Episodes

In this episode, Jonathan and Jeffrey sit down with the incomparable Samantha Katz, a woman whose life story blends Wall Street innovation, cocktail‑world community building, and the birth of one of New York’s most influential distilling movements. Recorded at Dear Irving on Hudson, the conversation moves from laughs to jaw‑dropping revelations as Samantha shares how she went from creating environmental markets at age 19 to becoming a central figure in New York’s craft spirits renaissance. And in Tipple Time, the Gurus welcome back Paul Massey, who brings a fascinating seasonal ingredient to the table: Pawpaw, America’s forgotten fruit. To watch this episode on Television, download Sip Savor Explore TV (SSE TV) on your Roku or FireTV device.

In the premiere episode of Icons of Wine, a new mini-series within The Cocktail Guru Show, host Jeffrey Pogash welcomes one of the most influential figures in modern New Zealand winemaking: Erica Crawford. The Icons of Wine series spotlights the people who have shaped global wine culture through innovation, vision, and uncompromising quality.

In this delightfully briny episode of The Cocktail Guru Show, Jonathan and Jeffrey Pogash take viewers on a pickle-powered journey from the legendary Mai-Kai in Fort Lauderdale to the vibrant Swizzle Rumbar, where they sit down with a very special guest: John King, co-founder of The Original Pickle Shot.

Recorded live to tape Dear Irving on Hudson in Midtown Manhattan, this lively episode of The Cocktail Guru Show brings together hosts Jonathan and Jeffrey Pogash with special guest Robin Robinson — celebrated author of The Complete Whiskey Course / The History of Whiskey.

The Cocktail Guru Show, hosted by Jonathan Pogash and his father, Jeffrey, features actress Emily Meade discussing her career and personal journey. Emily shares her experiences in various TV shows, including "The Deuce" and "Broad City," and her transition to sobriety. She also talks about the challenges of acting, including auditioning and the impact of COVID-19 on the industry. The show also includes a non-alcoholic cocktail recipe using POM Wonderful pomegranate juice, highlighting the growing trend of high-quality non-alcoholic drinks.

Hey everyone, Jonathan and Jeffrey here, bringing you the season finale of Season 4 of The Cocktail Guru Show, live from the vibrant city of New Orleans at Cafe Amelie. This episode is packed with incredible guests, insightful discussions, and, of course, amazing cocktails and food. We had the pleasure of hosting some fantastic guests this season, including: Kyle McHugh from Proof Media Laura Cullen Ben Jones from Spiribam Spirits Alejandro Coronado from Cuervo Tequila Jaime Salas from Proximo Spirits Absinthe distiller, Absinthia Vermut Celebrity guests Cheech and Chong

In this episode of The Cocktail Guru Podcast, hosts Jonathan and Jeffrey Pogash welcome longtime friend and world-class bartender Chris Cardone. From his early days in flair bartending competitions to building craft cocktail programs in New York, Chris has carved a unique career in hospitality. But his story goes beyond the bar—after a pivotal moment in 2015, he embraced a healthier lifestyle and shifted focus toward non-alcoholic spirits and craft mocktails, proving that sophistication in a glass doesn’t always require alcohol.

On this episode of THE COCKTAIL GURU SHOW, hosts Jonathan & Jeffrey Pogash talk commitment, dedication, and enlightened self interest with Sam Lerman, CEO & Founder of SPYRT Worldwide. Watch, listen, and learn how Sam, a decorated US Air Force veteran, beat an unlikely path from supplier of munitions to Ukraine to importer of the Eastern European power's fine wines and spirits, profits from the sales of which support critical humanitarian efforts, including landmine removal.

In this special episode of The Cocktail Guru Show, the Guru's take you on a journey through the WSWA Access Live Convention in Denver, Colorado. This episode is packed with engaging interviews, fascinating stories, and, of course, delicious cocktails.

