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.

Favorite 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 favorite 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

5 min Easy

Americano Cocktail Recipe

5 min Easy

Black Manhattan

5 min Easy

Boulevardier

5 min Easy

Mudslide

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 very best of bourbon. You’ll learn how it’s made, what makes it so special, […]

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 flavors, is every bit as satisfying as sitting in your favorite Aperol café at sunset. They add style and sass to any occasion, even if it’s just a casual Friday movie […]

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 […]

Bourbon vs. Whiskey: What’s the Real Difference?

If you’ve ever stood in front of a sea of brown bottles, wondering if bourbon and whiskey are the same thing, you’re not alone. It’s a common question, and the fact that the terms are often used interchangeably doesn’t help the confusion. The short answer is yes, but no. All bourbon is whiskey, but not […]

Best After-Work Cocktails to Unwind in Style

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 comfort, and your mind wanders off in search of something bitter and refreshing. After-work cocktails signal to your brain that the day is over and it’s time to chill. The best simple cocktails at home ignore […]

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

Before we get to the bourbon flavor 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 in […]