The Classic Cocktail Revival: Kentucky Roots, Modern Sips with Jennifer Brian, the Cocktail Evangelist
Update: 2025-09-03
Description
Have you ever wanted to make a cocktail at home but felt totally overwhelmed by the bottles in the liquor store? I know that feeling, and that’s why I was so excited to sit down with today’s guest.
I’m joined by Jennifer Brian, the Cocktail Evangelist and founder of Make & Muddle, a Kentucky-based cocktail company on a mission to simplify mixology and help people create drinks they love—without intimidation. Jennifer also has a brand-new book, The Classic Cocktail Revival, which has been over a decade in the making.
Before launching Make & Muddle, Jennifer worked in catering and event planning, and we swapped plenty of “war stories” from those high-pressure, high-connection environments. Now, she brings that same sense of creativity to her mixers—alcohol-free products designed to work with anything from gimlets to margaritas, and even mocktails. She’s also looking ahead with THC- and CBD-ready cocktails for more mindful sipping.
In this episode:
Connect with Jennifer:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cocktail_evangelist/
Learn more about her upcoming book: https://makeandmuddle.com/classic-cocktail-revival-cookbook/
Stay Connected with Nick
Follow on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook: @the.real.wine.guy
Subscribe to the Pour and Explore newsletter for travel tips, wine pairings, and upcoming tour info: thewineguy.vin
I’m joined by Jennifer Brian, the Cocktail Evangelist and founder of Make & Muddle, a Kentucky-based cocktail company on a mission to simplify mixology and help people create drinks they love—without intimidation. Jennifer also has a brand-new book, The Classic Cocktail Revival, which has been over a decade in the making.
Before launching Make & Muddle, Jennifer worked in catering and event planning, and we swapped plenty of “war stories” from those high-pressure, high-connection environments. Now, she brings that same sense of creativity to her mixers—alcohol-free products designed to work with anything from gimlets to margaritas, and even mocktails. She’s also looking ahead with THC- and CBD-ready cocktails for more mindful sipping.
In this episode:
- Why Amaro is the unsung hero of cocktails
- Her favorite bourbon (and the Kentucky distillery you must visit)
- How master recipes can turn anyone into a confident cocktail maker
- The philosophy behind her new book, The Classic Cocktail Revival
- Why she believes every great drink is about creating connection
Connect with Jennifer:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cocktail_evangelist/
Learn more about her upcoming book: https://makeandmuddle.com/classic-cocktail-revival-cookbook/
Stay Connected with Nick
Follow on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook: @the.real.wine.guy
Subscribe to the Pour and Explore newsletter for travel tips, wine pairings, and upcoming tour info: thewineguy.vin
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