Our Team

Karl Tessendorf

Writer

Karl is a talented writer and recipe developer with a passion for the history of food and drink. He produced and starred in a TV series about craft beer and BBQ culture. He’s also written two recipe books about cooking over fire, and he loves to eat, drink and be merry.

Favourite Cocktail: I’m a seasonal drinker so it’s always changing but you can’t go wrong with a Caipirinha or a Negroni. Lime is my favourite citrus and I love its fresh zing on a hot summer’s day. And a Negroni, well it’s a Negroni—so what more is there to say?

Best Mixer Tip: If you’re just starting out in the world of cocktails then my advice is to always keep it simple. There are so many classic cocktails that are easy to make with just a few ingredients. They’re iconic for a reason so before you buy a fancy smoke machine for infusing cocktails, delve into the classics. You won’t be disappointed.

Top cocktails Karl thinks you should make:

5 min Easy

Between the Sheets Cocktail

5 min Easy

Americano Cocktail Recipe

5 min Easy

Black Manhattan Recipe

5 min Medium

Boulevardier Cocktail Recipe

5 min Easy

Mudslide Cocktail Recipe

Karl's articles

The Ultimate Guide to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail (Featuring Wild Turkey)

What is the Kentucky Bourbon Trail? For fans of liquid gold aged in charred new oak barrels, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is an essential pilgrimage. Stretching from Louisville to Lexington, it’s a collection of distillery experiences across the state that’s designed to showcase the best of bourbon. You’ll see how it’s made, what makes it so special, and why Kentucky still produces 95% of the world’s supply. […]

Winter Spritz Alternatives: Light & Bittersweet Cocktails for Colder Months

Why the spritz isn’t just for summer Spritzes may shine in summer, but that doesn’t mean they can’t add a little sparkle to any winter gathering. A well-thought-out cold-weather spritz, jazzed up with seasonal flavours, is every bit as satisfying as sitting in your favourite Aperol café at sunset. They add style and sass to any occasion, even if it’s just a casual Friday movie night. What makes the spritz […]

Traditional Tequila Cocktails You Should Know

What makes a tequila cocktail “traditional”? There are many tequila cocktail recipes, but only a handful can be considered “traditional.” We’re talking iconic shakes, pours, or mixes that transcend eras and cultural borders. The cocktails that have stood the test of time and helped define the cocktail landscape. From bars in Mexico to America and eventually the world, traditional tequila cocktails have become firm favourites on cocktail menus everywhere. Classic tequila drinks are […]

Bourbon vs. Whisky: What’s the Difference?

For UK drinkers, whisky is familiar territory, but throw in a bottle of bourbon, and things can get tricky. If you’ve ever stood in front of a sea of brown bottles, wondering if bourbon and whisky are the same thing, you’re not alone. It’s a common question, and the fact that the terms are often […]

Best After-Work Cocktails – The Mixer

There’s a specific moment at the end of the workday when everything shifts. You release your vice grip on the mouse, and the laptop clicks shut. Work clothes are swapped for something comfy, and your mind wanders off in search of something bitter and refreshing. After-work cocktails signal to your brain that the day is over […]

How to Use a Bourbon Flavour Wheel (And What It Tells You About Taste)

Before we get to the bourbon flavour wheel, let’s talk about the magic of bourbon. Picture endless rows of oak barrels breathing in Kentucky air and exhaling vanilla-scented gold. Fresh barrels rumble across the rickhouse floor, their staves still warm from their fiery char. There’s smoke in the air, sweetness in the mash, and time does its work […]