Cocktail Classified

Your brand is important! Authenticity and trust are key. Don’t gatekeep to hinder your own image and growth in this ever changing industry. This extends into brands and brand marketing.•••••••In this week’s episode, we are joined by: Pam Wiznitzer and Jonathan Pogash from the Cocktail Guru. We caught them during their pop up and seminar hosted at Julep with Alba Huerta. In this episode, we talk about the the Cocktail Guru, working with brands, authenticity, the issue of gatekeeping, and personal branding. Special Guests:Pam Wiznitzer @pamwizJonathan Pogash @jonathanpogashofficialProduced by Shift Change Creative and hosted by: Patrick Abalos @mixmanpatrick. Special thanks to Alba and Julep for allowing us to record!

It’s more than just drinks. It’s hospitality first! Being consistent is key, As Lauren said "consistency creates credibility".In this week’s episode in collaboration with Bartender Magazine and Arizona Cocktail Weekend, we are joined by: Lauren Trickett, National Brand Ambassador - Cointreau, Mount Gay Rum and Belle de Brillet and guest host: Tiffany Kirk - Bartender/Bar Mom at The Toasted Coconut and Road to Nowhere. It this episode, we dive intro what makes hospitality, mentorship, and balance. In addition to their backgrounds, Arizona Cocktail Weekend, rum, and brands. Special Guests:Lauren Trickett @mixittrickettTiffany Kirk @ambitiousimbiberProduced by Shift Change Creative and hosted by: Patrick Abalos @mixmanpatrickBrought to you by Bartender Magazine and Arizona Cocktail Weekend. Catch the Bartender Magazine Spring 2026 edition live now at bartender.com!

Fashion, Bartending, and Branding - Diving headfirst into the hustle of Kyle MarvéIn this week’s episode in collaboration with Bartender Magazine and Arizona Cocktail Weekend, we are joined by Kyle Marvé, one of two National Ambassadors for Remy Martin Cognac. We talk about his start in the industry from Fashion to Bartending School. We also discuss the rapid movement of the industry, a brief intro into the dynamics of regional tastes, the history and process of Remy Martin and Cognac, Bartender Talent Academy, and Industry Events. (Did you know he was on a reality TV show?)Special Guests:Kyle Marvé @remymarve @kylemarveProduced by Shift Change Creative and hosted by: Patrick Abalos @mixmanpatrickBrought to you by Bartender Magazine and Arizona Cocktail Weekend. Catch the Bartender Magazine Spring 2026 edition live now at bartender.com!

A journey from Culinary School to Trade Advocacy, Will Brooks chats with us about his journey in the industry, agency work, and the story of Herradura. This week’s episode in collaboration with Bartender Magazine and Arizona Cocktail Weekend, we are joined by another of our close friends, Will Brooks, Global Brand Ambassador for Herradura Tequila. He shares his insights on this start in culinary and his steps toward becoming a global brand ambassador, having to evolve in a changing market, cocktails, Arizona Cocktail Weekend (His first time!) and of course the story of Herradura Tequila. Special Guests:Will Brooks @cuppateaquilaProduced by Shift Change Creative and hosted by: Patrick Abalos @mixmanpatrickBrought to you by Bartender Magazine and Arizona Cocktail Weekend. Catch the Bartender Magazine Spring 2026 edition live now at bartender.com!

From Marketing to Magazine: Ryan Foley Discusses the Legacy of Bartender Magazine, The Industry, and the Power of NetworkingIn this week's episode in collaboration with Bartender Magazine and Arizona Cocktail Weekend, we are joined by one of our close friends, Ryan Foley; publisher of Bartender Magazine. He shares his insights on carrying forward his family’s legacy, the evolving landscape of the cocktail industry, and the importance of community and networking for bartenders. We talked about the Fuzzy Navel created by his Dad Ray Foley, Arizona Cocktail Weekend, magazine publishing, and how collaborations are shaping future opportunities.Special Guests:Ryan Foley @rfollersProduced by Shift Change Creative and hosted by Patrick Abalos (@mixmanpatrick)This series is brought to you by Bartender Magazine and Arizona Cocktail Weekend. Catch the Bartender Magazine Spring 2026 edition live now at bartender.com!

Embarking on Hospitality and Community with Yacht Club in Denver. Join us for this episode in partnership with Bartender Magazine as we chat with Mary Allison Wright and McLain Hedges from Yacht Club as they share their inspiring journey into hospitality, from early passions to creating a vibrant, inclusive neighborhood bar in Denver. We discuss how their roots in southern hospitality shaped who they are, the innovative concept development of Yacht Club, their most recent restaurant Le Rougarou, and advice on opening a bar.Special Guests:Mary Allison Wright @eatdrinkbemaryandmclainMcLain Hedges @yesterdayswineYacht Club: @yachtclubbarLe Rougarou: @lerougarouHost: Patrick Abalos @mixmanpatrickBrought to you by Bartender Magazine. Catch their cover feature on the Fall 2025 edition!

