hospitality. At the heart of the conversation is AJABU Cocktail & Spirits Festival —a festival built around connection, collaboration and celebrating the incredible diversity of African hospitality. But this episode goes far beyond cocktails. Colin and Alexander discuss the philosophy of Ubuntu , why hospitality is deeply embedded in African culture, and how indigenous ingredients and local spirits deserve a place alongside the world's most celebrated brands. Along the way, they share stories of travel, flavour discovery, community, and why the global bar industry has only just begun to appreciate what Africa has to offer. If you're passionate about cocktails, culture or hospitality, this episode is a fascinating introduction to a part of the drinks world that deserves far more attention. Episode Highlights Why AJABU was created and what makes it different from other cocktail festivals. How African hospitality is rooted in community, generosity and genuine welcome. Discovering indigenous African spirits, ingredients and forgotten flavours. Alexander Quest's remarkable journey from thoracic surgeon to internationally recognised bartender and bar owner. Why Africa may be the most exciting emerging destination in the global cocktail industry. In this episode you'll learn What AJABU means and the philosophy behind the festival. Why collaboration sits at the heart of African cocktail culture. How indigenous ingredients inspire modern cocktails. The role of Ubuntu in hospitality. Why travel and cultural exchange make better bartenders. How local African spirits compare with familiar Western categories. Why Africa's cocktail scene deserves far greater global recognition. About the guests Colin Asare-Appiah Born in Ghana, Colin Asare-Appiah is one of the drinks industry's most respected educators, mentors and global ambassadors. A multiple award winner at Tales of the Cocktail, he co-founded the AJABU Cocktail & Spirits Festival to showcase African hospitality, creativity and talent to the world. Alexander Quest Alexander Quest is an award-winning bartender, entrepreneur and former thoracic surgeon from Cameroon, now based in Côte d'Ivoire. Through his bars and educational work, he champions indigenous African ingredients, local spirits and the stories that connect communities across the continent. Topics covered AJABU Cocktail & Spirits Festival African cocktail culture Ubuntu philosophy Indigenous African spirits Palm spirits and traditional distillation Hospitality traditions across Africa Local ingredients and flavour discovery Community in bartending Cultural exchange through cocktails Tales of the Cocktail 2026 Resources & Links AJABU Cocktail & Spirits Festival: https://ajabu.com AJABU Instagram: @ajabu Festival tickets (via Quicket): https://www.quicket.co.za Memorable Quotes "Connect. Collaborate. Create." "Community is a big part of AJABU." "Hospitality for us is a genuine welcome." "Travel creates better conversations." "Together we can achieve many things." If you enjoyed this episode... Please consider following The Cocktail Academy , leaving a rating or review, and sharing this episode with someone who loves cocktails, hospitality and discovering the stories behind the world's most exciting drinks cultures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  Episode #79

  Leo Robitschek: What Would People Miss If Your Bar Closed?

  Aug 6, 202639 min

  In the first episode of our Tales of the Cocktail 2026 series, Damian sits down in New Orleans with legendary bartender and hospitality leader Leo Robitschek. Leo helped transform Eleven Madison Park from a busy New York restaurant into a three-Michelin-starred institution and the number one restaurant in the world. He later created the acclaimed bar programmes at The NoMad, becoming a managing partner and helping expand the brand from New York to Los Angeles, Las Vegas and London. Over a low-ABV tomato and basil Negroni, Leo explains why exceptional hospitality begins with culture rather than cocktails. He shares how collaboration between the bar, kitchen and dining room changed Eleven Madison Park, why the world’s best bars need a distinctive identity, and how training people to understand “why” is more powerful than simply teaching them what to do. The conversation also explores staff education, empowering junior team members, turning difficult guests into loyal fans, avoiding the destructive pursuit of perfection, and Leo’s latest project, Second Sip: a 20% ABV London Dry-style gin designed to deliver the full experience of a Martini or Negroni with half the alcohol. This is a practical masterclass in building bar culture, developing hospitality teams and creating experiences that guests genuinely remember. Key Takeaways Great hospitality starts with an engaged and empowered team. A technically excellent bar still needs a clear identity and a reason to exist. Eleven Madison Park’s transformation began when the team stopped imitating other restaurants and discovered its own voice. Breaking down the wall between the kitchen, bar and dining room created space for genuine collaboration and creativity. Bartenders occupy a unique position between production and guest experience, allowing them to notice details others may miss. Listening carefully gives hospitality teams opportunities to personalise a guest’s experience. Culture cannot simply be written into a training manual. It has to be reinforced through leadership, education and everyday behaviour. People are more likely to remain invested when they feel they are learning, growing and contributing. Managers should actively catch people doing things right instead of looking only for mistakes. Training should explain why something matters, not merely how it should be done. The best bars are not always those with the most technically impressive drinks. They are the places that make guests feel something distinctive. Perfection is impossible, but attention to the smallest details can still transform the overall experience. Bartenders and chefs need to step back from their creations and consider how a guest will experience them over an entire visit. Lower-alcohol cocktails can extend an evening without sacrificing flavour, ritual or connection. Episode Highlights 12:20 – The need for “more Miles Davis” How Eleven Madison Park realised that technical excellence was not enough without a distinctive identity of its own. 23:10 – Caviar and Cheez-Its Leo reveals how one carefully observed hospitality gesture transformed a sceptical guest into a loyal fan. 25:15 – What would people miss if your bar closed? A powerful question for any bar seeking to understand its identity, purpose and place within its community. 31:45 – Building a culture of continuous education How peer-led learning, regular tastings and professional development helped The NoMad create a more engaged team. 33:05 – Teach the “why,” not just the “how” Why great hospitality requires employees who understand the purpose behind the standards and feel empowered to use their own judgment. Links and Resources Follow Leo Robitschek on Instagram Discover Second Sip Gin The NoMad London Eleven Madison Park Employees Only Bar Leone Tales of the Cocktail The World’s 50 Best Bars The Cocktail Academy Podcast on Instagram Visit The Cocktail Academy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  Episode #76

