Music and Booze With Mo

Lou Bernard currently serves as the beverage director for Mita in Washington DC, applying his skills to the drinks at this James Beard nominated (and Michelin Guide) vegan Latin restaurant. He's been involved in the DC scene for years though, proudly bringing the flavors and inspirations from his Latin upbringing to the bar and introducing the area to Singani. He was recently named one of Punch's best new bartenders of 2025, and he's known to sling some drinks named for hip hop tracks while blasting rock en español. Check out his Latin Vibes DC style playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/25Je5BHIPWBiQ6X4eFm8k3?si=3AG3JPPVQhOntO6BGvqjKg

Danny Garcia bartended in the Midwest and the Southwest, and when Lady Jane came calling, he made his way to Denver to join the team. Now serving as the spot's assistant general manager, Danny talks about his love for rums and his current obsession with Billy Joel while not forgetting his childhood fascination with swing music and playing saxophone. He learned something from each space he worked at, and he brought all of that knowledge to the acclaimed Lady Jane program. Check out his nostalgic mix here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0bbM0IyGZUHkShNiN8MRne?si=sA9AWAUERsKzkxSm3y4CAA

Alexandra Kuechler Caffall returned to her hometown of Portland, OR after having been part of the NYC cocktail scene, spending years at Fort Defiance, and now behind the bar at Too Soon. She moved around the music world too, playing several instruments and leading worship groups when she was young, then ditching that to head into opera and direction of musical experiences. We talk the philosophy of music and the craft of the playlist as well as the cocktail in this freewheeling episode. Check out her playlist for mixed company here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7KdTkgBW3qxlI91Z98iw5k?si=TOoE1RluS6Cyn-vKkzXx6A

Judd Finkelstein - known as The Fink, which is also the name of his award winning cocktail bar in Napa Valley - has been a drinks scholar from an early age, digging up classic recipes to try out on friends when they were still more about beer bongs. He even formed the Friends of Ardent Mixology (F.O.A.M.) decades ago, creating a community of like minded folks who enjoyed learning about all things spirit related. And he was a radio DJ by the tender age of 17! There are a lot of fun stories for you in this one, and he selected some great music for you to drink with as well: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0AP6BbezcRO9KGf3qYgYKI?si=l3fqIvfxSUmnd8cOA7snHQ

Cristian Salazar Diaz went from the bar scene in Fresno to combining his culinary training and bartending skills at Trader Sam's at Disneyland, and now can be found at The Lucky Tiki, located in both West Hollywood and Highland Park, CA. He accidentally found himself in the tiki world and went at it with gusto, later applying molecular experimentation into his mixing and enjoying the community and culture that goes along with the lifestyle. It's a long way from his grungy skater days as a drummer, but he still loves that music as much as he loves his tiki life. Check out his playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4qgSWVWG08Ql25BODVQxHV?si=MG88UPseSdixnikATBd-MQ