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Artwork for Cocktail College

Cocktail College

VinePair
Margarita
Manhattan
Cocktail Techniques
New York Sour
Agave Spirits
Tequila
Daisy
The Old Pal
Cocktail Culture
Hospitality
Negroni
El Capitán
Saturn Cocktail
Tequila Sunrise
Daiquiri
Chicago
Whiskey Sour
Pisco
Gin Rickey
Bourbon

Want to take your bartending skills to the next level? Join VinePair managing editor Tim McKirdy for a weekly deep-dive into classic cocktails with America’s best bartenders. Cocktail College looks beyond the recipe and explores every aspect of mixology from ingredients and ice to shaking techniques, garnishes, and glassware — elevating your Martinis, Mai Tais, and everything in between.

Hosted o... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes210Founded4 years ago
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FoodArtsEducation

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Artwork for Cocktail College

Latest Episodes

The Monte Carlo feels like an obvious extension of the Old Fashioned: whiskey, bitters, and Benedictine for sweetness. Under-ordered but beloved by bartenders, it’s a drink with depth, nuance, and history worth unpacking. Joining us to do just that i... more

Once dismissed as “mocktails,” non-alcoholic cocktails are now among the most exciting frontiers in modern bartending. And at Kato in Los Angeles, Austin Hennelly is forging an exciting new path, rethinking NA wine and creating systems that ensure gu... more

The Cameron’s Kick is one of the great curiosities of the cocktail canon: a split-base sour that brings Scotch and Irish whiskey together in the same glass. First published by Harry McElhone in the 1920s, it’s a classic with a nutty twist thanks to o... more

In 2001, behind the bar at London’s Match Bar, Vincenzo Errico created the Enzoni — a twist on a gin sour that’s since become a modern classic. Soon after, he brought the drink with him to New York’s Milk & Honey, where it took its final shape under ... more

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Recent Guests

Alex Howard
Nashville-based co-founder and beverage director of Martha My Dear and The Ariston.
Martha My Dear
Episode: The Monte Carlo
Austin Hennelly
Pioneering bartender and drink thinker
Kato, Los Angeles
Episode: Techniques: Rethinking Non-Alcoholic Cocktails
Vincenzo Errico
Bartender from Naples, creator of the Enzoni cocktail
L'Artefatto
Episode: The Enzoni
Eduardo Ángeles Carreno (Lalo)
Co-founder of Lalocura, an independent Mezcal brand.
Lalocura
Episode: Part 3: Mezcal’s Untold Past, Soaring Present, and Fragile Future
Ivan Vazquez
An LA based restaurateur who grew up in Oaxaca.
Madre
Episode: Part 1: Mezcal’s Untold Past, Soaring Present, and Fragile Future
Francisco Gaspar
A Mezcalero from Yogana, Oaxaca.
Episode: Part 1: Mezcal’s Untold Past, Soaring Present, and Fragile Future
Salomon Rey Rodríguez
Known as Tio Rey, he produces Mezcal independently near Sola de Vega.
Mezcal Vago
Episode: Part 1: Mezcal’s Untold Past, Soaring Present, and Fragile Future
Francisco Garcia León
Master Mezcalero for Mezcales Cuis.
Episode: Part 1: Mezcal’s Untold Past, Soaring Present, and Fragile Future
Eduardo Ángeles Carreno
Owner of Mezcal La Locura.
Episode: Part 1: Mezcal’s Untold Past, Soaring Present, and Fragile Future

Host

Tim McKirdy
Tim McKirdy is the Host of Cocktail College and serves as the Managing Editor at VinePair. With a strong background in mixology and beverage culture, he guides discussions not only about cocktail recipes but also the broader context of cocktail culture, techniques, and trends.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 675 ratings
  • So good

    I am always inspired to make the cocktail from the latest episode

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Mr. 123987
    United States2 months ago
  • Excellent podcast for cocktail aficionados

    Tim McKirdy & the VinePair folks do a fantastic job on this podcast. Most episodes do a deep dive on a particular classic or ‘modern classic’ cocktail, many times with the presumed originator of the (newer) drink, or a good historical perspective on older drinks. Some episodes are focused on techniques or ingredients. Currently (18July’25) they have started a very interesting and well done three-podcast series on mezcal. Overall, very worthwhile to check out if you have even a modest interest in... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    bjfabb04
    United States2 months ago
  • Brilliant

    I have listened to several different cocktail podcasts. Cocktail College stands out for its focus on actually making cocktails. As a budding cocktail maker I find it hugely educational and entertaining.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Schtzu
    United Kingdom3 months ago
  • Good

    It’s an interesting concept. Talk to a respected bartender about a classic cocktail they love. Depending on the personality of the guest it can sometimes be wonderful at other times a bit laborious, especially if they think too highly of themselves! It’s nice the recipes are given at the end.

