Cocktails With Friends

S2 E39 Abe Furth & Chip’s Pineapple Fascination

Abe Furth of Orono Brewing joins Bob Cutler to talk about Wild Maine’s new pineapple seltzer, how après ski and après golf share the same spirit, and why their seltzers—vodka-based, unsweetened, and Maine-made—have exploded in popularity. With the new flavor set to launch at Birdies and beyond, they celebrate collaboratio...

S2 E38 Hotline | Batching & Shoulder Season Sippers 

In this Hotline Edition, Bob breaks down how to batch cocktails like a pro using the classic 2-1-2 formula and gives three easy summer batch options: the Manhattan, Negroni, and Boulevardier. He walks listeners through how to pre-dilute, store, and serve. From stout-and-bourbon espresso martinis to mezcal split-base ...

S2 E37 Teddy Collins

Teddy Collins, beverage director at Miami’s Habibi and Kiki on the River, joins Bob Cutler to talk about his journey from barback to cocktail curator. He reveals his signature builds, including the Moroccan Margarita and a jasmine daiquiri served in a Moroccan bowl on a flying carpet coaster, and emphasizes a love of balanced builds, unique vessels...

S2 E36 How Do You Spell Daiquiri?

Bob Cutler stirs up conversation—and two types of whiskey—on the George Hale Ric Tyler Show on VOM, trading his promised topic of daiquiris for a spirited lesson on toasted, finished, and flavored whiskeys. Bob shares Michter’s Toasted Barrel Bourbon and a maple-infused bourbon from Preservation Distillery to explain how barrel treatme...

S2 E35 Madam Secretary

Bob Cutler welcomes Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows to the Bistro for a convo about Real ID, the switch from Maine’s Chickadee to the Pine Tree license plate, and America’s upcoming 250th birthday celebrations. Bellows provides insight into Maine’s stance on privacy, the regulation of vanity plates, and the importance of bipartisan commun...

S2 E34  Hotline | Capris Pants, Golf & Women’s Whiskey

Bob Cutler takes on listener questions in this Cocktails with Friends Hotline episode, covering the coming Spring and seasonal Old Fashioned variations, the May 5th reopening of Birdies at Bangor Muni, and upcoming women-focused whiskey events at the Bistro. Bob reassures one caller that spirit-forward drinks can s...

S2 E33 Coast Brewing Cocktail Creations

In this episode of Cocktails with Friends, Bob Cutler calls (and wakes up) Aidan Merritt, the creative force behind the cocktail program at Coast Brewing in Charleston, South Carolina. Aidan shakes the sleep from his eyes to share his philosophy on crafting high-quality, affordable cocktails in a brewery setting, highlighting his...

S2 E32  Novio’s Radio | Ring My Bell

Bob Cutler shakes things up on Cocktails with Friends by introducing the Bell Shaker, a handbell-shaped Prohibition-era cocktail shaker, and using it to craft a Passion Fruit Daiquiri. He discusses cocktail trends, including the Paper Plane as 2025’s Drink of the Year and the Espresso Martini craze possibly linked to Sabrina Carpent...

S2 E31  Ain’t No Party Like A Moose Party!

Bob Cutler sits down at the Mangy Moose in Jackson Hole with events coordinator Kat Gentleman to talk about the bar’s rich history, its legendary après-ski scene, and how locals and tourists seamlessly mix in Jackson. They explore trends in the cocktail world, from mezcal’s rise to the Paper Plane’s projected dominance in 2025...

S2 E30 Hotline | 2025 Trends

Bob Cutler answers a hotline question about what cocktails will trend in 2025, pointing to the Paper Plane as the likely cocktail of the year due to its consistent recipe and balance. While Espresso Martinis remain popular, bartenders are experimenting with mezcal and bourbon twists to keep them fresh. Beyond that, Bob highlights the growin...

S2 E29 Is The Sky Really Falling?

Bob Cutler and Justin Frezell dive into the changing landscape of Maine’s craft beverage and restaurant industry, tackling everything from bar closures to shifting drinking habits and the impact of the economy on local businesses. They discuss how breweries are struggling to maintain momentum, how younger drinkers are spending more on ...

S2 E28 Radio | Oh Captain! My Captain!

Bob Cutler joins George Hale & Ric Tyler with guest Captain Jim Settele to explore non-alcoholic and low-ABV cocktails. Bob introduces a tequila-alternative margarita and discusses how non-alcoholic spirits are gaining popularity for those looking to moderate their drinking. Jim, initially skeptical, is convinced by the depth of f...

S2 E27  Can We Call It Sunbury’s?

Bob Cutler interviews his wife, Annie, about Sunburys, her new specialty shop in Bangor, Maine, set to replace Bangor Wine and Cheese. Sunbury's will offer carefully curated wines, barware, kitchen essentials, and gourmet foods, filling a long-missing niche in the community. Annie envisions Sunburys as an inviting, everyday space wit...

S2 E26  Hotline | Green Chartreuse

Bob Cutler dives into the world of Green Chartreuse cocktails, sharing five recipes that highlight its complex herbal profile. He explains how to mix the Naked and Famous, Industry Sour, Last Word, and Closing Argument, emphasizing balance, shaking techniques, and spirit substitutions. Bob encourages listeners to experiment with their...

S2 E25  I’m Just Here For The Party

Rich Stoner, founder of All About Après, joins Bob Culter to discuss the vibrant après-ski culture, sharing his favorite bars, foods, and cocktails while highlighting the camaraderie that defines the experience. From Cousins Bar at Mount Snow to French après traditions in Chamonix, Rich paints a picture of ski towns buzzing with ener...

S2 E24  Novio’s Radio | Consistency Matters

In this lively episode, Bob Cutler kicks off the new year with a spirited on-air discussion on cocktails, New Year's resolutions, and his philosophy of perseverance, inspired by words from Command Sergeant Major William A. Cutler. Bob introduces a revamped version of the classic Boulevardier cocktail, featuring equal parts bourbon, Cynar (an Italian artichoke bit...

S2 E23 The Scramble Johnny Episode

Bob Cutler welcomes Dr. Jess Riccardi, Assistant Professor and Speech-Language Pathologist, to discuss her research on head traumas and concussions in children and athletes. They explore the long-term effects of brain injuries, the risks faced by young children, and advancements in sports safety. Jess emphasizes the need for better support systems and education while trai...

In this Cocktails with Friends Hotline Edition, Bob Cutler offers one listener (Eric with a "c") guidance on expanding his home bar, suggesting essentials like vermouths, orange liqueurs, Italian red bitters, and Giffard liqueurs, as well as mixers like fresh citrus and syrups. He highlights the importance of choosing personal favorites and including versatile bottles like coffee liqueur for trendy cocktails like espre...

In this Cocktails with Friends episode, host Bob Cutler chats with branding expert Karley Cunningham of Big Bold Brand, delving into the essentials of authentic branding. Karley explains that a brand is defined by its reputation and exposure, not merely its logo or colors. Using Bob’s journey with his restaurant, Novio’s, as a case study, they discuss how small businesses often focus too early on visual branding elemen...