Shows
Bartender at LargeLetters to a Young Bartender w Colin Asare-Appiah | Bartender at Large ep 454Tune in as we chat with Colin Asare-Appiah, creator of "Letters to a Young Bartender," a mentorship program guiding the next generation of craft cocktail professionals. Colin shares invaluable advice on honing your skills, building confidence behind the bar, and navigating the industry with intention. From cocktail techniques to career growth, this conversation is packed with wisdom for the modern bartender. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your craft, Colin offers insights for all skill levels. Ajabu Festival: https://ajabufestival.com Link to article: https://edition.pagesuite.com/html5/reader/production/default.as...
2025-07-0725 min
Decoding CocktailsPodcast ep. 74: Colin Asare-Appiah, AJABU FestivalColin Asare-Appiah (Instagram) is the trade director of multicultural and LGBTQ advocacy at Bacardi and the co-founder of the AJABU Festival (Instagram, website), a platform for the African hospitality industry. See highlights from the first year below. Know someone who might enjoy this? Share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit decodingcocktails.substack.com
2025-06-1251 min
The SpeakeasyThat’s Wonderous BruvSpeakeasy fave (and let’s be honest, everybody fave) Colin Asare-Appiah returns to the show to talk about Ajabu, the cocktail and spirits festival he’s been building in South Africa for the past few years. Ajabu is a platform for the African hospitality industry to connect across the continent and beyond, to inspire innovation, collaboration, and creativity, as well as to celebrate Africa and its incredible diversity of people, ingredients and drinks. Colin unpacks the wealth of flavors, ingredients and talent the festival has unleashed, what it’s like to build a cocktail festival even when everyone tells you no...
2025-04-1842 min
Shake Stir and MingleExclusive: Colin Asare-Appiah – Visionary & Global Trailblazer Redefining Cocktail CultureI’mJoin us for an exclusive interview with Colin Asare-Appiah, a visionary mixologist and global trailblazer shaping the future of cocktail culture. As a pioneer in the spirits industry, Colin shares insights into his journey, experiences traveling the world, and the innovative ways he’s redefining mixology. Discover his thoughts on cultural influences, sustainability in cocktails, and what it takes to elevate the craft. Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast, bartender, or industry professional, this in-depth conversation offers inspiration, trends, and actionable advice for everyone. Don’t miss out on this exclusive look into the mind of one of the most infl...
2024-11-2338 min
The Cocktail LoversDrinking in colourIn keeping with the theme of the summer issue of The Cocktail Lovers magazine, we're dedicating this episode to some of the many amazing people of colour in the world of drinks.Our first product is a rum, but this one is different. It's Matugga Rum – rooted in Jamaica, with East African flavours but blended in, wait for it – Scotland! We then crack open another bottle with an equally surprising story: it's the world's first clear lassi gin from the husband and wife team behind the Crazy Gin Co.The history of Black mixo...
2024-07-041h 06
Life is a Beach Podcast with Geniene PrestonAjabu FestivalAJABU (adj) – Swahili word meaning amazing, marvellous, fantastic, wondrous or incredible
Example: “Tamasha la ajabu la cocktail!” meaning "Amazing cocktail festival!" Welcome to AJABU Cocktail and Spirits Festival, a bi-annual event to be held in Joburg and Cape Town, which will bring together the best of hospitality and showcase leading brands, talent and venues.Colin Asare Appiah (Bar World 100 Most Influential Figures 2023, and co-author Black Mixcellence) and Mark Talbot Holmes (founder of multiple award-winning U'Luvka Vodka) talk to Geniene Preston at Sin-Tax at the launch of the festival in Johannesburg The Ajabu Festival · The Ajabu Festival with Geniene Preston
2024-03-0810 min
Bar HacksEpisode 109 with Colin Asare-AppiahHappy new year, and welcome to 2024! We wanted to kick off season five of the Bar Hacks podcast with an amazing guest.
Host David Klemt had the opportunity to chat with Colin Asare-Appiah, an industry icon he's wanted to talk to for many years. Colin is Bacardí's trade director of multiculture and lifestyle, and the brand's LGBTQIA+ advocate. Not only does he spread the message of diversity, equity, and inclusion, he believes (as does KRG Hospitality and Bar Hacks) that diversity is necessary for our industry to thrive.
In this episode you'll learn about C...
2024-01-0946 min
Decoding CocktailsPodcast ep. 46: Daniel Singer, Filthy FoodDaniel Singer (@filthydaniel) is the CEO of Filthy (website, Instagram), a company working to change the way people think about things like cocktail garnishes.Not only did I love this conversation, but Daniel’s comments about entrepreneurship requiring a high pain tolerance and his resolve to banish negative thoughts because they are not worth the energy landed heavily on my heart.Mentions: Julia Momosé, Kumiko, Simon Ford, Luxardo cherries, John Lermayer, Joshua Wagner, Colin Asare-Appiah, Amanda Gunderson, olives (are related to fruits like peaches and plums), Dyslexia, LovemarkNot long before our conversation, Fil...
2023-10-171h 01
The Cocktail LoversCelebrating Black voices in drinksJune 19th, or Juneteenth as it's known, is a recognised holiday in the US, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. With that in mind, we're focusing on some of the many talented Black voices and stories in the drinks world – past and present, home and away – that we feel people need to know more about.Such as our two chosen products: Uncle Nearest and its 1884 Small Batch Whiskey from Tennessee and One True Maverick, a triple-distilled, premium vodka from south London. And our book choice, which sees us rewinding back to the past and delving into...
2023-06-1554 min
Served UpEp. 125: Tamika Hall & Colin Asare-AppiahHosts Bridget Albert and Julie Milroy welcome writer Tamika Hall & Bacardi Director of Multicultural / LGBTQ+ Advocacy Colin Asare-Appiah - co-authors of Black Mixcellence
2023-02-2842 min
Glocal CitizensEpisode 160: Black Mixcellence Part 2 with Colin Asare-AppiahGreetings Glocal Citizens!
This week we have Part 2 of the Black Mixcellence duet. Ghanaian-Brit Colin Asare-Appiah joins me to talk the history of the term “mixology,” his journey from bar hand to head of Trade Director of Multi-Cultural and LGBTQ+ Advocacy at one of the world’s leading spirit bands--Bacardi, and the importance of getting involved. Colin has worked with numerous spirit brands, celebrity chefs, cocktail bars and industry experts across the globe. He starred in the “The Cocktail Kings” on the DISCOVERY Channel where he travelled around the world creating bespoke cocktails to reflect their destinations. In his cur...
2023-02-0745 min
Glocal CitizensEpisode 159: Black Mixcellence Part 1 with Tamika HallGreetings Glocal Citizens!
This week I have the first of a “spirited” two-part conversation with the authors of Black Mixcellence--Cuban-Jamaican-American writer, Tamika Hall and another fellow countryman, Ghanaian mixologist, Colin Asare-Appiah. First up is Tamika who is is a mom, freelance writer & content strategy manager. She has created editorial content and marketing strategies for The Vitamin Shoppe, Mass Appeal, The Examiner, Mommynoire/MadameNoire, stupidDOPE.com, ICONIX, and Yellowbrick.co. She’s written branded content for a variety of brands including Bacardi, Maker’s Mark, PepsiCo, Anheusur-Busch, and Viniq. in addition to her commercial portfolio, she co-created the curricul...
2023-02-0246 min
Industry Night with Nycci NellisIndustry Night Gets Shaken & StirredFamed mixologist, Colin Asare-Appiah noticed how Black and Brown mixologists had received barely any recognition throughout history. The result? Black Mixcellence: A Comprehensive Guide to Black Mixology. This book covers the contributions of Black and Brown mixologists through the spirits and mixology industries. The “Cocktail Kings” star shares many pivotal events along with the significant history, inventions, and monumental contributions of people of color in the spirit and hospitality world. On the next Industry Night, Nycci and Colin do a deep dive into the history of mixology — stories that you don’t know but you should. That’s Industry Night with Nycci Nelli...
2022-11-0138 min
Industry Night with Nycci NellisIndustry Night Gets Shaken & StirredFamed mixologist, Colin Asare-Appiah noticed how Black and Brown mixologists had received barely any recognition throughout history. The result? Black Mixcellence: A Comprehensive Guide to Black Mixology. This book covers the contributions of Black and Brown mixologists through the spirits and mixology industries. The “Cocktail Kings” star shares many pivotal events along with the significant history, inventions, and monumental contributions of people of color in the spirit and hospitality world. On the next Industry Night, Nycci and Colin do a deep dive into the history of mixology — stories that you don’t know but you should. That’s Industry Night with Nycci Nelli...
2022-11-0138 min
Foodie and the BeastFoodie and the Beast - Aug. 7, 2022Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis.
On today’s show:
• Bob Wiley, co-owner, Deviation Distilling, known for its use of unique global spices and eye-popping bottle designs. Deviation recently launched its line of gins in D.C. liquor stores and restaurants;
• Danny Chavez, executive chef at Art and Soul / YOTEL Washington DC. Art and Soul boasts a scratch kitchen, meaning the majority of menu items are made in house, from scratch. Sounds like a lot of work!
• If you want to make a difference in the world but aren’t sure how, stay tuned for our chat with The “Bag Lady,” Lisa...
2022-08-0650 minFoodie and the BeastFoodie and the Beast - Aug. 7, 2022Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis.
On today’s show:
• Bob Wiley, co-owner, Deviation Distilling, known for its use of unique global spices and eye-popping bottle designs. Deviation recently launched its line of gins in D.C. liquor stores and restaurants;
• Danny Chavez, executive chef at Art and Soul / YOTEL Washington DC. Art and Soul boasts a scratch kitchen, meaning the majority of menu items are made in house, from scratch. Sounds like a lot of work!
• If you want to make a difference in the world but aren’t sure how, stay tuned for our chat with The “Bag Lady,” Lisa...
2022-08-0650 min
Designated Drinker ShowPT 2 :: Colin Asare-Appiah :: Trade Director of Multi-Cultural and LGBTQ+ Advocacy :: BacardiGet the featured cocktail recipe: Belafonte Margarita Looking for the best cocktail to accompany you while you listen. Then head over to our library of libations for the right recipe to get you in the mood. Don't forget to follow, download and review to share your thoughts about the show! The Designated Drinker Show is produced by Missing Link—a podcast media company that is dedicated to connecting people to intelligent, engaging and informative content. Also in the Missing Link line-up of podcasts, is Rodger That—a podcast dedicated to guiding you through the haze...
2022-07-2821 minDesignated Drinker ShowPT 2 :: Colin Asare-Appiah :: Trade Director of Multi-Cultural and LGBTQ+ Advocacy :: BacardiGet the featured cocktail recipe: Belafonte Margarita Looking for the best cocktail to accompany you while you listen. Then head over to our library of libations for the right recipe to get you in the mood. Don't forget to follow, download and review to share your thoughts about the show! The Designated Drinker Show is produced by Missing Link—a podcast media company that is dedicated to connecting people to intelligent, engaging and informative content. Also in the Missing Link line-up of podcasts, is Rodger That—a podcast dedicated to guiding you through the haze...
2022-07-2821 minBartender at LargeBlack Mixcellence w Tamika Hall & Colin Asare-Appiah | ep 307This week, we are joined by Tamika Hall & Colin Asare-Appiah, the co-authors of Black Mixcellence: A Comprehensive Guide to Black Mixology. The book is set to be released this month on July 26th and showcases the accomplishments & historical impact of Black people in Mixology. This is done not only through a primer on pivotal events in the history of cocktails, but also via cocktail recipes from some of the most renowned mixologists of today. So tune in as we discuss the book and how it came to be. _____________________________________ Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender...
