Designated Drinker Show

Get the featured cocktail recipe: "Schuler or Shouldn’t I?" and "Classic Pisco Sour" Heralded as the world’s foremost Pisco expert, Johnny has led the way in revitalizing interest in Peru’s native spirit. He is the master distiller for Hacienda La Caravedo and as an ambassador for pisco, he has dedicated much of his life to setting industry standards for excellence and has traveled throughout Peru, and around the globe, to educate spirits industry professionals and the public alike about the culture, heritage, and craftsmanship that makes Pisco so unique. And now he is with us to do more of the same—lucky us. ¡Salud! We ♥ Johnny...and not just because he brings us his beautifully crafted pisco. Want more? Check out the video version of this podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe: Buzzworthy Learn a little more about us, as we host our first live audience at AAF-DC’s AM Buzz. We are talking about podcasting with Brendan Monaghan, the CEO of Panoply Media, a premium podcasting company that produces original shows, curates digital audio content and operates Megaphone, an industry-leading technology platform for podcast creators and advertisers. To catch the next AM Buzz, visit www.aafdc.org. Want more boozy banter? More recipes? Just more of more? Then subscribe, download and review! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe: The Mason Jar In 2017, for the first time ever, Bon Appetit named a sandwich shop America's BEST RESTAURANT. Yes. A sandwich shop. And once you've tried one (or 10, who would blame you?) of Mason Hereford's culinary masterpieces, you totally understand why. What's even better is Mason's fun-loving personality and the importance he places on employee happiness. Fortunately, he shared his recipe for success with us: Between 2 slices of freshly-baked talent, add equal parts tenacity and hard work. Pile on as much imagination as you can and top with a pinch of positive outlook and a heaping portion of humor. Want more boozy banter? More recipes? Just more of more? Then subscribe, download and review! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe: Summer Cobbler Meet the mastermind chef behind Union Market, DC’s premier high-end food emporium. Richie’s career has taken him to the far corners of the globe. He’s perfected his talents in some of the most demanding restaurants in New Orleans, New York, Colorado, San Francisco, London and even, the Isle of Man. His journey proves that the combination of talent and hard work are the key ingredients to a successful career. Ready for another round? Then subscribe, download and review. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe: In Da Coconut Club From being crowned Grand Champion on the Food Network’s Chopped to opening his own restaurant, Adam shares his story of trials and tribulations and how he tries to have a good laugh along the way. The focus, patience and persistence he needed to beat out top-notch competitors maybe be nothing compared to the permitting and licensing process he’s dealing with now while opening his own restaurant, the Coconut Club. We toast his efforts and applaud his patience. Did we leave you wanting more? Then subscribe, download and review. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe: Berry, Berry Bramble It’s not a stretch to say that Marcella Kriebel has always been an artist and foodie. Her collection of watercolors and illustrated cookbooks reflect her love for both. After graduating with majors in both Studio Art and Cultural Anthropology, it is easy to see how her background was a springboard for journaling and cooking in countless private home kitchens throughout Latin America. Join us as she discusses her successful Kickstarter campaign which allowed her to assemble her large archive of recipes and illustrations into the colorful hand drawn cookbooks, Mi Comida Latina and recently released, Comida Cubana. Hungry for more? Subscribe, download and review. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe: An Italian Gentlemen Riding His Bike Through The Piazza & Classic Gin Rickey Check-out part 2 of our Summer Time Splendor Spectacular in Old Town Alexandria. The boozy banter and sipping summertime refreshers continues with some very talented bartenders from this historic gem. In this episode, meet Chris Bassett of Myron Mixon's Pitmaster BBQ and Mike Saccone and Chris Sollom from Humming Bird. Bassett's combination of smoke and watermelon makes his "Smoke Wins" simply amazing. Saccone's "An Italian Gentleman..." has been one of our go-tos for good reason. It's well-balanced and refreshing. A classic Gin Rickey is a staple we all should know how to whip up, so follow Sollom's recipe to become a Rickey master in no time. Want more Summer Time Splendor Spectacular recipes? Then subscribe and download. We'd love to hear what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe: Rickey's Summer Remedy & International Affair Check-out part 1 of our Summer Time Splendor Spectacular in Old Town Alexandria. We are hanging