Sother Teague (Amor y Amargo): Bitterness, Balance & the Beauty of Saying No

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The Cocktail Academy

Damian Cole

65 episodes

1 week ago

Introducing "The Cocktail Academy" with your host Damian Cole, a seasoned veteran of the hospitality industry. Join Damian and his expert guests on a spirited journey through the world of cocktails, spirits, and all things booze-related.

Whether you're a home cocktail enthusiast or aspiring bartender, this podcast is your go-to source for practical tips and insider knowledge, served straight up with no nonsense. From mastering classic cocktail recipes to exploring the latest trends in mixology, "The Cocktail Academy" has everything you need to shake, stir, and sip like a pro. Tune in for candid conversations, industry insights, and plenty of laughs along the way.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Sother Teague (Amor y Amargo): Bitterness, Balance & the Beauty of Saying No

The Cocktail Academy

39 minutes 15 seconds

2 weeks ago

Sother Teague (Amor y Amargo): Bitterness, Balance & the Beauty of Saying No

From culinary classrooms to cocktail culture, Sother Teague has built one of the most distinctive bars in the world... Amor y Amargo in New York’s East Village by doing what few dared: saying no to juice, sugar and shakers, and saying yes to bitter, spirit-forward drinks built on precision and hospitality.

In this episode, Damian sits down with the bartender, author and educator to talk about how a career that began in kitchens shaped his approach behind the bar, why “bitterness is the grown-up flavour,” and how a 240-square-foot pop-up turned into a global benchmark for flavour integrity and service culture.

🧾 In This Episode

How Sother’s culinary discipline and mise en place mindset shaped his bar craft.
The story of Amor y Amargo’s accidental beginnings — and why it still hasn’t stopped “popping” 14 years later.
Building a bar around limitations and flavour focus: no fruit, no shakers, no syrups — only spirits, fortified wines and bitters.
Turning “no” into “yes, but…” — educating guests through experience.
The manifesto every team member receives: a two-way promise of mentorship, standards and care.
Why true hospitality is about feelings, not transactions.
New ventures: SAUCED, Sother’s upcoming podcast blending food, booze and creative friendship.

🍊 Key Takeaways

“We sell hospitality — everything else comes with it for free.”
The first 10 seconds at the bar are everything: eye contact, a menu, and a glass of water.
Great bartending starts with knowing your ingredients like a chef knows flavour.
Limitation can be a creative superpower.
Hospitality isn’t service — it’s making people feel welcome, comfortable, and cared for.

🔗 Links & Mentions

Follow Sother Teague → @CreativeDrunk
Amor y Amargo — amoryamargo.com
SAUCED Podcast → Check out the Kickstarter now live
I’m Just Here for the Drinks – Sother Teague’s essential book on spirits and flavour

Follow & Subscribe:

👉 Instagram @welovecocktails

👉 TikTok @welovecocktailsx

👉 Listen & support → thecocktailacademy.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.