Join Jonathan and Jeffrey Pogash, the dynamic father-son duo, as they dive into the world of cocktails, spirits, and hospitality trends in this special episode of The Cocktail Guru Show, recorded live at the WSWA Access Live Convention in Denver, Colorado! We had some incredible conversations with industry trailblazers including basketball super start Al Harrington, Morgan Weinstock of Jackson Morgan Southern Cream, Neal Cohen from Tip Top Cocktails and Mariana Quintanar from Tequila Malas Lenguas. Plus, Jonathan whips up a new cocktail with Mad River Revolution Rye in this week's Tipple Time.

Join Jonathan Pogash, the Cocktail Guru, and his father, Jeffrey Pogash, as they talk generational hospitality with culinary lifer Charles Baum. Watch, listen, and learn how Charles, the son of legendary New York restaurateur Joe Baum, grew up in a notoriously all-consuming industry, became GM at Manhattan's famed Rainbow Room and a partner in the tragically late-great Windows on the World, and founded Cool Culinaria, an online repository that indulges his passion for food and drink history, lore, and ephemera.

On this episode of THE COCKTAIL GURU SHOW, hosts Jonathan & Jeffrey Pogash talk wine—growing, making, selling, and storytelling—with legendary vintner and CEO of Viña Almaviva, Manuel Louzada. Watch, listen, and learn how Manuel, a native of Portugal born into a family of winegrowers, parlayed his specialized training and a singular passion into a storied career that has seen him play a pivotal role in developing the wine industry in Argentina, Chile, Italy, Spain, and beyond. THE COCKTAIL GURU PODCAST is produced by 1st Reel Entertainment and distributed by EatsDrinksTV, a service of the Center for Culinary Culture—Home of The Cocktail Collection, and is available wherever fine podcasts can be heard.

On this episode of THE COCKTAIL GURU SHOW, hosts Jonathan & Jeffrey Pogash talk hospitality and acclaimed bartender, author, host, and educator Alba Huerta's singular commitment to excellence in it. Watch, listen, and learn how the Mexican-born and Texas-raised entrepreneur has racked up a raft of honors for both herself and Julep, the James Beard Award-winning bar that's played a leading role in transforming Houston's cocktail culture from dive dominated to craft focused. THE COCKTAIL GURU PODCAST is produced by 1st Reel Entertainment and distributed by EatsDrinksTV, a service of the Center for Culinary Culture—Home of The Cocktail Collection, and is available wherever fine podcasts can be heard. The Center for Culinary Culture—Telling the Story of Food & Drink…One Taste at a Time.

On this episode of THE COCKTAIL GURU SHOW, the premiere installment of Season 4, hosts Jonathan & Jeffrey Pogash deep-dive the whiskey world with serial entrepreneur Raj Alva and veteran whiskey maker Ari Sussman, who, together with country music superstar Eric Church, founded JYPSI Whiskey. Watch, listen, and learn how this team of unlikely partners launched a new whiskey brand, formulated an innovative whiskey-making process—including some unique aging techniques—and mastered the art and science of blending whiskeys from across the globe. Plust, enjoy a taste of the fascinating history of punch—it hasn't always been a syrupy concoction served as children's birthday parties—in Papa Pogash's "Cocktail Commentary." ⁠THE COCKTAIL GURU SHOW ⁠is produced by ⁠1st Reel Entertainment⁠ and distributed by ⁠EatsDrinksTV⁠, a service of the ⁠Center for Culinary Culture⁠—Home of The Cocktail Collection, and is available wherever you enjoy your favorite shows.

Join us for the exciting second part of our Season 3 finale, recorded high atop New Orleans at Café Amélie, overlooking the vibrant French Quarter. In this special episode, we celebrate the spirit of New Orleans with a fantastic lineup of guests and delve into the world of cocktails, spirits, and hospitality.

On the next episode of The Cocktail Guru Podcast, we talk accounting, life insurance, and real estate—wait, what?!—oh, and rum with Steven Gubb, Founder, President & CEO of Boston-based Paradise Imports, suppliers of Gubba Rum, plus go behind the scenes at Bar Convent Brooklyn 2024!

In this special two-part season finale of the Cocktail Guru Podcast, we went live from Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans. The episode featured three amazing guests: Jim Ruane from Cierto Tequila, Nick Rose from Hudson Whiskey, and Jeff Naples from Reyka Vodka. Also in this episode Jeffrey dives into the history of the Sazerac cocktail, tracing its origins back to Antoine Amédée Pechault's apothecary in New Orleans.

