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

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 […]

What Is Crodino? Italy’s Iconic Non-Alcoholic Aperitif

If there’s one place that’s mastered the art of slowing down and savoring the moment, it’s Italy. Hell, they’ve even built an entire pre-dinner culture around it—aperitivo hour! And when you consider just how crowded that world is with spritzes, bitters, cocktails, and age-old rituals, standing out takes something truly delicious. That’s what makes Crodino’s story so special. In a country that practically wrote the book on all things aperitivo, it’s been holding its alcohol-free own since 1965. Today, we’re diving into […]

The Blue Agave Story: The Heart of Tequila

Tequila’s soul is written into the red and grey earth of Jalisco, Mexico. Beneath wide skies, the long, spiny leaves of the blue agave plant reach toward the sun, silently converting sunlight and terroir into the sugars that define Mexican tequila. This is where every bottle begins its journey, and understanding what makes 100% blue agave tequila so extraordinary starts with understanding the […]

2026 Cocktail Trends: How We’ll Be Drinking This Year

If 2025 was resilience in a shaker, then 2026 is all about intention. We’re stepping into the era where less is more, and the experience is everything. Fewer rounds, better choices, and cocktails that feel considered, balanced, and worth savoring. Fueled by rising costs, wellness trends, cultural shifts and a renewed interest in home gatherings, 2026 cocktail trends are mindful and refined with a lovely touch of […]

15 Aperol Cocktails You Really Should Try

Aperol is the bright, bittersweet Italian aperitif that is known for adding a bold splash of citrus and herb-tinged deliciousness to any cocktail. With its unmistakable vibrant orange hue and zesty mix of bitter orange, rhubarb, and aromatic botanicals, it’s easy to see why it’s been a favorite behind the bar since 1919. While the […]

Negroni Week 2025: Dates, Meaning & Cocktail Inspiration

Negroni Week first hit the scene in 2013, starting out with just 120 bars pouring Campari, gin, and vermouth for a cause. Fast-forward to today, and what began as a small idea has blown up into a global movement with thousands of venues and countless fans raising a glass together. At its core, nothing’s changed: […]