About this episode
Is the British drinking culture changing and what does that mean for sober summer socialising? In this episode, host Anna Donaghey sits down with Chris Cardone: US World Class Bartender, award-winning mixologist, and ten years sober. Chris lifts the lid on a radical rethink in hospitality and what it means to create proper, delicious, inclusive drinks experiences whether or not alcohol is involved.Listen to learn more about the world of mixology, making bars inclusive spaces for everyone and to get some summer non-alcoholic drinks inspiration!Highlights:00:00 Introduction02:12 Chris’s journey from “Cocktail” VHS inspiration to dive bars and world-class competitions05:56 Why Chris chose sobriety in the most alcoholic industry on earth10:52 How drinking expectations in hospitality shaped (and challenged) his identity13:30 Pushback, social media backlash, and why Chris almost left the bar world for good15:57 You don’t need to drink to be a world-class mixologist16:53 It’s not about taking sides, but creating inclusive experiences for all20:09 How venues can support every guest, whatever they are drinking28:10 How bar design, music and even lighting shape what we drink36:04 Why connection should be the heart of social spaces46:34 Chris’s favourite summer drinks and tips for experimenting at home🏆Please vote for The Big Drink Rethink in the ITV bCreator Awards 20251. Click on the link below2. Pop in your email3. Select I’M A SUBSCRIBER / FOLLOWER4. Select CREATOR SHORTLIST5. Hit SUBMIT YOUR VOTE6. Scroll down to the Podcast bCreator category and vote for THE BIG DRINK RETHINKHere’s the link:🔗 https://www.bcreator.co.uk/awards/🔗 Get the free SUN Framework toolkit and all our resources from: Toolkit OptinIf you’re a mum wanting to explore your relationship with alcohol, join ‘Mummy Doesn’t Need Wine’ here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mummydoesntneedwineAnna’s group coaching community ‘Unstuck!’ helps identify your alcohol ‘stories’ and beliefs, breaking the cycle of alcohol and all the shame that goes with it. For more information and to find out how to join, please follow this link: Unstuck! community informationTo further explore your relationship with alcohol, check out Anna’s self-guided programme, The Big Drink Rethink Experiment: