The Best of Radio Imbibe 2023: The Cocktail Episodes

In 2023, the Radio Imbibe podcast featured interviews with more than 30 beverage pros (and earned a Best Podcast nomination at Tales of the Cocktail’s Spirited Awards). And one thing we learned over the course of the year is that our listeners especially love our deep-dive episodes into specific cocktails.

These episodes feature interviews with seasoned experts (and, in some cases, a cocktail’s creator). In addition to covering every aspect of a drink’s evolution, we explore how to best make a recipe today.

Following are 2023’s most popular cocktail-centric episodes.

Episode 71: The Manhattan Cocktail With Toby Maloney

We examine the Manhattan cocktail from all angles with The Bartender’s Manifesto co-author and bartender Toby Maloney, who’s mixed many a Manhattan.

Episode 77: The Chartreuse Swizzle With Marco Dionysos

Marco Dionysos digs into the Chartreuse Swizzle‘s origins and how to approach the cocktail at a time when Chartreuse may be harder to find.

Episode 78: The Mai Tai Forever With Jeff “Beachbum” Berry

In our second most downloaded episode ever (behind our 2022 vodka martini episode), we delve into the Mai Tai’s history and character with drinks historian Jeff “Beachbum” Berry.

Episode 80: Mastering the Mojito With Julio Cabrera

For this episode, we explore the classic Mojito with Julio Cabrera of the award-winning Café La Trova in Miami.

Episode 87: Toby Cecchini and the Cosmopolitan

We talk with Cosmopolitan creator, Toby Cecchini, about the iconic drink’s origins, its many revivals, and tips for making it today.

Episode 88: Jeffrey Morgenthaler’s Eggnog Essentials

Eggnog evangelist Jeffrey Morgenthaler shares the story of his signature recipe and his tips for making the best version.