The NOLADrinks Show with Bryan Dias – Making Good Drinks with Abigail Gullo – 2022Ep22

On this edition of The NOLADrinks Show with Bryan Dias, the last before we take a couple weeks off for Tales of the Cocktail, we’re talking “making good drinks!” We’re joined by bartender extraordinaire, Abigail Gullo, over at the Loa Bar found in the International House Hotel in downtown New Orleans. Abigail shares with us three terrific original drinks she has created for their program that are each based on classics. We discuss these delicious concoctions, the classics they are built on, and why they work. We also talk about a host of other ideas and concepts that will help you, whether a home bartender out to impress or someone in the industry looking to improve their chops, simply to make better drinks!

Pictured above – Abigail Gullo of The Loa Bar and Bryan Dias of The NOLADrinks Show at the International House Hotel in downtown New Orleans.

The NOLADrinks Show with Bryan Dias – Making Good Drinks with Abigail Gullo – 2022Ep22

Here, we’re just talking about making tasting libations! Who better to do that than Abigail Gullo of Loa Bar in the International House Hotel in downtown New Orleans?!? She has returned to NOLA after a stint in Seattle and couldn’t be happier to be back and we couldn’t be happier to have her on the program!

In general, we discuss concepts behind putting together quality cocktails – striking a balance, understanding ingredients, good technique, and more. We also chat about the importance of understanding the classics and why they are, well, “classic.” In short, it means they simply work.

To aid in our chat, Abigail shares with us three of her original drinks (and you know they’re good!) that are based on classics themselves. We talk about why these drinks work, how she approached them, and why the traditional cocktails on which they are based perform so well.

First up is “The Matador” – a Gin and Tonic variation in the Spanish style. Next, we have the “Storm Warning” (yep, an ode to the Dr. John tune), a riff on the Hurricane. Lastly, we present “The Sanctity of the Gods” – an “international by way of New Orleans” take on the martini.

Abigail sticks around for our podcast-only segment, “Another Shot with NOLADrinks,” where we continue the conversation with further ideas on improving your skills behind the bar.

Please note – you will also be able to find her three originals as part of our ongoing “The NOLADrinks Show Featured Drink” offering. We start with “The Matador,” a gin and tonic variation. You can find the recipe and tips on how to make it on our Instagram. It’s out now! The other two will roll out soon!

Cheers and Be Well, You All!

~ Bryan