2022-07-2531 minDesignated Drinker ShowPT 1 :: Colin Asare-Appiah :: Trade Director of Multi-Cultural and LGBTQ+ Advocacy :: BacardiGet the featured cocktail recipe: Belafonte Margarita Looking for the best cocktail to accompany you while you listen. Then head over to our library of libations for the right recipe to get you in the mood. Don't forget to follow, download and review to share your thoughts about the show! The Designated Drinker Show is produced by Missing Link—a podcast media company that is dedicated to connecting people to intelligent, engaging and informative content. Also in the Missing Link line-up of podcasts, is Rodger That—a podcast dedicated to guiding you through the haze...
2022-07-2224 minDesignated Drinker ShowPT 1 :: Colin Asare-Appiah :: Trade Director of Multi-Cultural and LGBTQ+ Advocacy :: BacardiGet the featured cocktail recipe: Belafonte Margarita Looking for the best cocktail to accompany you while you listen. Then head over to our library of libations for the right recipe to get you in the mood. Don't forget to follow, download and review to share your thoughts about the show! The Designated Drinker Show is produced by Missing Link—a podcast media company that is dedicated to connecting people to intelligent, engaging and informative content. Also in the Missing Link line-up of podcasts, is Rodger That—a podcast dedicated to guiding you through the haze...
2022-07-2224 min
What We're Drinking with Dan Dunn177. Colin Asare-AppiahDan is joined by the leader of brand advocacy at Bacardi USA and former star of “The Cocktail Kings” on DISCOVERY Channel, Colin Asare-Appiah. Colin is the co-author (along with Tamika Hall) of a new book called "Black Mixcellence: A Comprehensive Guide to Black Mixology" (Kingston Imperial), which takes the reader on a deep dive into the significant history, inventions, and monumental contributions of Black and Brown mixologists. Also, another installment of our wildly popular segment "What'll It Be," this one featuring the later great Rodney Dangerfield.
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2022-05-3140 min
Get A Word Inet A Word In Ep1: Brooklyn, New York with Colin Asare Appiah and Louisa Brown, April 2020Josh talks to Colin Asare Appiah (@getinvolvedbruv) and Louisa Brown (lulub1) about such things as: What it's like to be the son of a chief, making the perfect bite, how parenting has taken some interesting turns and when will we hug again...
2020-05-0626 min
Mister WelfareA New York Minute with Colin Asare-AppiahColin Asare-Appiah is a world-renowned bartender and brand ambassador in the world of spirits and cocktails. One of the founders of the London Academy of Bartending, he even starred in his own show on the Discovery Channel, "The Cocktail Kings." Born in Ghana, and raised in the U.K., Colin currently resides in Brooklyn with his wife and son.
2020-04-2701 min
Mister WelfareA New York Minute with Colin Asare-AppiahColin Asare-Appiah is a world-renowned bartender and brand ambassador in the world of spirits and cocktails. One of the founders of the London Academy of Bartending, he even starred in his own show on the Discovery Channel, "The Cocktail Kings." Born in Ghana, and raised in the U.K., Colin currently resides in Brooklyn with his wife and sons.
2020-04-2601 minThe Event Jeannie has Bombay Sapphire's Gary Hayward LIVE in C&G's office 10/10!This week we will not only be infused with imagination, but also with alcohol! We will be continuing our Fall “Wet Your Whistle” series on Wednesday, December 10th at noon LIVE from our offices with Colin Asare-Appiah. The Bacardi Portfolio Master Mixologist will be whipping us up some innovative new cocktails, perhaps even some of the final contenders of Bombay’s “The World’s Most Imaginative Bartender” competition.
It should come as no surprise that the company whose namesake is a 182 carat sapphire entitled the Star of Bombay enjoys crowning the best bartenders in the world. The real gem of the company, h...
2014-12-1026 min