  Behind the Scenes at Europe’s 50 Best Bars 2026 in Amsterdam

  Jul 10, 202626 min

  Damian recaps his trip to Amsterdam for the inaugural Europe’s 50 Best Bars 2026. What started as an awards ceremony quickly became a full festival of cocktails, with bar takeovers, brand activations, industry events, parties and a green-carpet ceremony bringing together some of the best bars in Europe. From Rosewood Amsterdam’s stunning Advocatuur bar and the Meet the Bartenders media event, to the main Europe’s 50 Best Bars ceremony at De Kromhouthal and the rooftop closing party at LuminAir, Damian gives a behind-the-scenes look at what happens when 50 Best rolls into town. He also reflects on the key themes shaping the European cocktail scene in 2026, including Athens’ dominance, the continued strength of London cocktail bars and Barcelona cocktail bars, the rise of Central and Eastern Europe, and the importance of genuine hospitality alongside technical innovation. Key Takeaways Europe’s 50 Best Bars 2026 felt much bigger than a single awards night. Amsterdam became the centre of the European cocktail world, with pop-ups, parties, brand activations and some of the best bartenders in Europe gathering across the city. Athens had a huge showing, with Line taking the No.1 spot and The Bar in Front of The Bar coming in at No.2, underlining just how strong the Greek cocktail scene has become. London remains a major force in the best bars in Europe conversation, with bars including The Connaught Bar, Satan’s Whiskers, Tayēr + Elementary, Panda & Sons, Waltz, Kwãnt Mayfair, Three Sheets Soho and Scarfes Bar all appearing on the list. Panda & Sons deserve a special mention, coming in at No.20 and also picking up the Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award. Barcelona continues to be one of Europe’s most important cocktail cities, with Sips, Paradiso, Aldea, Boadas, Foco and others showing the depth of the city’s bar scene. Central and Eastern Europe are becoming increasingly important on the cocktail map, with strong placements from bars in Bratislava, Tirana, Prague and Krakow. Sustainability, fermentation, low-waste practices, hyper-local ingredients and strong storytelling are clearly shaping modern cocktail culture. At the same time, the best cocktail bars are still the ones that combine technical skill with warmth, simplicity, personality, atmosphere and genuine hospitality. Highlights Landing in a sun-soaked Amsterdam and heading straight into a packed few days of cocktail events. Visiting Advocatuur at Rosewood Amsterdam, a beautiful cocktail bar inside the former Palace of Justice, with thoughtful drinks, warm hospitality and a strong sense of place. Stopping by The Flying Dutchman at Sofitel Legend The Grand for a Gin Mare event with the team from Boadas Barcelona. Bumping into Simone Caporale from Sips Barcelona and lining up what will hopefully become a future episode of The Cocktail Academy Podcast. Attending The Cambridge Public House activation, complete with great drinks, a packed room, big energy and a sleeping Jack Russell in the middle of the madness. Finishing the first night at Belly of the Beast, with rum, gongs, colour and full tiki-style energy. Taking part in the Meet the Bartenders event, speaking with teams from Super Lyan, Tjoget, TAG, Aldea and Panda & Sons. Experiencing the main Europe’s 50 Best Bars 2026 ceremony at De Kromhouthal, with the green carpet, packed room, brand activations, cocktails and the live countdown. Seeing Line in Athens crowned The Best Bar in Europe 2026. Celebrating Panda & Sons coming in at No.20 and winning the Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award. Ending the trip at the rooftop closing party at LuminAir, with sunshine, DJs, barbecue, sushi, cocktails and views over Amsterdam. Links The World’s 50 Best Bars: https://www.theworlds50best.com/bars/ The Cocktail Academy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/welovecocktails/ The Cocktail Academy on Tiktok Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/welovecocktailsx/ https://www.tiktok.com/@welovecocktailsx The Cocktail Academy: https://thecocktailacademy.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  Episode #75

