Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Unscaled Travel Show
01:09 Exploring the Served Up Podcast
03:03 Emerging Trends in Spirits
07:15 Cultural Influences on Cocktails
08:36 Exciting Discoveries in Spirits
10:20 Underrated Regions in the Beverage Scene
11:16 Tips for Sourcing Quality Spirits
14:01 Upcoming Episodes and Innovations
The world of spirits is vast and vibrant, with every sip offering a taste of culture, tradition, and innovation. Recently on The Unscaled Travel Show, host Jeremy Long, aka “The Fullmetal Traveler,” welcomed Bridget Albert, co-host of the acclaimed Served Up Podcast. As an expert in mixology and Senior Director of External Communications for Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, Bridget shared her insights on trending global spirits, cultural influences on cocktails, and more. Here’s what we learned.
From Sanitization to Social Justice: The Evolution of Served Up
Originally born during the lockdown, Served Up started as a resource for hospitality professionals and consumers navigating the challenges of COVID-19. Co-hosted by Bridget and Julie Milroy, the podcast quickly evolved into a platform for meaningful conversations about social justice, community initiatives, and innovative brands. With no restrictions from their parent company, Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, the duo tackles tough topics while keeping the vibe fun and approachable.
Trending Spirits to Watch
Bridget highlighted two global spirits making waves in the U.S.:
- Soju: Hailing from Korea, this low-alcohol distillate is versatile and approachable. Made from grains or starches like rice and sweet potatoes, soju’s flavor profile ranges from neutral to floral and fruity. Its low ABV (16-25%) aligns perfectly with the rising trend of low-alcohol beverages.
- Baijiu: A strong Chinese spirit with an ABV of 40-65%, baijiu is made from fermented grains and is known for its potent aroma and complex flavor. Often enjoyed neat or warm, it offers floral, fruity, savory, or even medicinal notes.
Cocktails as Cultural Expressions
Bridget emphasized how culture shapes cocktails, beginning with the ingredients Mother Nature provides. Local herbs, fruits, and spices, often used in traditional dishes, are reimagined in beverages. From creating syrups to infusing tinctures, mixologists bring the essence of a region into the glass.
Her advice? Start with a region’s cuisine to understand its flavors, then explore how those flavors translate into a drink. After all, as Bridget says, “Cocktails should be fun.”
Discoveries in Mixology
Through Served Up, Bridget has had the chance to learn from wine experts, celebrity brand owners, and distillers. One standout episode featured Sam Heughan of Outlander, who created Scotch and gin using ingredients native to Scotland.
Additionally, she highlighted Africa as an emerging player in the global spirits scene. With its first cocktail conference underway and its array of unique rums and wines, Africa’s contributions are poised to enrich the global beverage landscape.
Tips for Building a Home Bar
For those starting their own spirit collections, Bridget’s advice is simple:
- Taste First: Don’t buy a bottle without sampling it.
- Trust Your Palate: Expensive doesn’t always mean better. Love a $10 bottle? Own it!
- Ask Bartenders: Belly up to the bar, ask questions, and try before you commit.
What’s Next for Served Up
The podcast continues to spotlight innovative brands, from moonshine makers to ready-to-drink buzz balls, and offers insider looks at the beverage industry. With exciting new guests on the horizon, Bridget invites listeners to tune in for fresh perspectives on spirits and mixology.
Find Served Up wherever you get your podcasts. And as Bridget cheekily reminds us: “If you don’t like it, keep your mouth shut!”
Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a casual sipper, Bridget’s insights remind us that every glass tells a story. Cheers to exploring the world of spirits, one sip at a time!
