The Aviation: an early 20th-century classic, pale blue and delicately perfumed, with a reputation that still splits opinion. Gin, lemon, maraschino, and, crème de violette form its elegant frame. And joining us to explore its history and craft is Frank Caiafa, who returns for his third Cocktail College appearance armed with decades of bartending insight. Listen on (or read below) to discover Frank's Aviation recipe — and don't forget to leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Frank Caiafa's Aviation Recipe

- 2 ounces London Dry gin, ideally 47 percent ABV

- ¾ ounce lemon juice

- ½ ounce Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur

- ¼ ounce Crème de Violette, such as Rothman & Winter

- Garnish: cherry, lemon twist, or orange twist

Directions

1. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice.

2. Shake until well chilled then fine strain into a chilled Nick & Nora glass.

3. Garnish with a cherry, lemon twist, or orange twist.

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To mark a major milestone, we’re stepping outside our usual format to explore the evolution of cocktail culture over the last three decades — and the very reason this show is possible. Joining us are Mark Pascal and Francis Schott, better known as The Restaurant Guys, who operate New Brunswick's Stage Left Steak and Catherine Lombardi, and are credited with running the country’s longest-standing craft cocktail program. This conversation goes beyond bartending — it’s about ownership, staying power, and the people and places that helped shape modern drinking culture.

Listen: The Restaurant Guys Podcast

Read: 10 Years After His Passing, Sasha Petraske Still Lives On

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- Catherine Lombardi: https://www.instagram.com/catherinelombardirestaurant/

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In the final chapter of our three-part mezcal documentary, we turn our focus to the present and future of the category. Visiting the progressive palenque Lalocura and speaking with its founder, Eduardo Ángeles Carreno, AKA Lalo, we explore how industrialization, monoculture, and loose regulations threaten mezcal’s roots. We also learn how traditional producers are fighting back — and what that means for your next bottle. With insight from Lalo, our travel companion Ivan Vazquez, and voices across Oaxaca, we ask: Can mezcal stay true to itself as it conquers the world? And where — if anywhere — do cocktails fit into that future?

📧Get in touch: cocktailcollege@vinepair.com

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