Carl Busch's Diaries

Embark on my personal journey as a wine shop owner, where I've learned seven crucial lessons in just three months. I'll share my experiences with time management, the power of saying no, the value of embracing mistakes, and the joy of fully immersing myself in the business. 

I also underscore the profound significance of listening to feedback, which is instrumental in shaping the direction of my business. I share how I care...

Carl reveals his latest venture into owning a wine shop, EJ's Wine Shop in Dubuque. He discusses the unexpected journey from cocktail enthusiast to wine shop owner, detailing the shop's unique offerings, including organic and imported wines, and the recent addition of a full liquor license. 

Carl shares his excitement about the new business, the extended opening hours, and his learning experiences. He also hints at future p...

Carl discusses the importance of keeping your body healthy as a bartender. He shares advice from fellow bartender Eric Castro about using both hands to prevent strain and improve technique. Carl emphasizes the need for bartenders to prioritize their physical well-being to have a long and successful career. By practicing using both hands, bartenders can also increase their speed and efficiency. Tune in to learn valuable tip...

Join Carl as he prepares for the Martini Shakeoff, a fundraising event in Dubuque, Iowa. He shares his creative process for crafting four unique cocktails based on the Kentucky Derby theme. 

Carl incorporates innovative techniques and flavors to impress the judges, from deconstructed espresso martinis to elevated mint juleps. Discover how he weaves the theme throughout each drink, creating a cohesive and winning competition...

Carl discusses the time-consuming process of milk-washing cocktails on a large scale and seeks a more efficient method. After receiving suggestions from viewers, he plans to try using a brew bag and nut milk bag to streamline the process. In the following video, he will demonstrate the new method with a one-gallon cocktail. Carl aims to optimize processes for future bartenders and continue creating videos for his audience....

In this episode of Alchemix Bar Diaries, Carl discusses his thoughts on cocktail-making techniques and the use of egg whites in cocktails. He questions the traditional method of double shaking and explores his own approach of shaking with ice for 20 seconds. Carl believes that the ice can help emulsify the egg white and create a velvety mouthfeel in the cocktail. He plans to continue experimenting with this technique and c...