  The Secret Behind Maybe Sammy's Success | Stefano Catino

  Jun 24, 202635 min

  Stefano Catino: Why Hospitality Matters More Than Cocktails This week on The Cocktail Academy Podcast, Damian sits down with one of the most respected operators in global hospitality, Stefano Catino. As the co-founder of the world-renowned Maybe Sammy and leader of The Maybe Group, Stefano has helped build one of the most celebrated hospitality businesses in the world. But as you'll hear in this conversation, his success has far less to do with cocktails than it does with people. From growing up in his father's restaurant in Italy to building a hospitality empire in Australia, Stefano shares why creating memorable guest experiences, building great teams, and having fun at work are serious business strategies. We discuss the difference between service and hospitality, why culture should come before cocktail knowledge, the importance of leading from the front, and why the world's best bars are moving back towards simplicity. If you're a bartender, bar owner, hospitality professional, or anyone interested in creating experiences people never forget, this episode is packed with practical insights. In This Episode Stefano's journey from a small town in Italy to Sydney's cocktail scene The origins of Maybe Frank, Maybe Sammy, and The Maybe Group Why hospitality is more valuable than service The hiring philosophy behind world-class teams Creating a culture people want to be part of Why "fun" is a serious business strategy Leading by example as an owner and operator The atmosphere and energy behind Maybe Sammy Cocktail trends, tequila, and the return to simplicity Why hospitality remains the ultimate competitive advantage Key Takeaways Hospitality Is What People Pay For Stefano argues that service and hospitality are not the same thing. Service is completing the task. Hospitality is how you make people feel throughout the experience. It's often the difference between a customer returning and never thinking about you again. Hire Humans, Not Talent Technical skills can be taught. Genuine care for people is much harder to develop. Stefano believes operators should hire people they genuinely want to spend time with and then train the skills afterwards. Fun Is Not an Accident The atmosphere at Maybe Sammy isn't random. It's deliberately protected, modelled by leadership, and reinforced every day. According to Stefano, taking the job seriously while not taking yourself too seriously is one of the keys to creating memorable hospitality. Culture Starts at the Top Whether you're a bar owner, manager, or team leader, culture isn't something you delegate. Stefano believes leaders must consistently demonstrate the behaviours they want to see in their teams. Simplicity Is Winning Again After years of increasingly complex cocktails, Stefano sees the industry moving back towards simpler drinks, shorter menus, classic serves, and better guest experiences. Connect with Stefano Catino Instagram: @stefanocatino Maybe Sammy - @maybe_sammy_sydney Connect with The Cocktail Academy Instagram: @welovecocktails TikTok: @welovecocktailsx Facebook: @welovecocktailsx Website: www.thecocktailacademy.com Email: sayhello@thecocktailacademy.com Enjoyed This Episode? If you enjoyed this conversation, please follow The Cocktail Academy Podcast on your favourite podcast platform and leave a rating or review. It helps more hospitality professionals discover the show. Share this episode with a bartender, manager, or venue owner who believes great hospitality is still the most powerful tool in the business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  Episode #73

  Inside Sip & Guzzle with Steve Schneider

  May 21, 202644 minS0

  <p>This week on The Cocktail Academy Podcast, Damian sits down with Steve Schneider, partner at Sip & Guzzle in New York and one of the defining figures behind modern cocktail hospitality.</p><p>Steve talks through his journey from the Marines and high-energy DC bars to Employees Only and eventually building Sip & Guzzle alongside Shingo Gokan. What starts as a conversation about cocktails quickly turns into a deep dive into bar identity, hospitality, storytelling, service culture, and what it actually takes to create bars people emotionally connect with.</p><p>Steve breaks down the philosophy behind Sip & Guzzle, explaining how...

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