Join us for our Season Two launch! We were joined by Cesar Sandoval, National Brand Ambassador for Casa Lumbre Spirits. We talked through Caesar’s journey from a humble beginning to becoming a national brand ambassador for Casa Lumbre Spirits and his passion for hospitality and the industry. Special Guest: Cesar SandovalIG: @saysarHost: Patrick Abalos @mixmanpatrick

Join us for our season one extended finale as we chat with Alexandre Gabriel, Master Blender and Owner of Maison Ferrand as he discusses his background in building Maison Ferrand and where he started, his techniques in his spirit productions, new product innovations, and more. Thank you for a great season one! Special Guest: Alexandre Gabriel IG: @alexandregabriel.masterblenderHost: Patrick Abalos @mixmanpatrick

Join us as we chat with Jesus Verde, Bar Mauro Mexico and Bar Snack NYC (Formerly of Here Nor There and PaperCut in Austin TX) as we talk about his path from social media to behind the bar, cocktail competitions, and bartending.Special Guest: Jesus Verde IG: @jesusverdeHost: Patrick Abalos @mixmanpatrick

Join us as we chat with Stilo Pimental, Milagro Tequila - East Coast Ambassador as he discusses his path through the industry from fashion to brand ambassadorship, bartending, personal branding, and the tequila additive discussion.Special Guest: Stilo Pimental IG: @stilonycHost: Patrick Abalos @mixmanpatrick

Join us as we chat with Luis Lopez, Milagro Tequila - West Coast Brand Ambassador as shares his journey from a busser to a brand ambassador. He discusses the importance of reputation in the hospitality industry, the role of a bar back, and current trends in the West Coast bar scene. We also dive briefly into the CRT and tequila production.Special Guest: Luis Lopez IG: @chicharronesconlimonHost: Patrick Abalos @mixmanpatrick

Join us as we chat with Austin Thomas, High West Distillery as we chat High West Saloon, special guests and his role with the brand.Special Guest: Austin ThomasHost: Patrick Abalos @mixmanpatrick

Join us as we chat with Greg Doxakis aka "Dox", Regional Manager of Maison Ferrand as we dive into his brand book, Houston bar scene, and his path through the industry. Special Guest: Greg Doxakis IG: @this_is_doxHost: Patrick Abalos @mixmanpatrick

Join us as we chat with Nino Gandulla, Former Brand Ambassador of Casa Lumbre Spirits as we her past bar experiences, Puerto Rico, her former role with Casa Lumbre and Brands. Special Guest: Nino Gandulla IG: @tigresatropicalHost: Patrick Abalos @mixmanpatrick Director of Media: Luis Anaya @luisanaya_media

Join us as we chat with Shan Liu, Founder/Partner of Levels of Grandeur Syrups in Houston, Texas as we discuss syrups, running a small business, and his path in the industry. Special Guest: Shan Liu IG: @hope_itdoesnt_suckHost: Patrick Abalos @mixmanpatrick Director of Media: Luis Anaya @luisanaya_media

Join us as we chat with Benny Hurwitz, Whiskey Portfolio Ambassador with Campari USA as we discuss his journey from bartender to brand ambassador and all things whiskey from Wild Turkey to Wilderness Trail.Special Guest: Benny Hurwitz IG: @bennybourbon101Host: Patrick Abalos @mixmanpatrick Director of Media: Luis Anaya @luisanaya_media-----Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CocktailClassifiedInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cocktailclassified

Join us as we chat with Francesca Nonino, The Grappa Influencer and 6th Generation Family Member at Nonino Distillery as we discuss all things grappa, Amaro Nonino and her family history.Special Guest: Francesca Nonino IG: @francesca.noninoHost: Patrick Abalos @mixmanpatrick Director of Media: Luis Anaya @luisanaya_media-----Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CocktailClassifiedInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cocktailclassified

Join us as we chat with Luis Baez, Global Ambassdor of Flor de Cana Rum as we discuss all things rum, his career from radio host to brand ambassdor, and industry stories.Special Guest: Luis Baez IG: @quebarbaro14Host: Patrick Abalos @mixmanpatrick Director of Media: Luis Anaya @luisanaya_mediaVideo: Alec Garza @alecjuliangarza-----Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CocktailClassifiedInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cocktailclassified

Join us as we chat with Ryan Wainwright as we discuss all things gin, his career, and industry stories.Special Guest: Ryan Wainwright IG: @vision_in_motionHost: Patrick Abalos @mixmanpatrick Director of Media: Luis Anaya @luisanaya_media-----Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CocktailClassifiedInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cocktailclassified

Join us as we chat with Dale DeGroff and Ted Breaux as we discuss their backgrounds, cocktail stories, and new products. Special Guests: Dale DeGroff @kingcocktl and Ted Breaux @t.a.breauxHost: Patrick Abalos @mixmanpatrick Director of Media: Luis Anaya @luisanaya_media-----Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CocktailClassifiedInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cocktailclassified

Join us as we chat with Matt LoFink, National Manager, Spirit Specialist with Frederick Wildman Spirits as we discuss Chartreuse, His Background, and New Orleans. Special Guest: Matt LoFink @matt_lofinkHost: Patrick Abalos @mixmanpatrick Director of Media: Luis Anaya @luisanaya_media-----Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CocktailClassifiedInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cocktailclassified

Join us as we chat with Raymond Edwards, Global Brand Educator for the House of Angostura as we discuss Angostura, The Queen Park Swizzle, Swizzle Sticks, and More. Special Guest: Raymond Edwards @rayedwardstocoHost: Patrick Abalos @mixmanpatrick Director of Media: Luis Anaya @luisanaya_media