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Are you ready to be comfortable with discomfort? Our guest was. Now  after nearly 25 years in the Guinness and beer space, he’s making a name for himself in the spirit world.  Jason Kidd, founder of Outcast Brands, spent most of his career trotting around the globe working with beer; now he’s home in Ireland making Blood Monkey gin and Two Shores Rum. Both prove that, in Jason’s words, “interesting drinks are always on the margins of the category that we work in.” Find out why his two liquids are not only breaking the mold but Irish through and through. Before we begin, you can always watch this podcast on Youtube, where you’ll find a video of this episode plus all the other Lush Life episodes as well as a whole lot more, just head to youtube.com/@lushlifemanual that's youtube.com/@lushlifemanual! Our cocktail of the week is the Two Shores Golden Mojito: INGREDIENTS 3 Limes 6 Mint leaves 60ml Two Shores Single Malt Finish 1 teaspoon of Golden Demerara Sugar Soda water splash METHOD Grab a highball glass and muddle two cut-up limes and about 6 leaves of mint.  Add 1 teaspoon of golden demerara sugar or light brown sugar and crush it with your muddler Add the 60ml Two Shores Single Malt Finish Rum Stir to mix everything, and then add crushed ice and a splash of soda water. Add more crushed ice if needed. You’ll find this recipe, more rum cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find most of the ingredients in our shop. Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/outcast-brands-with-jason-kidd ----- Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to patreon.com/lushlife. Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!  Produced by Simpler Media Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

As if organizing the biggest cocktail week in the world isn’t enough, my two guests have created the Michelin guide for the drinks industry!  More than 10 years ago, Hannah Sharman-Cox and Siobhan Payne joined forces and made London Cocktail Week what it is today. Every cocktail lover’s favorite week of the year, including mine! It’s been running continuously every year since it began - they didn’t even let a small thing like a global pandemic get in the way. Now, in addition to that, they have co-founded the Pinnacle Guide, which will be championing excellence in bars around the world. How did it all happen? That’s what they're here to tell me! Before we begin, you can always watch this podcast on Youtube, where you’ll find a video of this episode plus all the other Lush Life episodes as well as a whole lot more, just head to youtube.com/@lushlifemanual that's youtube.com/@lushlifemanual! Our cocktail of the week is the Wet (ish) Vodka Martini: INGREDIENTS 2 1/2 ounces vodka 1/2 ounce dry vermouth 1 dash orange bitters Garnish: a lemon twist METHOD Add the vodka, dry vermouth, and orange bitters to a mixing glass Add ice Sir, stir, stir Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist You’ll find this recipe, more Martini cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find most of the ingredients in our shop. Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/hannah-sharman-cox-and-siobhan-payne ----- Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to patreon.com/lushlife. Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!  Produced by Simpler Media Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

What cocktail combines three days of activities, collaborations, guest shifts, and seminars in Barcelona and bar industry legends from some of the most famous bars in the world with one serious message? That would be the Paradiso Sustainability Summit 2023. On 21, 22, and 23 March 2023, I was fortunate to attend the second edition of the Paradiso Sustainability Summit, organized by Giacomo Giannotti and his Team in partnership with Ketel One Vodka through their Garnished with Good program. For those who might not know, Giacomo’s bar Paradiso was ranked Best Cocktail Bar in the world for The World's 50 Best Bars 2022, and this summit was established as an exchange of ideas and tools with the aim of raising awareness and making the industry more sustainable. Also at the Summit and joining us today on Lush Life is not only Giacomo but also Matthew Dale from Re in Sydney, Agung and Laura Prabowo and Saan Dhakal from Penicillin in Hong Kong, Paul Voza from Himkok in Oslo; Tato Giovannoni from Floreria Atlantico in Buenos Aires, Alex Francis from Little Red Door, Paris, and Dennis Tamsa from Ketel One. It was truly an eye-opening event, I know they more than inspired me to do so much more to be sustainable! The cocktail of the week is Paradiso’s The Cloud: INGREDIENTS  40 ml Mezcal Union  40 ml Amaro  10 ml Fino sherry infused with hibiscus 20 ml xilitol cordial 1 piparra  Sparkling water  METHOD Add all the ingredients to a highball glass filled with ice Top with sparkling water Garnish with a nasturtium leaf and a coffee cloud You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find some of the ingredients in our shop. Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/paradiso-barcelona-sustainability-summit-2023 ----- Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to patreon.com/lushlife Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!  Produced by Simpler Media Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How many of us can’t wait to leave home, but then circumstances involving a global pandemic sent us right back to where we began.   Joining on this episode, sponsored by Louisiana Tourism, is Olivia Stewart, President of Oxbow Rum Distillery. After a childhood surrounded by sugar cane, she thought her future was in the big city. Now she is helming her family’s rum distillery in Louisiana. How did she get there? You’ll have to hear it from her! Have you ever been to Louisiana? I love it for its Creole and Cajun culture, Mardi Gras, and the beautiful city of New Orleans, but the Pelican State offers so much more, including the amazing live music scene covering everything from Jazz to Swamp pop and Zydeco, a fascinating history combining diverse cultures, over 400 festivals a year and adventures including kayaking on the bayous and lakes, hiking in the many National and State Parks throughout the state or the newly launched Louisiana Civil Rights Trail.   As the Capital City of Louisiana, Baton Rouge is the heart and soul of the state’s eclectic culture. With over 300 years of history, Baton Rouge, affectionately known as the Red Stick, has a colorful story to tell, which can be tasted in its cocktails and restaurants, seen through the picturesque views of the Mississippi River, historical landmarks and the vibrant arts and culture scene. If you didn’t know already, it’s the home of the cocktail, gumbo, jambalaya, Tabasco hot sauce, King Cake, and beignets!  Louisiana offers a food and drink experience that is second to none.  Meet craft distillers, brewers, and mixologists who are working with local traditions and making a name for themselves on the Louisiana Culinary Trails or Louisiana Libations Trail. Let the endless beauty of Louisiana feed your soul and inspire you. You can check out more by visiting louisianatravel.com Now let's hear all about that journey from NY to Louisiana. You can also find a video of this episode, just head to youtube.com/@lushlifemanual that's youtube.com/@lushlifemanual! Our cocktail of the week is the Hand Shaken Daiquiri! INGREDIENTS  2 oz Oxbow Rhum Louisiane 3/4 oz lime juice 1/2 oz sugar syrup METHOD Add everything to a cocktail shaker Add ice Shake, shake, shake Strain into a coupe glass You’ll find this recipe, more Louisiana cocktails, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop. Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/oxbow-rum-with-olivia-stewart ----- Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife. Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!  Produced by Simpler...

Do you remember Plato’s work, Symposium? Yep, that took place at a drinks party. Philosopher David Hume said that drinking was an antidote to philosophical depression, and Kierkegaard wrote an entire treatise on wine. Our guest today is another student of philosophy who found her calling in the drinks industry. I am so pleased to have my friend and fellow drinks journalist, Millie Milliken, on the program today.  Not does she have nearly 10 years of food, drink, and events writing experience in print and online, but in 2022 she won both the IWSC Spirits Communicator of the Year award as well as The Alan Lodge Young International Drinks Writer of the Year Award. Needless to say, she is a great writer.  How did she become specialized in drinks? Well, I will let her tell you. You can always find a video of this episode, plus all the other Lush Life episodes, as well as a whole lot more; just head to youtube.com/@lushlifemanual. Our cocktail of the week is the Savoury Martini: INGREDIENTS 5 parts Capreolus Garden Swift gin 1 part Noilly Prat Vermouth Citizens of Soil Olive Oil METHOD Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass Add ice Stir, stir, stir Strain into a martini glass  Garnish with Citizens of Soil Olive Oil You’ll find this recipe, more Gin Martini cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find most of the ingredients in our shop. Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/drinks-writing-with-millie-milliken ----- Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to patreon.com/lushlife. Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!  Produced by Simpler Media Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

You’ve finally done it - opened your bar, launched your spirit, won your first cocktail competition. So now what do you do? Time to call today’s guests! Since the moment I met them, Alex Chatwin and Alex Irving, Co-Founders of LX PR, have been Lush Life’s number-one fans, and it is such a privilege to have them on the program with me.  These women have grown their company to be one of the most respected drinks PRs not only in London but all over the world. Today, they share the story of how they became LX, as well as give some great tips for anyone starting a new brand. So if you are a new bar or a spirit, this episode is for you! As they are both named Alex, you can always see who is who on Youtube, where you can find a video of this episode plus all the other Lush Life episodes as well as a whole lot more; just head to youtube.com/@lushlifemanual that's youtube.com/@lushlifemanual! Since we have two guests, we have to have two cocktails of the week.  I asked them to name two of their favorite cocktails, and they both picked classics. Alex Irving picked the Gin Martini with a twist, and Alex Chatwin picked the French 75!  Here is the French 75: INGREDIENTS 1 ounce Cognac or Gin ½ ounce Lemon juice ½ ounce Simple Syrup 3 ounces Champagne METHOD Add the gin or cognac, sugar syrup, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker Add ice and shake Strain into a flute glass and top with Champagne Stir gently Garnish with a lemon peel For Alex Irving’s cocktail, the Gin Martini, you can find it here: https://alushlifemanual.com/classic-gin-martini-recipe You’ll find this recipe, more classic cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find most of the ingredients in our shop. Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/master-drinks-pr-with-alex-chatwin-alex-irving ----- Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to patreon.com/lushlife. Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!  Produced by Simpler Media Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

Our guest today introduced me to a job title I had never heard of before - the maltster.  She works for one of the very few distilleries that still floor malts its barley - thus the need for a maltster. In short, a maltster is a maker of malt for use in brewing or distilling, but Charlotte Coyle goes into way more detail about the maltster at Benriach Distillery.  Charlotte is the Brown-Forman UK Malt Whisky Ambassador and sat down to tell me all about the history and the Scotch Whisky that is made up in the Speyside distillery of Benriach, plus what goes on in Warehouse 13. But before we explore maltsters, you can now watch this episode plus all the other Lush Life episodes as well as a whole lot more on Youtube, so check out the Lush Life Youtube Channel!! Just head to youtube.com/@lushlifemanual that's youtube.com/@lushlifemanual! Our cocktail of the week is Benriach Boulevardier. The Negroni is a blend of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. In this case, we take out that gin and replace it with Benriach. INGREDIENTS 20ml Benriach The Twelve 20ml Campari (or other bitter aperitif) 20ml Sweet vermouth 10ml Cherry syrup METHOD Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice Stir until cold and slightly diluted Strain into a rocks glass over cubed or block ice Garnish with a cherry and orange zest You’ll find this recipe, more whisky cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find some of the ingredients in our shop. Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/benriach-with-charlotte-coyle ----- Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to patreon.com/lushlife. Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!  Produced by Simpler Media Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

Before our guest launched his first non-alcoholic spirit, his mission was to make it easy to be a mindful drinker. Now six years later, thanks to his hard work, it is definitely getting easier to be a mindful drinker! Morten Lee Sørenson gave up drinking alcohol for 100 days. He found that it wasn't difficult not drinking alcohol, but it was quite difficult to find good alternatives. At that moment, he decided he was going to create products that made it a whole lot easier to be a mindful drinker, and ISH was born. Now you can find ISH spirits and wines not only in some of the best restaurants in the world but at your local and online!  Today on Lush Life, we explore his journey from concept to 11 Madison Park! But before you get to meet Morten, I’m sure you know already that you can now watch this episode plus all the other Lush Life episodes as well as a whole lot more on Youtube, so check out the Lush Life Youtube Channel!! Just head to youtube.com/@lushlifemanual that's youtube.com/@lushlifemanual! Our cocktail of the week is Mindful Margarita: INGREDIENTS 60 ml ISH Mexican Agave Spirit 30 ml Lime juice 30 ml Orange juice 20 ml Simple syrup METHOD Add all the ingredients to a shaker Add ice Shake, shake, shake Strain into a cocktail glass  You’ll find this recipe, more alcohol-free cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com. Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/ish-spirits-with-morten-lee-sorenson ----- Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to patreon.com/lushlife. Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!  Produced by Simpler Media Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

On February 4th, the world will be celebrating International Pisco Sour Day, and it’s a great cocktail. Our two guests reveal why Pisco should be enjoyed for more than just one day and in way more than just one cocktail. Suyo Pisco was truly meant to be. Alex Hildebrandt and Ian Leggett, co-founders of Suyo Pisco, happened upon each other while working in the same office. Both are half-Peruvian and half-American, and both had the vision it took to create something that bridged both worlds. That something is Suyo Pisco. It’s great to have them both with us today to explore the journey it took to bring the liquid to bottle.  But before we get to it, do you want to enjoy a tasting of Suyo Pisco? Well, buy yourself a bottle and then tune into Lush Life YouTube Channel.  Yes, Alex and Ian led me through a tasting, but you can only find it on my youtube channel, where you can also watch this entire episode plus all the other Lush Life episodes, as well as a whole lot more! So heck out the Lush Life Youtube Channel!! Just head to youtube.com/@lushlifemanual that's youtube.com/@lushlifemanual! Our cocktail of the week is El Capitàn: INGREDIENTS 1.5 oz SUYO Pisco No. 1 Quebranta 1.5 oz Sweet Vermouth Orange peel METHOD Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass Add ice Stir, stir, stir Strain into a coupe glass. Express orange peel for aromatics and garnish. And don’t worry; you can find a recipe for the Pisco Sour, more pisco cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find some of the ingredients in our shop. Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/suyo-pisco-with-alex-hildebrandt-and-ian-leggett ----- Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to patreon.com/lushlife. Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!  Produced by Simpler Media Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

Behind the doors of Warehouse 1, up north in Scotland’s Speyside, there is something brewing that we are all going to want to sample. Especially after you’ve heard it all from my guest today!  Here to reveal the wonders of not only in Warehouse 1 but also the entire Glen Moray range is Iain Allan, Global Brand Ambassador and Visitor Center Manager for Glen Moray Distillery.  An Elgin local, who traveled all over the world but chose to settle in his hometown due to all the wonderful whisky found on his doorstep, Iain’s 18-year reign at the distillery has seen the whisky world grow and change! Today, we’ll find the hows and whys! But before you get to meet him, I’m sure you know already that you can now watch this episode plus all the other Lush Life episodes as well as a whole lot more on Youtube, so check out the Lush Life Youtube Channel!! Just head to youtube.com/@lushlifemanual that's youtube.com/@lushlifemanual! Our cocktail of the week is Glen Moray Elgin Fizz: INGREDIENTS 50 ml Glen Moray Fired Oak 10 ml ginger liqueur (such as King’s) Sparkling apple juice A cinnamon stick & orange twist METHOD Fill a glass with ice. Stir in the whisky and the ginger liqueur. Top up with the sparkling apple juice. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a twist of orange. You’ll find this recipe, more festive cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop. Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/glen-moray-whisky-with-iain-allan ----- Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to patreon.com/lushlife. Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!  Produced by Simpler Media Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

Say his name in any bar around the world, and most bartenders will immediately whip out a well-worn copy of his eponymous bible of bartending. Today we meet the legend who not only authored that classic but so much more!  If you didn’t know it already, our guest today, Jim Meehan, is one of the most celebrated bartenders and bar operators, as well as the author of The PDT Cocktail Book and the one and only Meehan’s Bartender Manual. He has worked in nearly every capacity in the hospitality business since 1995. Today, he serves as Beverage Director of an outdoor lifestyle brand called Snow Peak, which has a restaurant in Portland, Oregon called Takibi. If that isn’t enough, he is also co-founder of Banks Rums, a collection of fine rums that are unique blends from the East and West Indies, which we are here to talk about today. But since it's Lush Life, you know we're going to talk about a whole lot more.   But before you get to meet him, I’m sure you know already that you can now watch this episode plus all the other Lush Life episodes as well as a whole lot more on Youtube, so check out the Lush Life Youtube Channel!! Just head to youtube.com/@lushlifemanual that's youtube.com/@lushlifemanual!   Our cocktail of the week is The Planter Punch INGREDIENTS 60 ml / 2 oz. Banks 7 Golden Blend Rum 22.5 ml / .75 oz. Pineapple Juice 22.5 ml / .75 oz. Cranberry Syrup (equal parts fresh cranberry juice and simple syrup) 15 ml / .5 oz. Orange Juice 15 ml / .5 oz. Lime Juice 1 dash of Angostura Bitters Cranberries & Mint METHOD Shake ingredients with ice and strain into a terracotta cup filled with pebble ice Garnish with a mint sprig and three cranberries   You’ll find this recipe, more festive cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop. Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/banks-rum-with-jim-meehan ----- Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to patreon.com/lushlife. Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!  Produced by Simpler Media Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

When making cocktails, do you ever feel like something’s missing? One of our guests today did, and he made it his mission to fill that void.  Chris Tanca, Founder of Cordusio, was that man. He was trying to make a cocktail and could find the spirit with the exact flavor profile he was looking for. So he created it, and now Cordusio, the world’s first red berry aperitif, is hot off the presses. In fact, I met Chris at Venice Cocktail Week at the end of September for the first official launch of this new spirit. He’s here with me now with Daniela Garcea, the Global Brand Activator, to reveal what it took to produce this gorgeous liquid and what their plans for it are.  But before you get to meet him, did you know that you can now watch this episode plus all the other Lush Life episodes as well as a whole lot more on Youtube, so check out the Lush Life Youtube Channel!! Just head to youtube.com/@lushlifemanual that's youtube.com/@lushlifemanual!   Our Cocktail of the week is the Cordusio Tonic, their deceivingly simple & surprisingly delicious signature cocktail. A classic reimagined with a twist. INGREDIENTS 1 part Cordusio 3 parts premium tonic  1-2 raspberries METHOD Generously fill glass with ice Pour Cordusio & top with tonic Carefully mix with a bar spoon Garnish with 1-2 raspberries You’ll find this recipe, more cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop. Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/cordusio-with-chris-tanca-and-daniela-garcea ----- Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to patreon.com/lushlife Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!  Produced by Simpler Media Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

Did you ever look at a loaf of bread and see a bottle of vodka waiting to happen? Our guest today did, and now that bread has become the vodka that took Venice Cocktail Week by storm. Frank Grillo, the co-founder of Altamura Distilleries, wasn’t just looking at any old slice of bread when he saw a bottle of vodka, but one he had made with Altamura wheat.  If you haven't already heard of Pane di Altamura, as it's called in Italian, you have been missing something special. They’ve been talking about it for centuries. Even Horace, the classical writer, said it was the best bread in the world, and that was in the 1st century.   Pane di Altamura is an Italian bread from the Altamura area of Puglia, Italy. In 2003, Pane di Altamura was granted PDO status in Europe, which means that, for it to be called Pane di Altamura, it must be made in a heavily regulated way. As I said, this is not just your supermarket bread.  In turn, Frank’s Altamura Vodka is not just your regular run-of-the-mill vodka but one made with this very special wheat.  How did he come by this bread living in Atlanta?  Well, I’ll let him tell you that story! But before you get to meet him, did you know that you can now watch Frank’s episode plus all the other Lush Life episodes as well as a whole lot more on Youtube, so check out the Lush Life Youtube Channel!! Just head to youtube.com/@lushlifemanual that's youtube.com/@lushlifemanual!   Our Cocktail of the week was created by Antonio and his team at the Aman Venice, especially for Altamura Vodka. It’s called the Seven Pillars!    INGREDIENTS 40 ml Altamura Distilleries Vodka 40 ml Fig Liqueur 20 ml Select Dried Tarragon Dried Fig METHOD RIm half of a rocks glass with dried Tarragon  Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass Add ice Stir, stir, stir Strain it into the rocks glass with ice Garnish with a dried fig   You’ll find this recipe, more cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop. Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/altamura-vodka-with-frank-grillo ----- Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to patreon.com/lushlife Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!  Produced by Simpler Media Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How is it possible that you move to one of the chicest, if not the chicest, cities in the world and not find an even passible martini?  Today’s guest is living proof that anything is possible! Today joining me is the inimitable Forest Collins, founder of 52martinis.com, which chronicles her search for the best cocktail bars in Paris as well as loads of other cocktail news from all over France.  She is the creator of the iOS app Paris Cocktails and host of the radio show and podcast Paris Cocktail Talk. As a freelance writer, she has written for Drinks International, Serious Eats, the World’s Best Bars site, PUNCH drinks, and so many other publications about the Paris cocktail scene. Forest is the Academy Chair for France for the World's 50 Best Bars and President of the France chapter of the Les Dames d’Escoffier. We met during Venice Cocktail Week, and now I can’t imagine a time when I didn’t know her. But before you get to meet her too, did you know that you can now watch Forest’s episode plus all the other Lush Life episodes as well as a whole lot more on Youtube, so check out the Lush Life Youtube Channel!! Just head to youtube.com/@lushlifemanual! Now here is Forest.   Our cocktail of the week is Forest’s own favorite Martini: INGREDIENTS 1 part Dry Vermouth 4 parts London Dry Gin 3 dashes Orange bitters Preserved lemon rind METHOD Add all the vermouth gin and bitters to a mixing glass Add ice Stir, stir, stir Strain it into a Martini glass Garnish it with the preserved lemon rind for a citrus/briny pop!   You’ll find this recipe, more cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop. Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/52-martinis-with-forest-collins ----- Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to patreon.com/lushlife Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!  Produced by Simpler Media Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

Do you remember me talking about Venice Cocktail Week earlier this year?  If you are an avid fan of Lush Life, you might recall I was there for the launch of what has become one of my favorite weeks of the year.  The city of Venice has always had a special place in my heart.  The introduction of a week celebrating Venice’s drinking establishments was genius, and I am so thankful to Paola Mencarelli and Bianca Grisolia for including me again this year for the second annual edition of Venice Cocktail Week, which took place from Sept 25 to Oct 2, 2022.  In attendance were so many of my friends and former Lush Life guests: Giorgio Bargiani, Daniyel Jones, Facundo Gallegos, and Martin Hudak. Plus, I met even more greats, including Giulia Cuccurullo, Emanuele Balestra, Patrick Pisolesi, and the Maestro himself, Salvatore Calabrese, who made his signature Breakfast Martini in a gondola!  In this episode, I’m taking you with me back to Venice to meet a few of the many participants who make cocktail week happen! You can also watch all the fun we had on Youtube in our Lush Life Goes To Venice Cocktail Week! Up first is Bianca Grisolia, the PR and Communications Director of Venice Cocktail Week 2022, to update us on some of the changes from this year to last. Then we head to Caffè Florian for a bit of coffee talk with Cristiana Rivolta,  then the San Clemente Palace Hotel bar where perfume and gin collided with Paul Rabanser, and then onto the Experimental to discuss how art and cocktails are a match made in heaven with Dan Nevsky.  The cocktail of the week is Caffè Florian’s Red Sighs: INGREDIENTS  60 ml Gin dei Sospiri 20 ml Select Tè Florian Venezia 1720 in infusione or Chai Tea METHOD Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker Add ice  Shake, shake, shake Strain it into a martini glass  Garnish with an orange peel You’ll find this recipe, more Venetian cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find some of the ingredients in our shop. Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/venice-cocktail-week-2022 ----- Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to patreon.com/lushlife Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!  Produced by Simpler Media Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Get great cocktail ideas on

Have you ever described the potato as lowly? Well, the heritage variety of potatoes that is at the centre of today’s episode is anything but. In fact, it’s regal. Today on Lush Life, Emma Hamilton, the co-founder of Edwards 1902 Vodka, will attest to the fact that the King Edward potato should be respected, not only for being a tasty tuber but for being at the heart of an award-winning vodka. She and her founders have gone on to create a coffee liqueur, a rhubarb vodka, and so much more from the King Edward potato. Today on Lush Life, we’ll be earthing up the story of how it all came to be…that’s potato-growing lingo, by the way! Before we do that, did you know that you can now watch the podcast on Youtube, so check out the Lush Life Youtube Channel!! Just head to youtube.com/@lushlifemanual.  Now on to Emma and Edwards 1902! Our cocktail of the week is the Edwards 1902 Rhubarb and Ginger-Tini, and this recipe makes two gorgeous cocktails. INGREDIENTS 3 parts (75ml) Edwards 1902 Rhubarb Vodka 3 parts (75ml) The King’s Ginger 1 part (25ml) Dry White Vermouth (They love In The Loop Vermouth from East Sussex, England) A Lemon (for zest) METHOD Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker Add ice. Shake, shake, shake  Strain into two Nick and Nora glass Grate lemon zest over the top of the drink You’ll find this recipe, more cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop. Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/edwards-1902-vodka-with-emma-hamilton ----- Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to patreon.com/lushlife Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!  Produced by Simpler Media Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

It was her grandfather’s Manhattan that inspired our guest to love the art of making cocktails, but what was it about that Manhattan that would lead her to New Orleans?  I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time. Joining us today on our episode sponsored by Louisiana Tourism is the fabulous Abigail Gullo. Creative Director, Loa Bar in the Beaux Arts wonder that is the International House Hotel which won the best Hotel Bar in America in 2019. She was the First winner of the Heaven Hill Bartender of the Year and a legend in the business.  Originally a New Yorker, she has found her home in the Big Easy.  Have you ever been to Louisiana? I love it for its Creole and Cajun culture, Mardi Gras, and the beautiful city of New Orleans, but the Pelican State offers so much more, including the amazing live music scene covering everything from Jazz to Swamp pop and Zydeco, a fascinating history combining diverse cultures, over 400 festivals a year and adventures including kayaking on the bayous and lakes, hiking in the many National and State Parks throughout the state or the newly launched Louisiana Civil Rights Trail.   If you didn’t know already, it’s the home of the cocktail, not only the Sazerac, gumbo, jambalaya, Tabasco hot sauce, King Cake, and beignets!  Louisiana offers a food and drink experience that is second to none.  Meet craft distillers, brewers, and mixologists who are working with local traditions and making a name for themselves on the Louisiana Culinary Trails or Louisiana Libations Trail. Let the endless beauty of Louisiana feed your soul and inspire you. You can check out more by visiting louisianatravel.com The French 75 is a New Orleans classic and our cocktail of the week. This is how we make it the Loa way. INGREDIENTS  1 ounce Cognac or Gin 1/2 ounce Lemon juice  1/2 ounce Simple Syrup 3 ounces Champagne METHOD Add the gin or cognac, sugar syrup, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker Add ice Shake, shake, shake Strain into a Champagne glass Top up with Champagne Stir gently Garnish with a lemon peel If using gin and making it the Loa way, Abigail suggests garnishing it with fresh herbs from your garden, like Basil, Rosemary, Sage, Mint, Lavender, or Thyme.  You’ll find this recipe, more Louisiana cocktails, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop. Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-drink-your-grandfathers-manhattan-with-abigail-gullo ----- Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife. Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!  Produced by Simpler Media Follow us on Twitter and

First up! This is a 2 parter, so for those of you who missed part 1, go back to the previous episode and start there! If you are ready to join us for Part 2 of Asian Rice Wines and Spirits.  Then let’s go!  I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time. We’ve discussed Sake, Shōchū, and Soju, now it’s time for Baijiu! Our trusty guide has been no other than the wonder that is Marie Cheong-Thong, one of only eight spirit committee members of the IWSC, Chairman of the British Sake Association, a Council Member of the Association of Wine Educators, a member of both the Circle of Wine Writers and the Guild of Food Writers, Educator on Asian Rice wine and spirits at the Wine and Spirit Education Trust and so much more. By the way, did you know that you can now watch the podcast on Youtube, so check out the Lush Life Youtube Channel!! All of the past episodes are there, but also Season 7 - where you get to see us talk! How exciting is that!  Almost as exciting as our episode today.  China, here we come!    Our cocktail of the week is the Fenjiu Bee’s Knees. INGREDIENTS 50ml of Fenjiu Fen Chiew 10-Year-Old 53% 25ml lemon juice 20ml honey METHOD Add all of the ingredients to a shaker Add ice, then shake, shake, shake Strain into a coupe or bird glass!   You’ll find this recipe, more cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop. Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/asian-rice-wines-and-spirits-with-marie-cheong-thong-part-2 ----- Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to patreon.com/lushlife Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!  Produced by Simpler Media Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

What a way to begin Season 7!  By attempting to tackle the category that is Asian Rice Wine and Spirits? We would be truly destined to fail if we didn’t have such a spectacular leader to guide us through. How can I describe Marie Cheong-Thong? She is not only one of eight spirit committee members of the IWSC but also Chairman of the British Sake Association, a Council Member of the Association of Wine Educators, a member of both the Circle of Wine Writers and the Guild of Food Writers, Educator on Asian Rice wine and spirits at the Wine and Spirit Education Trust and so much more - including my friend and our guest today. I cannot think of anyone better to be our leader as we head into this massive category. Think of this episode of Asian Drinks 101 - at a glance!  If you live for Lush Life, would you consider supporting us... Just go to patreon.com/lushlife, and you can donate once or monthly to make sure we are still here every Tuesday.  You could get Lush Life Merchandise, personalized bar suggestions, exclusive content, and so much more! Go check it out at patreon.com/lushlife. Now let’s dive in! The cocktail of the week is the Grapefruit Chuhai! INGREDIENTS 1 measure of your favorite Shochu Juice of 1/2 grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed Soda water Grapefruit slice METHOD Fill your glass with ice Add the Shochu Add the grapefruit juice Top with soda water  Stir gently Garnish with a piece of grapefruit   You’ll find this recipe, more highball cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop. Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/asian-rice-wine-and-spirits-with-marie-cheong-thong ----- Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to patreon.com/lushlife Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!  Produced by Simpler Media Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

Is it that time already…the leaves are falling, there is a chill in the air, and I’m back with a new season to keep you company. I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, where every week, we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time. Yes, next Tuesday, I bring you Season 7 of Lush Life.  This season it’s more of the same  - great conversations, great cocktails, and a few bar suggestions from around the world, plus some bar news added in for good measure! We’ll be delving into Asian rice wine and spirits, Edwardian vodka, American whiskey, and that’s just the beginning! Just a note that I have set up a new Patreon account, so if you love Lush Life, please consider supporting us - you could get Lush Life Merch, personalized bar suggestions, exclusive content, and so much more! Go check it out at patreon.com/lushlife. And join me next week when class is in session. I will also be learning how to read again - opening those dogeared cocktail books I’ve been devouring in the past year with the geniuses who wrote them. So join me next week when class is in session. I can’t leave you without a pre-season cocktail of the week or my pre-tail: Since this time of year is all about apples - this is one of my favorite autumn cocktails.  It’s the Avallen Autumn Old-Fashioned: Ingredients 50ml Avallen 10ml Amontillado Sherry (I used Lustau) 5ml Maple Syrup and  1 Large Barspoon Fig Jam Method Pour all ingredients into a mixing glass:Stir to dissolve jam (10-15 seconds) Then add ice, and stir, stir, stir.  Double strain into a rocks glass with ice filled to the top Garnish with a slice of fig or apple or a fig and an apple   You’ll find this recipe, plus all the cocktails of the week, at ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.  ----- Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to patreon.com/lushlife. Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!  Produced by Simpler Media Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!