In this episode of The Cocktail Academy Podcast, Damian sits down with one of modern bartending’s most influential voices Jeffrey Morgenthaler. Known for his no-nonsense approach to cocktails, pioneering work at Clyde Common, and the bestselling Bar Book, Jeff shares practical insights from 30 years behind the stick.
Together, they dive into what’s changed in the bar world, what hasn’t, and why sometimes the most successful drinks are the simplest. From how to make a better Amaretto Sour, to why great bars can thrive outside major cities, this conversation is full of sharp, honest, and empowering takeaways for bartenders and bar owners alike.
🍸 What You'll Learn
- Jeff’s journey from architecture student to world-renowned bartender and author
- How the cocktail landscape has shifted over three decades
- Why small cities can outperform major cocktail hubs with the right approach
- The myth of “cool” cocktails — and why the most popular drinks shouldn’t be ignored
- The story behind The Bar Book and why it’s still one of the most recommended in the game
- Jeff’s thoughts on RTDs, gin overload, and emerging spirits trends
- The rise of bartender burnout — and why hospitality starts with taking care of yourself
- Game-changing tools: batching, syrup ratios, and consistency tips from the trenches
- The difference between service and hospitality — and how to hire people who “get it”
- How to build drink menus that actually work — for your team and your guests
🛠️ Resources Mentioned
- jeffreymorgenthaler.com – Jeff’s official website with blogs, recipes, and free tools
- syrupcalc.com – Free syrup calculator
- batchcalc.com – Free batching calculator
- The Bar Book: Elements of Cocktail Technique by Jeffrey Morgenthaler
- Drinking Distilled: A User’s Manual by Jeffrey Morgenthaler
- Regarding Cocktails by Sasha Petraske
- The Joy of Mixology by Gary Regan
- Cosmopolitan: A Bartender’s Life by Toby Cecchini
📣 Perfect For:
- Bartenders looking to sharpen their skills
- Bar managers refining their training or menus
- Bar owners in small markets trying to raise the standard
- Anyone tired of cocktail snobbery and ready to build great hospitality from the ground up
📲 Connect with The Cocktail Academy
Website: www.thecocktailacademy.com
Instagram: @welovecocktails
TikTok: @welovecocktailsx
Facebook: @welovecocktailsx
Email: sayhello@thecocktailacademy.com
📲 Connect with Jeffrey Morgenthaler
Instagram: @jeffmorgen
Website: jeffreymorgenthaler.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform
Popular Podcasts
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.