S2 E40 Novio's Radio | Daiquiri Inquiry
Cocktails With Friends
S2 E40 RADIO Daiquiri Inquiry Bob Cutler of Novio’s Bistro teaches listeners how to make a fresh strawberry daiquiri and a creative strawberry-rhubarb daiquiri during a fun, spring-themed episode of Cocktails with Friends on the George Hale Ric Tyler Show. He explains the classic daiquiri build, how to modify recipes with different spirits, and emphasizes that making simple syrup at home is easy. Bob shares his love for “pink drinks,” laughs with George about prom memories and gin fizzes, and invites listeners to celebrate the Kentucky Derby Watch Party at Birdie’s at Bangor...
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S2 E39 Abe Furth & Chip’s Pineapple Fascination
Cocktails With Friends
S2 E39 Abe Furth & Chip’s Pineapple Fascination Abe Furth of Orono Brewing joins Bob Cutler to talk about Wild Maine’s new pineapple seltzer, how après ski and après golf share the same spirit, and why their seltzers—vodka-based, unsweetened, and Maine-made—have exploded in popularity. With the new flavor set to launch at Birdies and beyond, they celebrate collaboration, local pride, and products that help summer go down easy. Key Topics The Business of Fun – Creating a crushable, social beverage that fits ski season, golf season, and every occasion in between. Seltzer...
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S2 E38 Cocktails With Friends Hotline | Batching & Shoulder Season Sippers
Cocktails With Friends
S2 E38 Hotline | Batching & Shoulder Season Sippers In this Hotline Edition, Bob breaks down how to batch cocktails like a pro using the classic 2-1-2 formula and gives three easy summer batch options: the Manhattan, Negroni, and Boulevardier. He walks listeners through how to pre-dilute, store, and serve. From stout-and-bourbon espresso martinis to mezcal split-base margaritas and springtime gin drinks with ginger beer, the episode is packed with flavorful ways to plan ahead, simplify hosting, and stretch beyond your cocktail comfort zone. Key Topics Batching Techniques –...
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S2 E37 Teddy Collins of Kiki On The River & Habibi
Cocktails With Friends
S2 E37 Teddy Collins Teddy Collins, beverage director at Miami’s Habibi and Kiki on the River, joins Bob Cutler to talk about his journey from barback to cocktail curator. He reveals his signature builds, including the Moroccan Margarita and a jasmine daiquiri served in a Moroccan bowl on a flying carpet coaster, and emphasizes a love of balanced builds, unique vessels, and immersive guest experiences. Teddy’s cocktails are driven by cultural storytelling, seasonal flavor, and hospitality know-how—with the Miami sunshine and international vibes front and center. Key Topics Cocktail...
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S2 E36 Novio’s Radio | How Do You Spell Daquiri?
Cocktails With Friends
S2 E36 How Do You Spell Daiquiri? Bob Cutler stirs up conversation—and two types of whiskey—on the George Hale Ric Tyler Show on VOM, trading his promised topic of daiquiris for a spirited lesson on toasted, finished, and flavored whiskeys. Bob shares Michter’s Toasted Barrel Bourbon and a maple-infused bourbon from Preservation Distillery to explain how barrel treatments and additives change a whiskey’s profile. Bob vowed to return and properly celebrate daiquiri season. Key Topics Toasted vs. Flavored Whiskey – What the labels really mean and how they affect flavor and aging. ...
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S2 E35 Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows
Cocktails With Friends
S2 E35 Madam Secretary Bob Cutler welcomes Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows to the Bistro for a convo about Real ID, the switch from Maine’s Chickadee to the Pine Tree license plate, and America’s upcoming 250th birthday celebrations. Bellows provides insight into Maine’s stance on privacy, the regulation of vanity plates, and the importance of bipartisan community efforts. They discuss Paul Revere’s ride, Maine’s role in early American history, and a new cocktail featuring local ingredients that could officially represent the state! Key Topics Maine’s Real ID Transition...
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S2 E34 Cocktails With Friends Hotline | Capri Pants, Golf & Women's Whiskey
Cocktails With Friends
S2 E34 Hotline | Capris Pants, Golf & Women’s Whiskey Bob Cutler takes on listener questions in this Cocktails with Friends Hotline episode, covering the coming Spring and seasonal Old Fashioned variations, the May 5th reopening of Birdies at Bangor Muni, and upcoming women-focused whiskey events at the Bistro. Bob reassures one caller that spirit-forward drinks can stay in the mix year-round with small tweaks -- no matter what you’re wearing for pants, Birdies' Derby Party on May 3rd, and teases an April Scotch tasting at Novios! Key Topics Seasonal Cocktails –...
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S2 E33 Aidan Merritt | Coast Brewing Cocktail Creations
Cocktails With Friends
S2 E33 Coast Brewing Cocktail Creations In this episode of Cocktails with Friends, Bob Cutler calls (and wakes up) Aidan Merritt, the creative force behind the cocktail program at Coast Brewing in Charleston, South Carolina. Aidan shakes the sleep from his eyes to share his philosophy on crafting high-quality, affordable cocktails in a brewery setting, highlighting his seasonal menu, thoughtful spirit selection, and weekly $8 “Sunday Funday” experimental drink. Bob raves about the brewery’s welcoming atmosphere and Aidan’s ability to blend craft beer culture with top-tier mixology. The...
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S2 E32 Novio’s Radio | You Can Ring My Bell
Cocktails With Friends
S2 E32 Novio’s Radio | Ring My Bell Bob Cutler shakes things up on Cocktails with Friends by introducing the Bell Shaker, a handbell-shaped Prohibition-era cocktail shaker, and using it to craft a Passion Fruit Daiquiri. He discusses cocktail trends, including the Paper Plane as 2025’s Drink of the Year and the Espresso Martini craze possibly linked to Sabrina Carpenter’s hit song. Bob also helps break down the top 10 most popular cocktails in the U.S., with Margaritas taking the top spot. Bob encourages listeners to experiment with different base spirits, calls for future Paper...
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S2 E31 Ain't No Party Like A Moose Party!
Cocktails With Friends
S2 E31 Ain’t No Party Like A Moose Party! Bob Cutler sits down at the Mangy Moose in Jackson Hole with events coordinator Kat Gentleman to talk about the bar’s rich history, its legendary après-ski scene, and how locals and tourists seamlessly mix in Jackson. They explore trends in the cocktail world, from mezcal’s rise to the Paper Plane’s projected dominance in 2025, and discuss how Jackson’s service industry shifts between summer and winter seasons. Kat shares insights on hosting events, why Wyoming whiskey is a top seller, and how the Mangy Moose continues to attract...
info_outlineS2 E30 Hotline | 2025 Trends
Bob Cutler answers a hotline question about what cocktails will trend in 2025, pointing to the Paper Plane as the likely cocktail of the year due to its consistent recipe and balance. While Espresso Martinis remain popular, bartenders are experimenting with mezcal and bourbon twists to keep them fresh. Beyond that, Bob highlights the growing influence of miso-infused cocktails, tea-based drinks, and the continued rise of mezcal, reflecting broader shifts in drinking habits. The key takeaway? Watch grocery store trends for clues to cocktail culture shifts, and support your favorite drinks, bars, and brands with positive word-of-mouth and reviews.
Key Topics
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The Decline of Creamy Cocktails & Espresso Martini Evolution: Why bartenders are pushing for new variations.
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The Paper Plane’s Rise as the Cocktail of the Year: What makes it so balanced, easy to replicate, and universally enjoyable.
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What’s Next in Cocktail Culture: The rise of miso, tea-based drinks, mezcal, and shifting industry trends.
Episode Index
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(0:57) – Espresso Martinis Are Evolving: While still popular, variations using mezcal and bourbon are emerging as bartenders innovate to keep the drink fresh.
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(1:41) – The Paper Plane Will Dominate 2025: This equal-parts whiskey cocktail (bourbon, lemon juice, Aperol, Amaro Nonino) is projected as the next major trend.
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(9:45) – Miso and Tea-Based Cocktails Are on the Rise: Expect to see miso-infused drinks and tea-based cocktails (both hot and cold) as new flavor profiles enter the mainstream.
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(10:47) – Mezcal is the Next Big Spirit: As whiskey trends slightly down, mezcal and tequila continue their rapid rise, bringing more smoky and complex cocktails into the spotlight.
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(20:37) – Cocktail Trends Follow Grocery Store Trends: As tea grows in popularity as a consumer product, expect tea-based cocktails to flourish in bars.