    Update. It used to be great before Tim became the ‘expert’ rather than the guest. He could do with a bit more humility…

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    coventry blaze
    United Kingdom3 months ago
  • Long-time listener, big-time fan!

    I don’t even use this app, but I just really wanted to leave a good review for what I consider to be one of the best podcasts out there! Tim and the VinePair team have developed an amazing formula and executed brilliantly with genuine passion for the topic. I also appreciate the caliber of the guests they have on the show every week and the golden nuggets of insights that come out of each conversation. Tim, I would love to see Jeff “Beachbum” Berry on the show one day talking about the Ancient M... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Applehasanicknameproblem
    United States4 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Overall, listeners commend Tim McKirdy as a knowledgeable and engaging host, enhancing the experience with thoughtful dialogue.
Listeners appreciate the deep dives into specific cocktails, particularly enjoying the expert insights and contextual histories provided by guests.
There are mixed feelings about the podcast's pacing and depth; while some revel in the details, others find some episodes meandering or overly complex.
Many find the show educational and beneficial for improving their own cocktail-making skills, reflecting a general satisfaction with the content quality.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#51
United States/Arts/Food
Apple Podcasts
#89
Canada/Arts/Food
Apple Podcasts
#142
United Kingdom/Arts/Food
Apple Podcasts
#31
Australia/Arts/Food
Apple Podcasts
#78
Italy/Arts/Food
Apple Podcasts
#200
Germany/Arts/Food

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Monte Carlo
Q: Is this indeed a classic, Alex?
Yeah, you know, definitely a classic. Criminally underrated.
The Monte Carlo
Q: What is the elevator pitch of this drink? What is The Monte Carlo?
It's essentially just a rye whiskey Old Fashioned using Benedictine in place of sugar.
Techniques: Rethinking Non-Alcoholic Cocktails
Q: What should a well-executed non-alcoholic cocktail look like?
A well-executed non-alcoholic cocktail should prioritize texture, temperature, and complexity to provide a satisfying drinking experience.
Techniques: Rethinking Non-Alcoholic Cocktails
Q: Austin, what's the state of non-alcoholic cocktails and beverage programs right now in 2025?
The state of the category is pretty strong. There are more products on the market than ever. Operators have finally come around to acknowledging that comprehensive alcohol-free beverage programs are necessary to have successful businesses.
The Enzoni
Q: How do you envision the non-alcoholic version of the Enzoni?
A non-alcoholic version can be created with non-alcoholic gin, lemon, sugar, grapes, and Bitter San Pellegrino.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
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Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Cocktail College

What is Cocktail College about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The content showcases a detailed exploration into the world of cocktails, particularly through the lens of classic recipes and mixology techniques. The discussions often include unique insights from expert bartenders, delving into the history, complexity, and creativity behind various drinks. Episodes feature in-depth conversations about cocktail culture, innovations in non-alcoholic beverages, and the traditions surrounding drinks like the Monte Carlo and Mezcal. This mix of educational content and personal anecdotes from industry professionals makes it particularly appealing for both budding and experienced bartenders.

Where can I find podcast stats for Cocktail College?

Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for Cocktail College. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to Cocktail College and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.

How many listeners does Cocktail College get?

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How many subscribers and views does Cocktail College have?

To see how many followers or subscribers Cocktail College has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to Cocktail College?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Cocktail College:

1. VinePair Podcast
2. Bartender at Large
3. Wine 101
4. The Speakeasy
5. Radio Imbibe

How many episodes of Cocktail College are there?

Cocktail College launched 4 years ago and published 210 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Cocktail College?

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Where can I see ratings and reviews for Cocktail College?

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What guests have appeared on Cocktail College?

Recent guests on Cocktail College include:

1. Alex Howard
2. Austin Hennelly
3. Vincenzo Errico
4. Eduardo Ángeles Carreno (Lalo)
5. Ivan Vazquez
6. Francisco Gaspar
7. Salomon Rey Rodríguez
8. Francisco Garcia León

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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