On this edition of THE COCKTAIL GURU PODCAST, hosts Jonathan & Jeffrey Pogash talk comfort food that sticks to your ribs—and the pot!—with entrepreneur Nadia Liu Spellman, co-author of Dumpling Daughter: Heirloom Recipes from Our Restaurants and Home Kitchens and founder of Boston's Dumpling Daughter, the ever-expanding culinary empire inspired by Nadia's mother, co-author, and celebrity chef Sally Ling. All brought to you Emilio Lustau, maker of Lustau Vermut Dry, an exceptional, Manzanilla sherry-based Spanish vermouth.

On this edition of THE COCKTAIL GURU PODCAST, hosts Jonathan & Jeffrey Pogash deep-dive into coffee, discovering how an abiding passion for it prompted Kelly Abbott to leave behind 20 years of teaching K-12 students and seize the opportunity to become Owner, CEO & Roaster at Unleashed Coffee in Vacaville, California. All brought to you by Unleashed Coffee and The Cocktail Guru Shop, now selling fine spirits!

Join Jonathan Pogash, the Cocktail Guru, and his father, Jeffrey Pogash, as they dive into the fascinating world of wine and spirits. In this special episode, they pay tribute to the legendary Steven Spurrier, the man who revolutionized the wine industry. Jeffrey shares personal anecdotes about his mentor, Steven Spurrier, and how a simple wine class in Paris changed the course of his life. They are joined by Steven's son, Christian Spurrier, who provides intimate insights into his father's life and legacy.

On this edition of THE COCKTAIL GURU PODCAST, hosts Jonathan & Jeffrey Pogash talk cocktail speed, style, and substance with hospitality legends Lynnette Marrero and Ivy Mix, cofounders of Speed Rack, a global all-women bartending competition that has raised over $1.5 million for charities supporting breast cancer research, and coauthors—with Megan Krigbaum—of A QUICK DRINK, a new book that elevates home cocktailing while advancing the cause of women's breast health. All brought to you by Barrel Room Chronicles and The Cocktail Guru Shop, now selling fine spirits.

On this edition of THE COCKTAIL GURU PODCAST, host Jonathan & Jeffrey Pogash talk the sweet life—literally—with celebrity pastry chef Zac Young: Bravo, The Cooking Channel, Food Network, and Netflix baking veteran and creator of the all-in-one Thanksgiving dessert sensation, The PieCaken. All brought to you by The Cocktail Guru Shop, now selling fine spirits.

On this edition of THE COCKTAIL GURU PODCAST, live from Libertine Social at Mandalay Bay on the Las Vegas Strip, Jonathan Pogash talks the look of life from behind the stick with Chris Leavitt—bartender, social media sensation, and creator of Not Just a Bartender. Plus, from just around the corner at Caesars Forum, we talk the look of cocktails with Natalie Migliarini—creator of Beautiful Booze and a competitor who left a memorable mark on popular Netflix series Drink Masters. All brought to you by Lustau Vermut Dry, an exceptional, Manzanilla sherry-based Spanish vermouth featured in this episode's Tipple Time segment.

On this edition of THE COCKTAIL GURU PODCAST, live from Libertine Social at Mandalay Bay on the Las Vegas Strip, Jonathan Pogash talks organizing bartenders—no, it's not like herding cats—bar designing, beverage engineering, and more with Livio Lauro, the living hospitality legend responsible for reviving and expanding the United States Bartenders' Guild, designing the EuroBar Station, and authoring or co-authoring several celebrated cocktail books. Plus Jeffrey Pogash dives deep into the Mai Tai on this episode's Cocktail Commentary, brought to you by Monin Gourmet Flavored Syrups, while Jonathan whips up a Whiskey Sour featuring Glenmorangie Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky during our Tipple Time segment. THE COCKTAIL GURU PODCAST is produced by 1st Reel Entertainment and distributed by EatsDrinksTV, a service of the Center for Culinary Culture—Home of The Cocktail Collection, and is available wherever fine podcasts can be heard. The Center for Culinary Culture—Telling the Stor…