out with some very talented bartenders at some of the best cocktail bars in this historic colonial town. In this episode, meet John Schott of The People's Drug and Alex Taylor of Hank's Oyster Bar in Old Town Alexandria. John's "Rickey's Summer Remedy" is savory and delicious, while Alex's take on a French 75, "International Affair," is lovely and refreshing. Both are perfect for the warm summer months. Want more Summer Time Splendor Spectacular recipes? Then subscribe and download. We'd love to hear what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe: So Fresh and So Clean, Clean Jamie Leeds is one of DC’s most-highly recognized chefs and restaurateurs due to her wildly successful restaurants, her very active role in the community and her 30 plus years of inspiring culinary experience in NYC and DC. In May 2005, she opened her first Hank’s Oyster Bar and began serving what she termed “Urban Beach Food.” Now, after opening 4 more restaurants and a cocktail bar, she sits down and shares with us the secrets ingredients she used to create her incredible restaurant group: positivity, creativity and empowerment. Oh, and don’t forget the dash of tough love, of course. Thirsty for more? Then subscribe and review. We'd love to what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe: Black Hole Sun & Matcha to Love About Summer Welcome to our first Summertime Splendor Spectacular episode. Since the days are getting longer and the nights warmer, we are serving up some special episodes filled with recipes that promise to refresh and delight. We're bringing along a few friends to mix it up with, so sit back, enjoy the boozy banter and get ready to make these tasty cocktails for your next summertime social. Still thirsty? Subscribe and review. We'd love to what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe: Island Hopper In 2005, Garrett and his then girlfriend and now wife, Malanie Oxley, opened Maui Brewing as a small single brew-pub restaurant that served its own locally brewed beer. Today, things are slightly different. They have been named America’s #1 small business, employee over 400 people and are projected to earn over $20 million in sales in 2018. Talk about an amazing success story! But in our humble opinion, want really makes them the big kahuna is that they have never lost their aloha spirit. Want more boozy banter? Subscribe and review. We'd love to hear your thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe: Baby Fireflies, Complete With Lumens Nearly a thousand years ago, the first Polynesians set sail for the Hawaiian Islands using only the stars for navigation. With them they brought select varieties of Kō – or as we know it, sugarcane. And thankfully they did, because today, Manulele Distillers are crafting their Kōhana Hawaiian Agricole Rums using the descendants of those ancient sugarcane plants. As brand manager of Kōhana Rum, Kyle Reutner is not just honoring the Hawaii of yesteryear, he is a part of a team that is developing a new industry that will help shape the future of the islands’ economy, one delicious bottle of rum at a time. Now, that’s what we call honoring the spirit. Got an idea for an episode? Subscribe and review. We'd love to hear your thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe: Your Melons Are Showing Tiffany’s journey has taken her to the far edges of the United States. No really. Born and raised on Maui, Tiffany moved to New York City where her love affair with food began. After attending the culinary arts program at the Institute of Culinary Education, she went on to become an award-winning pastry chef creating delightful treats at some of New York’s best restaurants, including Michelin-starred Cru and Allen & Delancey. Her sights were then set on DC, where she truly made a mark on the District’s food scene. From working with the Neighborhood Food Group to launch Birch & Barley – which earned 3 stars from the Washington Post – to opening her own place, the amazing Buttercream Bake Shop. Tiffany was awarded Best Pastry Chef at 2010 RAMMY Awards, selected as a James Beard Award semi-finalist 3 years in a row and featured in Food & Wine, The Local Palate, Art Culinaire and on Travel Channel’s Food Paradise. Want some more sweet treats? Then subscribe to the podcast and try your hand at Gina's amazing recipes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe: #aCreativeTeaTime If you need a jolt of creativity, look no further. Morgan is the founder and director of the A Creative DC project. Nylon Magazine has referred to her online projects as "a virtual clubhouse [representing] D.C.'s creative class," and she has contributed online voice and visuals to the DC creative scene since founding the city's first street style blog in 2006. Her commitment to showcasing the city's creative culture online has garnered nods from the Washington Post, Washington City Paper, Washingtonian Magazine, and more. She helms the A Creative DC project from the Arts Walk at the Monroe Street Market in the Brookland neighborhood of NE, DC. Check out Morgan’s world at pandaheadmorgan.com or join the conversation by uploading your creative work with #aCreativeDC. Want to pour your creativity in a glass? Then subscribe to the podcast and try your hand at Gina's amazing recipes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe: One-Off Julep At the crossroads of passion and obsession, you will find Bill Thomas. In 2011, Bill opened Jack Rose Dining Saloon which boasts more than 2,700 different expressions, making it the largest publicly available whisk(e)y collection in the Western Hemisphere. With more than 20 years in spirit industry, he is considered one of the foremost authorities on whiskey in the United States. No wonder he's sat on a multitude of judging panels, been featured in whisk(e)y history documentaries and asked to lead countless tastings across the country. With more 7,000 bottles in his private collection, to call him an avid collector, may be an understatement. Did we leave you wanting more? Then subscribe to the podcast and tell us what you think by leaving a review. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe: Really, I Wear Pink For Candiace, the many steps she’s taken across the stages of the pageant world have prepared her for the reality of being a cast member of The Real Housewives of Potomac. She may come in a petite package, but don’t underestimate the power of her contagious positive energy and zest for life. We have no doubt she’s about to be crowned queen, once again. For Chris, we will just have to watch and see how well he fares in a crazy realm where his life is broadcasted for all the world to see. We bet his experiences behind the bar and being an owner/operator of his own restaurant, Myron Mixon’s Pitmaster BBQ, sets him up for even more success is this world of high drama. We know you’ll love getting to know them, because we just can’t get enough. Want more boozy banter & amazing craft cocktail recipes? Then subscribe, download and review the show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe: It's Not Remotely Austrian So, if you combine a bit of wacky, a dash of ADHD, a lot of creativity, and then top it off with some unstoppable entrepreneurship, you would get this kooky high-energy team. Sebastian has been behind some of the most successful restaurants in DC and continues to win over the most sophisticated of palettes with his newest venture, Primrose—a modern take on the French bistro that offers an unmatched natural wine program. Also found on the menu is wine that Sebastian has been making in collaboration with Early Mountain Vineyards. Victor may be known for his laughter but what he brings to Primrose is so much more. As the Director of Operations, he has his hands full with the day-to-day, as well making sure they deliver unparalleled dining experiences that exceed every patrons’ expectation. They definitely turned this show upside down and we loved it! Want more boozy banter & amazing craft cocktail recipes? Then subscribe, download and review the show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe: VJOP Redux: Big Island Red Snapper (Part 2 of 2) In this two-part episode, we meet Jared Brown. To say his life journey is awe-inspiring is an understatement. He has: rubbed elbows with the likes of Julia Child and the Dalai Lama; at the ripe old age of 11 years, experimented with liqueur distilling; written countless books and traveled many a mile with his wife, and even worked at the Rainbow Room with none other than King Cocktail, Dale Degroff.Currently, he loving researches and tends to hundreds of herbs and botanicals and to top it all off, he’s the Master Distiller of Sipsmith Gin. Whoo! That’s living life to its fullest. Don't miss the rest of the story! Subscribe to the podcast and you'll know the moment it's available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe: Big Island Red Snapper In this two-part episode, we meet Jared Brown. To say his life journey is awe-inspiring is an understatement. He has: rubbed elbows with the likes of Julia Child and the Dalai Lama; at the ripe old age of 11 years, experimented with liqueur distilling; written countless books and traveled many a mile with his wife, and even worked at the Rainbow Room with none other than King Cocktail, Dale Degroff.Currently, he loving researches and tends to hundreds of herbs and botanicals and to top it all off, he’s the Master Distiller of Sipsmith Gin. Whoo! That’s living life to its fullest. Don't miss the rest of the story! Subscribe to the podcast and you'll know the moment it's available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe: Rosie Likes Whisky, too On this episode, we meet Erika Goergen and learn how life sometimes has a few surprises in store. Paths can be set, but often that journey may go left when you thought you were destined to go right, up when down was what you expected and can even throw in a 180 which pushes you into a whole new direction. For Erika, this journey has made her who she is and has inspired her to become a member of Pink Boots, an organization that encourages and champions professional women in the beer industry through education. Sign us up! Did we leave you wanting more? Then subscribe, download and review. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe: Final Countdown Cocktail Which Comes With Buddha's Advice, “Swim In Every Ocean” Yes, being queen is good but remembering we only rise by lifting others is what makes us great. Rachel Sergi may be a master behind the bar but what she created has made her a true legend. She has developed not just a competition that challenges, champions and celebrates female bartenders but an event that raises money for the House of Ruth which supports survivors of domestic violence and homelessness. This just proves how amazing this woman is and why her efforts have garnered support from the makers of Knob Creek, Maker's Mark Bourbon and many more. Ready for another round of boozy banter and cocktail recipes? Then subscribe, download and review. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe" "Full of PRIDE" Mule Building a success business from the ground up is admirable but never forgetting to help others along the way and changing the world for the better is downright is inspiring. DC Brau is one of DC’s leading breweries and their continued support of SMYAL and the Washington Blade Foundation through their Pride Pils campaign proves that greatness is not found in what you have, but in what you give. Thirsty for more tasty cocktail recipes and boozy banter, then subscribe, download and review. Cheers to you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe: Pinky + Brainzerac An idea might be great but without direction, it is destined to wither on the vine. Focus and force without purpose is lost energy. But when those things come together, you just might have a perfect storm on your hands. This dynamic duo proves this theory to be true. As experts in the beverage industry, they identified a simple problem, developed the answer and created a first-of-its-kind product, the InstaRinse Portable Glass Rinser. Not only is the product extraordinary, so is the way these two came together, stayed open to possibilities and are exceeding even their own goals. Want to geek out on more tasty cocktail recipes and boozy banter, then subscribe, download and review. We'd love to know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe: Lady Liberty If you look up perpetual motion in the dictionary, you’re likely to find a picture of Elyse Braner. Not only is she the co-chair of Women Who Whiskey-DC, she leads a local running group, volunteers as an elementary school track coach, ran 8 marathons last year, holds down a full-time job in marketing and events planning, and is also a brand ambassador for Wigle Whiskey. That sentence just makes the rest of us tired. Want more tasty cocktail recipes and boozy banter, then subscribe, download and review. We'd love to hear from you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe: Hey There, Sailor From creating craft cocktails to distilling spirits as a managing partner at Jos A. Magnus & Co. Distillery, Designated Drinker, Nicole Hassoun's journey is rather inspiring. She continues to break barriers as she focuses her talents on producing vodka, award-winning gins, as well as other contract spirits. She continually looks for new projects that not only challenge her, but also champions the distilling industry. She is definitely a badass woman to watch! Want more tasty cocktail recipes and boozy banter, then subscribe, download and review. We'd love to hear from you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe: Suntory Whisky Toki™ Drummers, Bartenders, Experts...Oh, my! On this episode, meet Designated Drinker Gardner Dunn. His fascinating journey begins in Rando Beach, where he’s parents’ appreciation for Japanese art and tradition left a lasting impression on him. His pursuit for a degree in music took him and his drumsticks to big sky country. Yes, that’s Montana. As a pizza delivery guy and attending his during his 3rd year of college, he was asked to join the Chris Hiatt Band, which was an offer too good to let pass by. This sets him on a journey he would have never imagined. From a professional drummer on the “Warp Tour” to becoming the ambassador of award-winning Suntory Japanese Whiskys, Gardner’s travels have taken him to all corners of the world, and back. Don't forget to subscribe, download and review! Click to learn more about Suntory Whisky Toki™. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe: Dave's Favorite Rum Daiquiri & Mimi's Garden Party We took the show on the road and headed down to Charleston, SC to get a taste of all this blossoming city has to offer. Join us as we check out one of the city's hottest spots on King Street, Felix Cocktails Et Cuisine. We share a few drinks served up by our guest barkeep, Tyler Rothenberg, with their Beverage Director Davey Jones and Chef Elizabeth Schultenover. Find out how this amazing team is working hard to establish Felix as the gem of one of Charleston's most happening thoroughfares that is more than 300 years old and is as rich with culture as it is with amazing bars and restaurants to please even the most particular of palates. Want more? Subscribe, download and review. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe: Lips Say What? On this episode we get personal. Designated Drinker, Certified Lipsologist Arianna Lightingstorm, exposes the personal sides of Louise and Gina by sharing what their lip prints reveal. Ariana (aka Anna Snodgrass) is one of only 8 Certified Lipsologists, the first certified teacher of Lipsology in the world and was the first on the East Coast to be trained in the fun and entertaining practice of Lipsology. Beyond that, she has more than 35 years of experience in palmistry, tarot and handwriting analysis which she has used to entertain party-goers and corporate event attendees throughout the United States. What is Lipsology, you ask? Lipsology is the new and exciting art and science of lip print reading. After studying the lip prints left on her uniquely-made kiss cards, Ariana uses her insights to read the messages that shed light on personality characteristics, energy levels, and more. Find this episode as tasty as we did? Then subscribe, download & review. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe: Royal Street Sazerac Mescach Cisero, A.K.A. Shaq, A.K.A. Chef Cisero, built a successful career calculating and analyzing “big data” but recently made the decision follow his heart and left the corporate world behind. Until now, he has had one foot in each world but is now focusing all of his energies on his culinary career. Chef Cisero sits down with us to share the ups-and-downs of his journey towards a very promising, yet new career as he debuts as the visiting Executive Chef at Prequel, a restaurant incubator. Find this episode as tasty as we did? Then subscribe, download & review. Episode Sponsor: Mardi Gras Extravaganza :: Tue, Feb 13 :: 6-10pm @ Union Market Dock 5 Indulge in New Orleans and southern style grub and drinks to toast to Mardi Gras revelry. Featuring DC's top restaurants, bars and mixologists, bar and breweries and rotating bands for a night of N'awlins fun. The event will benefit DC Central Kitchen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe: Yellow, Savvy, Different On this episode, we sit down with Designated Drinker, Will Lacey. He began his culinary journey with the creation of his catering and special event company, Yellow Dog Barbecue. Fueled by creative passion, Will's priority has always been the preservation of the simple fun of cooking. In developing the products now offered by Savvy Foods, Will wants to empower friends and customers alike to test their boundaries in the kitchen. How can you not like a guy who's motto is, “Food has the ability to bring people together. It makes strangers into friends and friends into family.” Find this episode as tasty as we did? Then subscribe, download & review. Episode Sponsor: Mardi Gras Extravaganza :: Tue, Feb 13 :: 6-10pm @ Union Market Dock 5 Indulge in New Orleans and southern style grub and drinks to toast to Mardi Gras revelry. Featuring DC's top restaurants, bars and mixologists, bar and breweries and rotating bands for a night of N'awlins fun. The event will benefit DC Central Kitchen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe: Odds & Ends On this episode, we take a journey into the past with Designated Drinker, Scott Williams to met Odd McIntyre, possibly our nation’s first preeminent pop culture writer. Williams is the author of “An Odd Book, How the First Modern Pop Culture Reporter Conquered New York.” Like Odd, Scott also has led an interesting life. He’s gone from leading the marketing and PR efforts for Elvis Presley Enterprises (yes, that’s Graceland) to becoming the chief operating officer and senior vice president of sales and marketing at the Newseum in Washington, D.C. And if that's not enough, he serves on the board of both the D.C. chapter of the American Advertising Federation and the Historical Society of Washington, D.C. And let us not forget, he is a husband and a father of two beautiful daughters. Episode Sponsor: Mardi Gras Extravaganza :: Tue, Feb 13 :: 6-10pm @ Union Market Dock 5 Indulge in New Orleans and southern style grub and drinks to toast to Mardi Gras revelry. Featuring DC's top restaurants, bars and mixologists, bar and breweries and rotating bands for a night of N'awlins fun. The event will benefit DC Central Kitchen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe: Square Stems On this episode meet Designated Drinker, Jamie Simpson--a musical rockstar turned rockstar chef. He hails from some of the best restaurants in Charleston, SC and has staged at Michelin-starred restaurants around the world. Today, he is the Executive Chef at The Culinary Vegetable Institute at The Chef’s Garden in Milan, Ohio. His passion? To promote and grow the sustainable food system. Love this tasty bit? Let us know by reviewing the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipes:Save the Donna