In this episode of The Cocktail Academy Podcast, Damian sits down with one of modern bartending’s most influential voices Jeffrey Morgenthaler. Known for his no-nonsense approach to cocktails, pioneering work at Clyde Common, and the bestselling Bar Book, Jeff shares practical insights from 30 years behind the stick.

Together, they dive into what’s changed in the bar world, what hasn’t, and why sometimes the most successful drinks are the simplest. From how to make a better Amaretto Sour, to why great bars can thrive outside major cities, this conversation is full of sharp, honest, and empowering takeaways for bartenders and bar owners alike.

• Jeff’s journey from architecture student to world-renowned bartender and author
• How the cocktail landscape has shifted over three decades
• Why small cities can outperform major cocktail hubs with the right approach
• The myth of “cool” cocktails — and why the most popular drinks shouldn’t be ignored
• The story behind The Bar Book and why it’s still one of the most recommended in the game
• Jeff’s thoughts on RTDs, gin overload, and emerging spirits trends
• The rise of bartender burnout — and why hospitality starts with taking care of yourself
• Game-changing tools: batching, syrup ratios, and consistency tips from the trenches
• The difference between service and hospitality — and how to hire people who “get it”
• How to build drink menus that actually work — for your team and your guests

• jeffreymorgenthaler.com – Jeff’s official website with blogs, recipes, and free tools
• syrupcalc.com – Free syrup calculator
• batchcalc.com – Free batching calculator
• The Bar Book: Elements of Cocktail Technique by Jeffrey Morgenthaler
• Drinking Distilled: A User’s Manual by Jeffrey Morgenthaler
• Regarding Cocktails by Sasha Petraske
• The Joy of Mixology by Gary Regan
• Cosmopolitan: A Bartender’s Life by Toby Cecchini

• Bartenders looking to sharpen their skills
• Bar managers refining their training or menus
• Bar owners in small markets trying to raise the standard
• Anyone tired of cocktail snobbery and ready to build great hospitality from the ground up

Website: www.thecocktailacademy.com

Instagram: @welovecocktails

TikTok: @welovecocktailsx

Facebook: @welovecocktailsx

Email: sayhello@thecocktailacademy.com

Instagram: @jeffmorgen

Website: jeffreymorgenthaler.com

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