In this episode of the Cocktail Academy Podcast, Damian Cole interviews Chris Leavitt, the man behind the successful Not Just a Bartender social media brand. Chris shares his journey from being a bartender in Pennsylvania to becoming a full-time content creator known for his cocktail videos on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Chris opens up about his early struggles in pharmaceutical sales, his transition back into bartending, and how he leveraged his passion for cocktails to create a massive online following. This episode provides an insider's view into the life of a cocktail content creator and offers practical tips for those looking to break into the world of social media marketing for cocktails.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Chris’s Journey into Bartending and Content Creation:

• How Chris transitioned from pharmaceutical sales back to his passion for bartending.
• His early bartending days in Pennsylvania and how he found success through networking and competitions.

1. The Rise of Not Just a Bartender:

• How Chris created the Not Just a Bartender brand and built a loyal online following by making authentic cocktail content.
• His viral success on TikTok through reviewing cocktail videos and how that platform helped him grow.

1. Content Creation as a Full-Time Career:

• Chris shares the challenges of moving from bartending to full-time content creation, including balancing creativity and brand partnerships.
• Insight into the opportunities, from brand deals to international travel, that come with being a successful cocktail influencer.

1. The Impact of Social Media on Bartending:

• How the rise of TikTok and Instagram has transformed the way people learn about cocktails.
• The importance of authenticity and storytelling in building a personal brand in the cocktail industry.

1. Advice for Aspiring Content Creators:

• Chris offers practical advice on how to break into cocktail content creation, from equipment essentials to navigating brand partnerships.
• The importance of consistency, creativity, and community in building an engaged audience.

Quotable Moments:

• "Being a bartender is more than just serving drinks. It’s about creating moments that stick with people—and that’s what I try to do online too." – Chris Leavitt
• "You can be more than just a bartender. You can leverage your skills, your knowledge, and your passion into something bigger, especially with today’s social media opportunities." – Chris Leavitt

Guest Contact Information:

• Instagram: @NotJustaBartender
• TikTok: @NotJustaBartender
• YouTube: Not Just a Bartender

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to the Cocktail Academy Podcast for more insights into the world of cocktails and bartending.

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In this episode, Damian Cole interviews the charismatic and adventurous Danil Nevsky, the founder of The Indie Bartender. Danil shares his incredible journey from his early days working at weddings in Aberdeen to becoming a prominent figure in the global cocktail community. With stories of extreme bartending, skydiving while making cocktails, and his experiences across various countries, Danil provides a unique perspective on the world of bartending and cocktail culture. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the unconventional paths that can lead to success in the hospitality industry.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Danil’s Introduction to Bartending:

• How Danil started his career in hospitality at the age of 15, working at weddings in Scotland.
• The influence of his multicultural upbringing on his bartending style and approach.

1. The Indie Bartender and Vagabond Project:

• The origin story of The Indie Bartender and Danil’s passion for traveling and bartending around the world.
• The challenges and highlights of the Vagabond Project, where Danil worked at bars across different countries for free.

1. Extreme Bartending Adventures:

• The inspiration behind Danil’s “Extreme Bartending” series, including making cocktails while skydiving and other wild stunts.
• The impact of social media on his journey and how it helped him build a global presence.

1. Insights into the Cocktail Industry:

• Danil’s thoughts on the current state of the cocktail industry, including the rise of mezcal and wine-based cocktails.
• His perspective on cocktail competitions and the importance of creativity in bartending.

1. Advice for Aspiring Bartenders:

• Danil shares valuable advice for those looking to make a mark in the bartending world, emphasizing the importance of travel, continuous learning, and staying humble.

Quotable Moments:

• "Once you get into the subculture of bartending, you belong to this little sadomasochistic club of people who want to work too many hours and care about things that no one else does." – Danil Nevsky
• "The best thing I did was to get rid of all the unnecessary stuff, travel the world, and embrace the experiences that came my way." – Danil Nevsky

Guest Contact Information:

• Website: The Indie Bartender
• Instagram: @CocktailMan

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to the Cocktail Academy Podcast for more engaging conversations with leaders in the cocktail and hospitality industry. Leave a review and share this episode with fellow cocktail enthusiasts to spread the word!

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In this episode of the Cocktail Academy Podcast, Damian Cole takes a deep dive into one of the most beloved cocktail recipes in the world: the Bramble cocktail. Created in 1989 by the legendary Dick Bradsell, the Bramble has become a staple in bars and restaurants globally. Damian explores the history of this modern classic cocktail, shares the original recipe, and discusses his own variations that make this drink even more versatile and delicious. Whether you’re a professional bartender or a home mixologist, this episode is packed with insights into making the perfect Bramble and experimenting with its ingredients.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Origin of the Bramble Cocktail:

• The story behind the creation of the Bramble by Dick Bradsell in London’s Soho at Fred’s Bar.
• The inspiration for the Bramble’s name, rooted in Bradsell’s childhood memories of picking blackberries on the Isle of Wight.

1. Original Bramble Cocktail Recipe:

• A detailed breakdown of the classic Bramble recipe, including London Dry Gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, rich simple syrup, and creme de mure (blackberry liqueur).
• Step-by-step instructions on how to create the original Bramble, complete with tips on garnishing and presentation.

1. Modern Variations of the Bramble:

• Damian’s personal twist on the Bramble, including the use of lime juice instead of lemon juice for a slightly more aggressive flavor.
• The benefits of using cube dice instead of crushed ice in professional bar settings and how it affects the drink’s balance and texture.
• Incorporating fresh blackberries into the shaker for a deeper color and more robust flavor.

1. Creative Alternatives and Riffs:

• Suggestions for substituting gin with other spirits like tequila or rum to create unique Bramble variations.
• Exploring different liqueurs such as creme de cassis or even apricot liqueur to put a new spin on the classic.

1. Expert Tips for Bartenders and Cocktail Enthusiasts:

• The importance of selecting the right gin and liqueur brands for the Bramble.
• Advice on using fresh versus dehydrated garnishes and the impact of these choices on the final drink.

Quotable Moments:

• "The Bramble is essentially a gin sour with a quintessentially British twist—simple, delicious, and timeless." – Damian Cole
• "Whether you’re sticking to tradition or adding your own flair, the Bramble’s versatility makes it a favorite for bartenders and cocktail lovers alike." – Damian Cole

Host Contact Information:

• Instagram: @WeLoveCocktails
• TikTok: @WeLoveCocktailsx

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to the Cocktail Academy Podcast on your favorite platform. Don’t forget to leave a review and share this episode with your friends who love cocktails and mixology. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more cocktail recipes and inspiration!

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