for your Mama & Williams Plum Street Booze Ball In this episode, meet Designated Drinker, Donna Black. She shares more than just her icy treats and a few laughs with us, she takes us on her journey into owning and operating a business that has been dishing out a uniquely delicious New Orleans icy treat, since 1949. In 1979, Donna Black's husband Claude insisted that the couple buy a family-owned snoball stand, which had by then been shoveling syrup-drizzled snow for over 35 years. Though Claude had been their devoted customer since childhood, Donna didn't really know what made this business so special. In other words, she was going in cold, preparing to become a snoball stand proprietor with little insight into the delicate art of syrup mixology or the summer afternoon crush of sweaty customers clamoring for something to cool their overheated palates. Now, more than thirty years later, she quite confident to call herself a snoball "barmaid," as she knows each customer, with the intuition of a dedicated drink-pourer, by his or her favorite flavor. Looking for more sweet treats? Subscribe to the show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the recipes for all 3 holiday recipes: "Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” “Over The Hill and Through the Woods,” and “The More the Merrier” Welcome to the second special edition of the Designated Drinker Show. If you’re looking for that perfect drink to enjoy while you’re getting ready for your next holiday party OR to serve to the in-laws to make dinner a little less awkward OR just want to leave Santa something more than milk and cookies, you want to listen to this episode. Chris Bassett, our guest barkeep, serves up some delicious drink recipes that are sure to keep you in the holiday spirit. Naughty or nice? Review the show & let us know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the recipes for all 3 holiday recipes: "Puppies In The Snow," Mommy's Not Drunk, She's Just Having Fun," and "An Italian Gentleman Wrapping Presents Under the Tree Dressed in His Dog Pajamas" Welcome to the first special edition of the Designated Drinker Show. With all the hustle-and-bustle and festivities of the holidays comes stress, so our hope is that the recipes provided by our guest barkeep, Michael Saccone (A.K.A. Elf On The Top Shelf), helps spread some much needed holiday cheer. He shares 3 recipes that are perfect for all your holiday festivities or just to fill your flask for all that dreadful shopping. Whatcha' think of the show? Review us and let us know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe: “Great ingredients are like old friends,” says Alan Walter. And we couldn’t agree more. In this episode, meet Alan Walter, Creative Director of the International House Hotel. Unique. Creative. Ingredient Wrangler. These are just a few adjectives to describe Alan. With all due reverence to spirits and their origins, Alan’s approach to tending bar is a modern expression of the American saloons of the Old West, where improvising with whatever spirits were on hand was a must. Unafraid of experimentation or anachronism, he makes his proprietary syrups for use in his extraordinary recipes, many of which are inspired by ingredients from the kitchen pantry. These delicious recipes have gone on to be published by Food & Wine, StarChefs.com and…oh yeah… the Designated Drinker Show. And when he’s not mixing at Loa, he writing country songs. Don't forget to subscribe, download and review! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe: We The Spirit One should never doubt the ability of a thoughtful and committed group to change the world. So on the episode, we learn all about the positive, mind-opening and palette-enhancing changes happening in the distilled spirits industry. Meet Kelley McDonough, the Director of Public Relations for the Distilled Spirits Council, a trade association for the spirits sector. In her role, she's champion spirits trends, industry heritage and cocktail culture, all the while traveling the world hosting special events and media tours. She also works closely with the media to disseminate the latest industry data and category statistics. Talk about a dream job! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe: A Gentleman and A Scholar On this episode, met a Designated Drinker who believes good food and drink is best served with a side of great service. From CPA to the head of his own restaurant group, Ralph Brennan knows how to serve up an amazing dining experience. With seven restaurants to his name, and a family history steeped in “the biz,” he has had an interesting journey and has even more exciting insight to the future of the service industry. Oh, and he’s the first guest to make us a drink--with a 100 year Ojen, too boot. Make sure you subscribe, download and review. We depend on, and appreciate, it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe: Vermillion On this episode, meet a man of two worlds, Jaime Salas. He's a Designated Drinker with a fascinating perspective on life, culture, and heritage, that really speaks to us. It’ll speak to you too, just listen in and see. Combining passion, charisma and originality with a vast knowledge and reverence for the art of tequila, Jaime is the perfect embodiment of modern day Mexico. Growing up in a the creative space like San Francisco as well as in Mexico’s tequila producing region of Jalisco, he has definitely developed a unique perspective on the country’s most famous export, which has informed every aspect of his career since. Don't forget to subscribe, download and review. Salud! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe: The Offering The spirit of this episode is sure to enlighten and entertain. Journey with us as Sallie Ann takes us on her journey of becoming a traditionally-ordained Vodou Priestess and beyond. Glassman has been practicing Vodou in New Orleans since 1977 and in 1995 became one of few to be ordained through the traditional Haitian initiation. She owns Island of Salvation Botanica, where you'll find religious supplies, medicinal herbs, and Haitian and local artworks. She is also the author of Vodou Visions: An Encounter with Divine Mystery. Don't forget to subscribe, download and review! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe: "Cat & Mouse" On this episode of the Designated Drinker Show, discover how Todd marries the art form of language, food and New Orleans to build a tasty career we all envy. Discover his unique views on NOLA and how her many transformations have changed the food and culture scene. Would you expect anything less from a dining writer who's made Big Easy his home? Don't forget to subscribe, download and review! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe: "Zen Overcomes Me" On this episode of the Designated Drinker Show, meet Ann Tunnerman, the Founder of Tales of the Cocktail, the world’s premiere cocktail event. Her work cultivates and promotes the spirits industry and has made Ann a go-to authority on cocktails and the business behind them. She regularly serves as a source for national and international publications including Fortune, Imbibe, Saveur, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and Condé Nast Traveler. She has earned awards and recognition from around the world including being named a James Beard Award Semifinalist, one of the top 10 most influential people of the past 25 years by Cheers Magazine, and BNIC Cognac Personality of the Year. Don't forget to subscribe! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe: Always A Lady On this episode of the Designated Drinker Show, we chat with Charlotte Voisey about living and breathing the hospitality life for more than a decade. Originally starting out as a bartender, this British native quickly climbed the ladder where she eventually became the Director of Brand Advocacy and Mixologist for William Grant & Sons where she looks after the spirits and the brand ambassador team. She’s a two times Golden Spirit Award winner at Tales of the Cocktail, host of The Proper Pour with Charlotte Voisey, was named Mixologist of the Year for Wine Enthusiast Magazine, and was recognized by the James Beard foundation. Don't forget to subscribe! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe: "Music Man" On this episode on the Designated Drinker Show, we learn why they say that it’s good to be the king, and Author, Dale Degroff should know. They call him King Cocktail, but if you ask us he’s got a bit of a jester in him too. Listen to his amazing stories to find out why! Why wouldn't want to add his books to your library? Order them here: "The Craft Of The Cocktail" & "The Essential Cocktail" And don't forget to subscribe! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe: "Bitter Plum" Carbonated Cocktail On this episode of the Designated Drinker Show, we get a taste of history and learn a little about the upside of prohibition (or as we like to call it, the dark, dark times). Meet John Uselton from Green Hat Gin as he gives us the low down on his premium spirits, where they’ve been, and where they’re going. Don't forget to subscribe! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the featured cocktail recipe: "DANG..." On this episode of the Designated Drinker Show, we find out how Dave Coleman went from home brewing to heading up one of DC's most loved breweries, 3 Stars Brewing. To date, they has released over 40 distinctive beers and cultivated a reputation for pushing the envelope when it comes to creativity. They have been named DC’s Best Local Brewery two years running by Washington City Paper, and were named Rising Stars by Star Chefs Magazine. DANG! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meet Louise Salas, your host and guide behind the stick of the Designated Drinker show, a weekly podcast where you’ll meet interesting folks, enjoy boozy banter & learn how make craft cocktails from our resident barkeep, Gina Chersevani. You can also visit us at designateddrinker.show. Don't forget to subscribe to the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices