Life Behind Bars: Recent Episodes
The Daily Beast Presents Life Behind Bars
Life Behind Bars, which is hosted by the Daily Beast’s Half Full editor Noah Rothbaum and its legendary columnist David Wondrich, allows listeners to be flies on the wall as two of the world’s foremost drinks experts talk about cocktails and spirits. It is a mix of engaging stories and historical facts about the greatest bartenders and drinks of all time. In 2018, it won the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award for the world's best drinks podcast.
Please drink responsibly.
You should really have a whiskey today—but better make it a bottled-in-bond whiskey.
Why? Congress enacted the Bottled-in-Bond Act on March 3, 1897, which set a new standard for American whiskey and ushered in a new era of consumer protections. On this episode of the award-winning podcast Life Behind Bars, co-hosts David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum, discuss the history of these important federal regulations and their modern implications. Wondrich and Rothbaum are joined by Beau Beckman, who runs the single-barrel program at Sazerac and is a descendant of bottled-in-bond advocate E.H. Taylor.
So pour yourself a dram of bottled-in-bond whiskey and listen to this episode of Life Behind Bars. Cheers!
Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaum and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich as they discuss the greatest bartenders and greatest cocktails of all time. It won the 2018 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award for the world’s best drinks podcast.
Edited by Alex Skjong
Having trouble figuring out what to order in a craft cocktail bar? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.
From exotic ingredients to wildly creative new concoctions, even for drinks experts picking a cocktail can be overwhelming at times. On this episode of the award-winning podcast Life Behind Bars, co-hosts David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum, discuss the problems of the modern drinks menu and how to fix them. They also talk about how the perfect balance between classic cocktails and new creations is essential for developing the next generation of best sellers.
So before you head out to the bar for a drink, listen to this episode of Life Behind Bars. Cheers!
Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaum and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich as they discuss the greatest bartenders and greatest cocktails of all time. It won the 2018 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award for the world’s best drinks podcast.
Edited by Alex Skjong
Last fall, we lost award-winning drinks writer Gary Regan. He wrote numerous pioneering books, including "The Joy of Mixology," "The Bartender’s Bible" and "The Negroni," in addition to writing a column for Half Full and several other publications. Gary also traveled the globe educating, inspiring and entertaining a whole generation of bartenders, and that’s not to mention finger stirring thousands of Negronis!
On this episode of the award-winning podcast Life Behind Bars, co-hosts David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum celebrate Gary’s life and work and share some of their favorite stories about him. They are joined by legendary bartenders Dale DeGroff and Julie Reiner who were some of Gary’s closest friends.
So make yourself a Negroni and listen to this episode of Life Behind Bars. Cheers!
Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaum and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich as they discuss the greatest bartenders and greatest cocktails of all time. It won the 2018 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award for the world’s best drinks podcast.
Edited by Alex Skjong
From McSorley’s Old Ale House to the Ear Inn to the Nancy Whiskey, New York has no shortage of historic watering holes.
On this episode of the award-winning podcast, Life Behind Bars, co-hosts David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum, talk about the extensive history of bars in New York and how the city’s drinking culture has evolved over the last two centuries. They dig deep into their archives for stories about oyster dens, drinking “mild ale” and the variety of speakeasies operating in the five boroughs during Prohibition.
So fix yourself a drink and listen to this episode of Life Behind Bars now. Cheers!
Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaumand its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrichas they discuss the greatest bartenders and greatest cocktails of all time. It won the 2018 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award for the world’s best drinks podcast.
Edited by Alex Skjong
Over the last 12 months, David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum have traveled the globe—from New York to New Orleans to Naples, Italy—visiting dozens of distilleries and bars and tasting countless cocktails and spirits.
On this episode of their award-winning podcast, Life Behind Bars, the co-hosts talk about some of the highlights of the year, the spirited fights they got into online (and won), and a few things they’d like to see happen in 2020.
So mix yourself a cocktail and toast 2019 by listening to this episode of Life Behind Bars. Cheers!
Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaum and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich as they discuss the greatest bartenders and greatest cocktails of all time. It won the 2018 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award for the world’s best drinks podcast.
Edited by Alex Skjong
For the first time ever, Life Behind Bars hosts Noah Rothbaum andDavid Wondrich have taken their award-winning podcast out of the studio to do a live recording in front of an audience in, of course, a bar.
On this episode, they’re joined by veteran bartender and Dewar’s North American brand ambassador Gareth Howells and over glasses of whisky (what else did you expect?) they discuss the birth and evolution of blended Scotch and single malts.
So fix yourself a Scotch and listen to this episode of Life Behind Bars. Cheers!
Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaum and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich as they discuss the greatest bartenders and greatest cocktails of all time. It won the 2018 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award for the world’s best drinks podcast.
Edited by Alex Skjong
Imagine a world without bourbon or rye whiskey.
As terrifying as that scenario sounds, not that long ago, America was heading in that very direction. Only a trickle of rye was being made each year and bourbon brands were struggling to stay relevant and were precipitously losing market share. But just in the nick of time, American whiskey distillers were miraculously able to stage a successful comeback.
On this episode of the award-winning podcast Life Behind Bars, co-hosts David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum, talk about how American whiskey brands lost their way and how they were then able to reverse their fortunes.
They are joined by Fred Noe, Jim Beam’s great grandson and the Beam family’s seventh-generation distiller, to talk about his legendary father Booker Noe and his groundbreaking Small Batch Bourbon Collection. Fred also shares how his father got the idea for these pioneering American whiskies and how long he thinks this bourbon boom will last.
So pour yourself a few fingers of your favorite American whiskey and listen to this episode of Life Behind Bars. Cheers!
Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaum and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich as they discuss the greatest bartenders and greatest cocktails of all time. It won the 2018 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award for the world’s best drinks podcast.
Edited by Alex Skjong
When did drinking Scotch get to be so damn complicated?
There are rules, myths, legends and half-truths that are, for lack of a better term, absolute and utter shite. They can also unfortunately lead to Scotch shaming, preventing you from drinking what you really want to drink. (Bartender: Please just add a few ice cubes to my dram and hold the sanctimonious lecture about the sanctity of whisky’s purity.)
Drinking whisky should, of course, be enjoyable. On this episode of the award-winning podcast Life Behind Bars, co-hosts David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum help you cut through the Scotch snobbery by breaking down the biggest Scotch misconceptions and falsehoods.
So fix a Scotch anyway you like—seriously, we won’t judge you—and listen to this episode of Life Behind Bars.
Life Behind Bars features Half Full editor Noah Rothbaum and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich, who discuss the greatest bartenders and greatest cocktails of all time. It won the 2018 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award for the world’s best drinks podcast.
Edited by Alex Skjong
Drink trends come and go in America, but seemingly the one constant now is the unprecedented sale of vodka.
Just how big is the spirit these days? Three out of every 10 bottles sold in America is vodka and the category is, unbelievably, still growing. It’s even more impressive given that 100 years ago, it wasn’t a contender and struggled to find a market.
On this episode of the award-winning podcast Life Behind Bars, co-hosts David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum, talk about the secret to vodka’s unprecedented success and how it keeps defending its title.
They are joined by Carl Nolet Jr. whose family has been distilling in Holland for more than 300 years and created best-seller Ketel One. Nolet chats about his experiences coming to America in 1990 to launch the brand and why the category took off so explosively.
Life Behind Bars features Half Full editor Noah Rothbaum and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich, who discuss the greatest bartenders and greatest cocktails of all time. It won the 2018 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award for the world’s best drinks podcast.
Edited by Alex Skjong
From the Moscow Mule and the Cosmopolitan to the Bloody Mary, it’s hard to find a bar that doesn’t serve at least one vodka cocktail…if not a dozen.
While vodka seems like a thoroughly modern drink, it actually gained popularity after Prohibition, when Americans were thirsty for quality liquor after years of drinking alcohol of dubious origin. The spirit went on to reinvent itself for practically every successive generation and vodka continues to anchor best-selling drinks.
On this episode of the award-winning podcast Life Behind Bars, co-hosts David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum, talk about spirit’s unique cocktail history and some of the drinks that made it a huge hit.
Today’s vodka cocktail conversation is presented by Ketel One.
Mix yourself a vodka drink and listen to this episode of Life Behind Bars. Cheers! Life Behind Bars features Half Full editor Noah Rothbaum and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich, who discuss the greatest bartenders and greatest cocktails of all time. It won the 2018 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award for the world’s best drinks podcast.
Edited by Alex Skjong
Practically since its founding some 300 years ago, New Orleans has had a famous bar scene.
On this episode of the award-winning podcast Life Behind Bars, co-hosts David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum, talk about the city’s rich cocktail history and their current favorite bars in and around the French Quarter. They also share a few stories, offer some drinking advice and reveal what signature Nola cocktails they like to order.
If you’re a fan of New Orleans (or its cocktails), you need to listen to this episode of Life Behind Bars. Cheers!
Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaum and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich as they discuss the greatest bartenders and greatest cocktails of all time. It won the 2018 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award for the world’s best drinks podcast.
Edited by Alex Skjong
The Cuba Libre is the king of rum cocktails, but is its reign as a best-seller under siege?
On this episode of the award-winning podcast Life Behind Bars, co-hosts David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum discuss the recent global popularity of the rum Old-Fashioned and the new rum cocktails popping up on bar menus.
Joining Wondrich and Rothbaum is Juan Coronado, category rum ambassador for Bacardi, who has bartended around New York and worked as cocktail innovator for celebrity chef José Andrés’s Think Food Group. Coronado called in from the rum route to discuss what drink trends he has recently spotted and what we can expect in the future.
Fix yourself a rum Old-Fashioned or a Cuba Libre, sit back and listen to this spirited conversation. Cheers!
Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaum and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich as they discuss the greatest bartenders and greatest cocktails of all time. It won the 2018 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award for the world’s best drinks podcast.
Edited by Alex Skjong
Whiskey is now, of course, once again very popular but along with the adoration, the proliferation of bourbon bars and the ubiquity of the Old-Fashioned, comes an unintended side effect: nostalgia for a time that never existed.
There is now a tendency among drinkers, bartenders, brands, writers and historians to glamorize the 19th century roots of American whiskey. Even worse there’s a popular idea that the way whiskey was made in the 1800s was pure and should be the model for today’s distillers. While there was certainly quality whiskey being sold at the time there was also a huge amount of “whiskey,” which was actually neutral grain spirit that was flavored and colored with a whole bunch of additives—everything from creosote to nut oil extracts. Stuff, suffice it to say, you really shouldn’t be drinking.
On this episode of the award-winning podcast Life Behind Bars, co-hosts David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum, talk about this unappetizing side of American whiskey’s roots and how the industry cleaned up its act.
If you’re a whiskey drinker, you need to listen to this episode of Life Behind Bars. Cheers!
Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaum and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich as they discuss the greatest bartenders and greatest cocktails of all time. It won the 2018 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award for the world’s best drinks podcast. Edited by Alex Skjong
Along with the Vespa scooter and the Ferrari, the Negroni is one of Italy’s greatest modern inventions. The three-ingredients aperitif (the basic recipe is equal parts Campari, gin and sweet vermouth) has recently become a best-seller in America. But where did it come from? And why is it suddenly on just about every bar menu in the United States?
On this episode of the award-winning podcast Life Behind Bars, co-hosts David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum, discuss the history of the Negroni and how it evolved over the last century.
If you love Negronis, you need to listen to this episode of Life Behind Bars. Cheers!
Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaum and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich as they discuss the greatest bartenders and greatest cocktails of all time. It won the 2018 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award for the world’s best drinks podcast. Edited by Alex Skjong
One of the most popular drinks in craft cocktail bars at the moment is the simplest: the Highball.
Generally, it’s a refreshing mix of whiskey and club soda, which is delicious on a hot afternoon. While many bartenders and drinkers discovered their love of the bubbly concoction in Tokyo bars where Highballs are a downright sensation, their history is much longer and they can actually be made from a variety of ingredients.
On this episode of the award-winning podcast Life Behind Bars, co-hosts David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum discuss the roots of the Highball and try to figure out which drinks can be included in the category. (Is a Rum & Coke a Highball? How about a Paloma or a Jack & Coke?)
So fix yourself a highball and listen to this episode of Life Behind Bars. Cheers!
Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaumand its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrichas they discuss the greatest bartenders and greatest cocktails of all time. It won the 2018 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award for the world’s best drinks podcast. Edited by Alex Skjong
After years of being lost in a sea of Coke and other mixers, rum is finally emerging as a sipping spirit. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? And can rum actually attract whiskey drinkers and collectors?
On this episode of the award-winning podcast Life Behind Bars, co-hosts David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum discuss these developments, including the rise of collectible pot still rums and the associated snobbery, as well as the recent fiery debates on social media between rum aficionados.
If you enjoy rum or whiskey, listen to this episode of Life Behind Bars right away. Cheers!
Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaum and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich as they discuss the greatest bartenders and greatest cocktails of all time. It won the 2018 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award for the world’s best drinks podcast. Edited by Alex Skjong
Before there were fancy craft cocktail bars, Americans learned to drink in dive bars.
These humble establishments are a sacred tradition, dispensing affordable shots of potent whiskey and pints of cold beer to the thirsty masses. They likely date back to a subterranean Buffalo joint that opened in the mid-1800s along the banks of the city’s canal. Soon the term and style of bar spread across the United States. The popularity of dives usually ebbs and flows with the state of the country’s economy but they’ve always attracted a diverse and eclectic crowd. Sadly, in many cities rapidly gentrifying neighborhoods mean that dive bars are now often closing or are being renovated.
On this episode of award-winning podcast, Life Behind Bars, co-hosts David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum discuss the origins and the state of dive bars. They also share a few of their most colorful dive bar experiences. Cheers!
Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaum and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich as they discuss the greatest bartenders and greatest cocktails of all time. It won the 2018 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award for the world's best drinks podcast . Edited by Alex Skjong
There are few drinking institutions more revered or storied than the Irish pub. Traditionally, back in the old country, these bars were the center of their respective communities, often also serving as the post office, grocery store and, even, funeral home.
On this episode of award-winning podcast, Life Behind Bars, co-hosts David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum are joined by Sean Muldoon and Tim Herlihy, the co-authors of the new book, “From Barley to Blarney: A Whiskey Lover’s Guide to Ireland,” to chat about the state of Ireland’s pubs and the secrets to pouring the perfect pint of Guinness.
Muldoon, who is one of the founders of the renowned New York bar The Dead Rabbit, and Herlihy, Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey’s brand ambassador, traveled around the Emerald Isle visiting 160 pubs to find their top 50 favorites.
So, if you like pubs and pints, then you need to listen to this episode. Cheers!
Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaum and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich as they discuss the greatest bartenders and greatest cocktails of all time. It won the 2018 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award for the world's best drinks podcast. Edited by Alex Skjong
The recipe for making Scotch is pretty simple: malted barley, water and yeast—that’s it.
Talented distillers and blenders across Scotland transform these humble ingredients to produce delicious whisky. But Scotch is also one of the most heavily regulated spirits on the planet. The Scotch Whisky Association has very strict rules and regulations that you must follow if you want to call your spirit Scotch. (At the top of the list, of course, is that the whisky must be made and aged in Scotland!)
As a result, whisky makers have to be very creative in order to come up with new and interesting bottlings, experimenting with everything from the type of water and variety of barley used to the type of barrel that the spirit is aged in.
On this episode of award-winning podcast, Life Behind Bars, co-hosts David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum discuss the history of Scotch and how whisky brands have been able to innovate despite the inherent constraints of the category.
They are joined by David Blackmore, the global brand ambassador for Glenmorangie and Ardbeg Single Malt Whiskies. He called in from Scotland to discuss how Glenmorangie and its legendary director of distilling & whiskey creation, Dr. Bill Lumsden, have been so successful coming up with unique ideas. Blackmore also weighs in on the future of Scotch innovation, shares the backstory of their latest Private Edition release, Allta, and hints at what’s next for the brand.
So pour yourself a dram and sit back and listen to this spirited conversation about Scotch. Slàinte!
Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaum and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich as they discuss the greatest bartenders and greatest cocktails of all time. It won the 2018 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award for the world's best drinks podcast.
Edited by Alex Skjong
The Hot Toddy started out as a relatively simple drink: sugar, booze, hot water and possibly some grated nutmeg.
Over the next roughly 300 years, that definition stretched to include a whole host of ingredients—everything from apple cider, honey and fresh lemon juice to a kitchen cabinet full of spices. While those drinks are certainly warming on a cold evening are they still a Hot Toddy?
On this episode of award-winning podcast, Life Behind Bars, co-hosts David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum discuss the history of this hot cocktail and how it’s become a mess of a recipe.
So put the kettle on and listen to this spirited conversation.
Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaum and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich as they discuss the greatest bartenders and greatest cocktails of all time. It just won the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award for the world's best drinks podcast.
Edited by Alex Skjong
From spirits and craft beer to spiked seltzer, on this episode of award-winning podcast, Life Behind Bars, hosts Noah Rothbaum and David Wondrich looked into their crystal Martini glasses to divine what you’ll be drinking in 2019.
The duo also dissect the biggest drinking trends of 2018, share some of the spirited events they’re looking forward to attending this year and forecast the future of a number of liquor categories.
So pour fix yourself a drink and enjoy the discussion. Cheers!
Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaum and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich as they discuss the greatest bartenders and greatest cocktails of all time. It just won the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award for the world's best drinks podcast.
Edited by Alex Skjong
Before the ball drops on New Year’s Eve listen to the year-end episode of podcast Life Behind Bars.
Hosts Noah Rothbaum and David Wondrich recount the highs and lows of 2018, including some of the biggest bar openings of the year, the noteworthy new books that were published, their favorite Half Full stories and remember some friends who passed away this year.
Pour yourself a glass of Champagne and enjoy the discussion. Cheers!
Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaum and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich as they discuss the greatest bartenders and greatest cocktails of all time. It just won the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award for the world's best drinks podcast. Edited by Alex Skjong.
Forget the holiday season, it’s punch season!
Seriously. For centuries, people have been making big bowls of Cognac punch for their friends and family. Why? It’s not only delicious but much easier to make than other traditional seasonal drinks, like Eggnog, Hot Buttered Run or Tom Jerry, and you can mix up a batch ahead of time.
And when it comes to punch, there is no one more knowledgeable than David Wondrich. In fact, he wrote the book on the historic beverage.
On this episode of Life Behind Bars, Wondrich and his co-host Noah Rothbaum discuss the origins of this tasty holiday drink, share tips for making it and chat with guest Jordan Bushell, national brand ambassador for Hennessy Cognac.
So before you host a party or attend one, listen to this podcast and then get out your punch bowl and ladle!
Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaum and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich as they discuss the greatest bartenders and greatest cocktails of all time. It just won the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award for the world's best drinks podcast. Edited by Alex Skjong
For decades, Kentucky, Scotland, Ireland and Canada dominated the whiskey business. Few bars carried any whiskies made anywhere else and that was really just fine with most drinkers.
But over the last decade, these distilling stalwarts have been joined by an ever-growing international selection of bottles from India, Japan Scandinavia and seemingly everywhere in between.
On this episode of Life Behind Bars co-hosts David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum discuss this growing trend, share their favorite international whiskies and forecast where they see the business headed. (Spoiler alert: Are you ready for Italian whiskey?)
So pour yourself a good dram and listen to this spirited conversation.
Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaum and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich as they discuss the greatest bartenders and greatest cocktails of all time. It just won the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award for the world's best drinks podcast.
Edited by Alex Skjong.
The stars of the rebirth of the cocktail are legendary bartenders, like Jerry Thomas, Harry Johnson and Harry Craddock, who worked decades and decades ago. Their drink books are now back in print and their signature cocktails can be found on bar menus around the world.
But there are several important bartenders who made major mixological contributions that have been largely lost to history. This episode of Life Behind Bars is about Duncan Nicol, who ran San Francisco’s famed Bank Exchange until Prohibition and was known for his signature Pisco Punch, and Jim Gray, who was one of New York’s most famous bartenders in the late 1800s when he worked at the Fifth Avenue Hotel. Listen now to find out more about these two incredible barmen.
Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaum and Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich as they discuss the greatest bartenders and greatest cocktails of all time. It just won the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award for the world’s best drinks podcast.
Edited by Alex Skjong
The history of rum usually begins and ends with the Caribbean. It makes sense since the region is home to many famous brands and has been producing the liquor since the 1600s. But that’s really only part of the spirit’s long story.
There is strong evidence that people were making spirits from sugarcane 1,000 years earlier in India. This distilling knowledge ultimately traveled with sailors, explorers and traders, and it was brought to the Caribbean and Brazil where it flourished.
If you love to drink rum you need to listen to co-host David Wondrich build his case for this revolutionary theory and share his deep research on the topic.
Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaum and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich as they discuss the greatest bartenders and greatest cocktails of all time. It just won the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award for the world's best drinks podcast.
Edited by Alex Skjong
The legendary New Orleans drink had a lovely history about how it was originally made with Cognac, but thanks to the massive destruction wrought on European vineyards by phylloxera, Americans were forced to replace the French spirit with rye whiskey.
Sadly, this history is not true. On this episode of Life Behind Bars, co-hosts David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum discuss the complicated history of the Sazerac and try to finally set the record straight about its origins.
Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaum and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich as they discuss the greatest bartenders and greatest cocktails of all time. It just won the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award for the world's best drinks podcast.
Edited by Alex Skjong
During the winter of 1989, Donald Trump went to war with Trader Vic’s.
The New York outpost of the famous tiki bar chain was located in the legendary Plaza Hotel, which Trump owned at the time. In an attempt to close the establishment, he reportedly said it had “gotten tacky.” He continued by saying “Trader Vic’s does not fit in with the image of the hotel that I want to achieve.”
This lead to an uproar with even former President Richard Nixon issuing a statement about how much the bar meant to him and his family. Ultimately, Trader Vic’s closed and ever since the city can’t seem to sustain a tiki bar scene despite the success of tropical-themed watering holes in other cities.
Recently a number of new tiki bars have opened in New York, and on this episode of the podcast Life Behind Bars, hosts Noah Rothbaum and David Wondrich discuss whether they can succeed or whether tiki is indeed too tacky for the Big Apple.
Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaum and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich as they discuss the greatest bartenders and greatest cocktails of all time. It just won the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award for the world's best drinks podcast. Edited by Alex Skjong
The beautiful simplicity of the Tom Collins recipe—gin, sugar, lemon juice and club soda—makes it hard to believe that someone had to actually convince the rest of us to give it a try. It’s the perfect drink for a hot summer afternoon.
But the British bartender John Collin popularized the recipe in the early 19th century. Yes, it was originally called a John Collins but over time morphed and became known as a Tom Collins. It’s a good story full of odd twists and turns, and is the subject of the new episode of podcast Life Behind Bars.
Hosts Noah Rothbaum and David Wondrich go all the way back to 1820s London when the drink was the signature of Limmer’s Hotel and follow its meteoric rise to become an East Coast country club favorite. They also share their personal recipes for the cocktail.
So mix yourself a refreshing Tom Collins and start listening to the episode now.
Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaum and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich as they discuss the greatest bartenders and greatest cocktails of all time. Edited by Alex Skjong
Summer party hosts, a word of advice: forget about serving cocktails.
Parties should be fun for the guests as well as the host and making drinks for a large groups is hard and sweaty work. So, put away the shaker, the bar spoon and the strainer. You won’t need them. Instead, at your next event make a big bowl of delicious punch, which can be prepared in advance and is the original session drink!
Over the last decade, the drink’s reputation has greatly improved—from fraternity house staple to the darling of the cocktail community. A number of the best bars around the country now offer big bowls of historic and delicious punch on their menu. A few will even serve you a glass of it as a welcome drink. And there’s no one more qualified to talk about punch than Life Behind Bars co-host David Wondrich, who literally brought the concoction back to prominence with his book.
In fact, his delicious punch recipe may just save your summer parties. You can’t afford not to listen to this episode.
Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaum and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich as they discuss the greatest bartenders and greatest cocktails of all time. Edited by Alex Skjong.
From no standing at the bar to no yelling to no hats, over the last two decades, craft cocktail bars from coast to coast have been posting their own etiquette guidelines. But are any of these rules actually necessary or worth following?
To answer this question, Life Behind Bars hosts Noah Rothbaum and David Wondrich are joined by veteran Portland, Oregon, bartender Jeffrey Morgenthaler, who just published "Drinking Distilled: A User’s Manual."
Listen to the episode to find out if you need to change your behavior in bars.
Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaum and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich as they discuss the greatest bartenders and greatest cocktails of all time. Edited by Alex Skjong
There are have been hundreds of cocktail books published over the last 200 years. While a lot of the drinks listed in them are familiar (like the Old-Fashioned and Daiquiri) or versions of those classics, there are also dozens and dozens of other recipes that are completely unfamiliar. Are they lost classics that could be the next Martini or Manhattan? Or are they just filler put in to pad these books?
This episode of Life Behind Bars, hosted by Noah Rothbaum and David Wondrich, tries to answer this question. Wondrich also reveals how he looks for recipes and his methods for evaluating them.
Listen now to find out if there are any lost classics still out there in the wild, which you should be hunting for.
Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaum and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich as they discuss the greatest bartenders and greatest cocktails of all time. Edited by Alex Skjong
From Long Island Iced Tea to frozen cocktails to Grasshoppers, there’s a whole class of drinks that don’t get much respect from modern bartenders or drinkers. But in the right bar and under the right circumstances, they are the perfect thing to mix up and enjoy.
On this episode of Life Behind Bars, hosts Noah Rothbaum and David Wondrich reveal their favorite guilty pleasures and where they like to enjoy them. (Yes, even cocktail experts drink guilty pleasures from time to time.) So if you’ve ever enjoyed a White Russian, a Frozen Irish Coffee or a Pousse Café you need to listen to this podcast.
Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaum and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich as they discuss the greatest bartenders and greatest cocktails of all time. Edited by Alex Skjong
Frequent flyers not only know how to pick the perfect seat and the fastest TSA line but also where to find the best drink in an airport.
On this episode of Life Behind Bars, Noah Rothbaum and David Wondrich discuss the history of inflight cocktails, including even the bars built inside the cabins of zeppelins. The hosts also share their favorite spots to grab a drink during a layover and the secret to making a delicious Old-Fashioned after takeoff.
Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaum and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich as they discuss the greatest bartenders of all time and how they changed what the world drinks. Edited by Alex Skjong.
From Dublin and Belfast to Chile and Mongolia, you can now find Irish pubs around the world. Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, on this episode of Life Behind Bars we go on an international pub crawl of our all-time favorite Irish bars.
Hosts Noah Rothbaum and David Wondrich are joined by Irish pub expert Tim Herlihy from the episode’s partner Tullamore D.E.W. (Herlihy even once barnstormed across America visiting Irish bars in all 50 states in just 30 days. He’s also working on an Irish whiskey and Irish pub book with bartenders Jack McGarry and Sean Muldoon from the award-winning New York bar the Dead Rabbit Bar.) The three discuss why Irish bars have spread to the far corners of the map and are so enduringly popular with drinkers. They, of course, also indulge in a dram or two of whiskey while they chat. Cheers!
Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaum and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich as they discuss the greatest bartenders of all time and how they changed what the world drinks. Edited by Alex Skjong.
Was rye more popular than bourbon at the turn century? Was the Manhattan cocktail created for Winston Churchill’s mother? Was tequila ever bottled with a worm? On this episode of Life Behind Bars, hosts Noah Rothbaum and David Wondrich debunk some of the most commonplace cocktails and spirits myths out there. Enjoy a drink while they set the record straight!
Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaum and its senior drinks columnist David Wondrich as they discuss the greatest bartenders of all time and how they changed what the world drinks. Edited by Alex Skjong.
Get out that bottle of single malt whisky in the back of your liquor cabinet, which you’ve been saving for a special occasion. This Thursday is the 259th birthday of Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns. He’s not only the author of some of the most famous Gaelic poems but is also responsible for New Year’s Eve anthem Auld Lang Syne.
Historically, the bard is celebrated with bagpipes, recitations of his poems, plates of haggis and glasses of whisky. While he died penniless, in the 1800s the Scots, looking for an identity, began to widely commemorate his birth.
On this episode of Life Behind Bars, hosts Noah Rothbaum and David Wondrich, are joined by Robert Burns expert Andrew Weir from the episode’s partner Aberlour Single Malt Whiskey. The three discuss the traditional elements of a Burns dinner and the poet’s enduring influence as well as what Scotch you should pair with haggis. They, of course, indulge in a dram or two of whisky. Slàinte!
Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaum and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich as they discuss the greatest bartenders of all time and how they changed what the world drinks. Edited by Alex Skjong.
How can you take your drinks mixing to the next level in 2018? In this episode of Life Behind Bars, hosts Noah Rothbaum and David Wondrich come up with a few boozy New Year’s resolutions for themselves and for both professional and home bartenders. From being more patient with new cocktail trends and exploring local drinking cultures to throwing more parties, our hosts may actually have a shot at keeping these resolutions.
Life Behind Bars features Half Full’s editor Noah Rothbaum and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich as they discuss the greatest bartenders of all time and how they changed what the world drinks. Edited by Alex Skjong.
Whether you love or hate Eggnog, it wouldn’t be the holidays without a cup of the creamy cocktail. In this episode of podcast Life Behind Bars, hosts Noah Rothbaum and David Wondrich discuss the surprisingly long history of the traditional Christmas drink as well as share some of their other favorite seasonal beverages, including a flaming German punch and the British Tom & Jerry. (FYI The cartoon was actually named for the popular drink.) No matter if you’re the host or a guest, this episode may just save your holiday party!
Get in the Thanksgiving spirit by listening to a special holiday edition of the podcast Life Behind Bars. Hosts Noah Rothbaum and David Wondrich try to solve the age-old problem of what beverages go best with turkey, stuffing and the rest of the traditional meal. They also discuss what the Pilgrims actually drank at the first Thanksgiving in 1621 and what they plan on serving their friends and family this year. Whether you’re a guest or are hosting the meal, you’ll want to listen to this episode.
Life Behind Bars features the Daily Beast’s Half Full editor Noah Rothbaum and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich as they discuss the greatest bartenders of all time and how they changed what the world drinks.
Edited by Alex Skjong
Nearly 84 years after the end of Prohibition, the story of how American drinkers and distillers survived the dry period is, amazingly, still the subject of much attention. Rum runners and bootleggers continue to be the subject of TV shows and movies and modern speakeasies are popular around the world.
But the reality of the dry period was certainly a lot less glamorous and a lot more dangerous for the common drinker who was risking his or her own life with every contraband cocktail. On this episode of Life Behind Bars, we look at the causes of Prohibition, why it failed and its long-term consequences on American society and culture.
The podcast’s hosts, Noah Rothbaum and David Wondrich, are also joined by special guest Joe Riggs from the episode’s partner Redemption Whiskey, for a taste of a special 18-year-old rye. Rye whiskey almost was killed by Prohibition and Redemption was started with the mission of retuning the whiskey back to its rightful place behind the bar.
Life Behind Bars features the Daily Beast’s Drink + Food editor Noah Rothbaum (@NRothbaum) and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich (@DavidWondrich) as they discuss the greatest bartenders of all time and how they changed what the world drinks.
Edited by Alex Skjong
The Manhattan cocktail has been a star since it appeared on the scene more than 100 years ago. But despite being enduringly popular, it’s hard to figure out the drink’s early history, including who is responsible for its iconic recipe or its name. On this episode of Life Behind Bars, we discuss the myths, legends and lore surrounding the Manhattan, including one theory that it was created for Winston Churchill’s mother, Jennie Jerome. We’ll also reveal our personal recipes for the drink.
Life Behind Bars features the Daily Beast’s Drink + Food editor Noah Rothbaum (@NRothbaum) and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich (@DavidWondrich) as they discuss the greatest bartenders of all time and how they changed what the world drinks.
Edited by Alex Skjong
No matter if you call it a Boilermaker, a shot and a beer or a depth charge, you can find this simply yet delicious combination around the world. It’s a pairing that is often now identified with American dive bars but its roots are actually in Europe, where it was drunk as far back at the 1600s. On this episode of Life Behind Bars, we discuss the ritual and joys of drinking spirits with a pint. We’ll also talk about our personal favorite Boilermaker combinations.
Life Behind Bars features the Daily Beast’s Drink + Food editor Noah Rothbaum (@NRothbaum) and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich (@DavidWondrich) as they discuss the greatest bartenders of all time and how they changed what the world drinks.
Edited by Alex Skjong
Anybody can make an Old-Fashioned cocktail: It’s just sugar, water, bitters and spirit (usually whiskey, these days). That’s it. But this deceptively simple list of ingredients yields a complex cocktail that has satisfied drinkers for hundreds of years. On this episode of Life Behind Bars, we discuss the long history of the Old-Fashioned and how it’s essentially the very first cocktail ever stirred up. We’ll also address whether or not it’s acceptable to include club soda, and muddled cherries and orange in the mix.
Life Behind Bars features the Daily Beast’s Drink + Food editor Noah Rothbaum (@NRothbaum) and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich (@DavidWondrich) as they discuss the greatest bartenders of all time and how they changed what the world drinks.
Edited by Alex Skjong
Shhh! Can you keep a secret? There’s a whole list of cocktails and spirits that are off the menu, which professional bartenders serve each other and their most favorite customers. These so-called bartender drinks can vary geographically and on occasion, like the Cosmo, cross over to become wildly popular with consumers. On this episode of Life Behind Bars, we discuss this niche category of concoctions and try to forecast which bartend er drinks will become mainstream.
Life Behind Bars features the Daily Beast’s Drink + Food editor Noah Rothbaum (@NRothbaum) and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich (@DavidWondrich) as they discuss the greatest bartenders of all time and how they changed what the world drinks.
Edited by Alex Skjong
Join the Daily Beast’s Drink + Food editor Noah Rothbaum (@NRothbaum)and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich (@DavidWondrich) as they discuss the greatest bartenders of all time and how they changed what the world drinks.
Whether you like it shaken or stirred, with vodka or gin, we can all agree that the Martini is the world’s most famous cocktail. But the origin of the classic is very murky with several popular creation stories and even more historic recipes for it. On this episode of Life Behind Bars, we try to separate Martini fact from fiction and discuss how the cocktail has been able to adapt to just about every cultural period and societal shift. However, ironically, the current craft cocktail boom may actually be what knocks the drink off of bar menus. Tune in to find out what’s in store for Martini lovers.
Edited by Alex Skjong
Join the Daily Beast’s Drink + Food editor Noah Rothbaum (@NRothbaum) and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich (@DavidWondrich) as they discuss the greatest bartenders of all time and how they changed what the world drinks.
Thanks to the rebirth of the cocktail you can now, once again, easily find well-mixed drinks across the country. But we’ve become so accustomed to great bartending that it’s easy to forget the cocktail dark ages when menus were dominated by a range of bizarre concoctions. On this episode of Life Behind Bars, we talk about the roots of these recipes and discuss whether the Fuzzy Navel and the Harvey Wallbanger are ever worth drinking.
Edited by Alex Skjong
Join The Daily Beast’s Drink + Food editor Noah Rothbaum (@NRothbaum) and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich (@DavidWondrich) as they discuss bars and the drinking life. No matter how easy going or laid back a drinker is, there are still things that nobody wants to encounter when they’re enjoying a cocktail. Join our hosts as they talk about their personal bar pet peeves. Spoiler alert: Their list includes fruit flies floating in Manhattans, sticky glassware and weird smells.
Join The Daily Beast’s Drink + Food editor Noah Rothbaum (@NRothbaum) and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich (@DavidWondrich) as they discuss the greatest bartenders of all time and how they changed what the world drinks. From the Mojito and Daiquiri to the Presidente, it’s no wonder cocktail lovers are scrambling to get to Cuba and follow in Ernest Hemingway’s footsteps. Get the fascinating history of the island’s cocktail scene and the stories behind its most famous drinks.
Edited by Alex Skjong
Join The Daily Beast’s Drink + Food editor Noah Rothbaum @NRothbaum and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich @DavidWondrich as they discuss the greatest bartenders of all time and how they changed what the world drinks. On this episode, they try to figure out why the term “mixologist” is so divisive and if it’s ever a complement. Edited by Alex Skjong
Join The Daily Beast’s Drink + Food editor Noah Rothbaum (@NRothbaum) and our Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich (@DavidWondrich]) as they discuss the greatest bartenders of all time and how they changed what the world drinks. On this special Memorial Day episode, learn about war-time drinking during World War II. Edited by Alex Skjong
Join The Daily Beast’s Drink + Food editor Noah Rothbaum @NRothbaum) and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich (@DavidWondrich) as they discuss the greatest bartenders of all time and how they changed what the world drinks. On this episode, learn about the history of Midwestern bartending centers Chicago and Detroit. Edited by Alex Skjong
Join The Daily Beast’s Drink + Food editor Noah Rothbaum (@NRothbaum) and its Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich (@DavidWondrich) as they discuss the greatest bartenders of all time and how they changed what the world drinks. On this episode hear about the modern European cocktail boom and the history of Americans working overseas. Edited by Alex Skjong
Join The Daily Beast's Drink + Food editor Noah Rothbaum and our Senior Drinks Columnist David Wondrich as they talk about the impact of bartenders from drinking history. On today's episode hear about country’s first celebrity bartender Jerry Thomas whose 1862 book has become the blueprint for the modern craft cocktail rebirth. Edited by Alex Skjong