250 episodes

Where can you learn to live life one cocktail at a time? Here on the Lush Life Podcast discover why an old-fashioned is the drink of choice, who is making their own bitters and how ice, or lack there of, is transforming the cocktails you drink. Hosted by your favorite drinking companion, Susan L. Schwartz, the Lush Life Podcast introduces you to the movers and shakers of the cocktail world.

Lush Life Susan L. Schwartz

    • Arts
    • 4.5 • 8 Ratings

Where can you learn to live life one cocktail at a time? Here on the Lush Life Podcast discover why an old-fashioned is the drink of choice, who is making their own bitters and how ice, or lack there of, is transforming the cocktails you drink. Hosted by your favorite drinking companion, Susan L. Schwartz, the Lush Life Podcast introduces you to the movers and shakers of the cocktail world.

    How to Drink House of Suntory Spirits with James Bowker

    How to Drink House of Suntory Spirits with James Bowker

    Few people would have the courage to leave a very secure future in academia for a very uncertain life behind the bar.  Our guest did, and he has never looked back.
    Are you crazy for Thomas Shelby and also have a passion for Japanese Whisky? Do you have no clue who Thomas Shelby is but love your Japanese whisky? Or do you not know either about Thomas Shelby or Japanese Whisky but just want to meet one of the greatest guys in the spirit industry? Then this episode is for you!
    James Bowker is a proud Brummie; that is someone from Birmingham, England btw, just like Thomas Shelby in Peaky Blinders, one of my favorite programs. 
    His early love of Japanese whisky grew into a role as the first House of Suntory Global Advocacy Manager.  I met James many years ago when he was one of the ten finalists for the Diageo World Class UK, and have just now finally had him on the program.  
    It was kismet as I was just about to step on a plane to Japan.  He taught me so much, which made the experience a billion times better.  Even if you are not headed to Japan, his knowledge is invaluable. 
    Before we begin, you can always watch this episode on Youtube, plus all the other Lush Life episodes, as well as a whole lot more; just head to youtube.com/@lushlifemanual that's youtube.com/@lushlifemanual!
    The cocktail of the week is the Kyoto Club!
    INGREDIENTS 
    50ml Suntory ROKU Gin25ml Green Tea (Chilled)25ml Lemon Juice15ml Raspberry Syrup(Sugar + Raspberries if not available)Garnish: Raspberries

    METHOD
    Fill the glass with ice. Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice.Shake for 15 seconds. Strain into glass and garnish.

    You’ll find this recipe, more gin cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find some of the ingredients in our shop.

    Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/house-of-suntory-spirits-with-james-bowker

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    Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to patreon.com/lushlife.
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    Produced by Simpler Media
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    New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

    • 1 hr 4 min
    How to Make Mr Lyan’s Cocktails at Home with Ryan Chetiyawardana

    How to Make Mr Lyan’s Cocktails at Home with Ryan Chetiyawardana

    You asked for it, and you got it - all of you kind people who filled out my survey asked for more interviews with more legends. Our guest is the world's most-awarded bartender & bar owner. If Mr Lyan isn’t a legend, I don’t know who is.
    If you call yourself a cocktail connoisseur, then you will have come upon the name Mr Lyan in your travels. Ryan Chetiyawardana, aka Mr Lyan opened White Lyan in London in 2013. It was a moment that will go down in cocktail history as the first cocktail bar in the world to use no perishables, no fruit, and even no ice, an innovative approach to sustainability, with much lower waste and a use of pre-made cocktails and never before seen ingredients. 
    This focus on a ground-breaking approach remains in the evolution of White Lyan, Super Lyan, Dandelyan, Cub, Lyaness, Silver Lyan, and Seed Library.
    Ryan’s with me to discuss his new book, Mr Lyan’s Cocktails at Home: Good Things to Drink with Friends, but we go into so much more - 
    How his relationship to flavor evolved, how his studying Fine Arts at Central Saint Martins as well as Biology at Edinburgh University spurred him on to get behind the bar, and why the need to write a book at all.
    You have no idea how excited I am to finally have Ryan on the show!
    Before we begin, you can always watch this episode on Youtube, plus all the other Lush Life episodes as well as a whole lot more; just head to youtube.com/@lushlifemanual
    The cocktail of the week is Ryan’s Barlay Champagne!
    INGREDIENTS 
    4 shots (100ml/4oz) water6 shots (150ml/6oz) lemon barley water cordial8 shots (200ml/8oz) fino sherry or dry vermouth12 shots (300ml/12oz) London dry gin10 dashes TabascoRosemary sprigs, to garnish
    METHOD
    Add the water, cordial, sherry or vermouth, and gin to a jug, then add the Tabasco Stir and then decant into a clean wine bottle and chill wellTo serve, add a shot and a half (40ml/1.5oz) of the chilled mixture to a flute, then top with bubbles. Add a sprig  of rosemary and serve

    The Magic is that “you can make lemon barley cordial at home (it's a very old-fashioned British cordial of pearl barley and lemon), but this recipe works great with any store-bought cordial that brings sweetness and acidity. Elderflower, blackcurrant, or even more regional ones such as redcurrant or gooseberry also work-although there's a richness to the barley addition that works wonderfully.  Tabasco adds a background heat, but try adding other accent spices such as gochujang or sriracha - just sieve it after mixing to remove any particulates, as they will interfere with the fizz. Plus, you just want a hint of fruity warmth. else you’ll throw the balance of the drink.”

    You’ll find this recipe, more Champagne cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find some of the ingredients in our shop.

    Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/cocktails-at-home-with-ryan-chetiyawardana

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    Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more! 

    Produced by a...

    • 57 min
    How to Drink Asolo Prosecco

    How to Drink Asolo Prosecco

    Throughout history, artists and writers have been drawn to the Northern Italian hill town of Asolo; some say it’s because it’s the “city of a hundred horizons,” I think it’s because it’s the home of Asolo Prosecco!
    At one time, you might have caught a glimpse of poet Robert Browning, actress Elenora Duse, or writer Freya Stark sitting enjoying a glass of bubbly at one of the cafes in this Pearl of the Veneto; I can almost guarantee the liquid in their glass was Asolo prosecco! 
    In this episode, I’m taking you with me to Asolo to meet a few people who are making Asolo Prosecco what it is! We‘ll begin with a masterclass led by Wine Educator and  Journalist Gianpaolo Giacobbo, who will explain what Asolo prosecco DOCG is exactly. 
    Then Ugo Zamperoni is next. He is the President of the Conzorio of Asolo Prosecco - which is the association of producers and grape growers. 
    Then we are off to meet a few producers of Asolo Prosecco: Dennis Bordin from the Tenuta d’Asolo Progress Country & Wine House,  Ermenegildo Giusti of Giusti Wine, and then we finish with Tenuta Baron’s Andrea Sbrissa.  
    I interviewed them all in situ, so alas, there is no video podcast this week, but you can find a video guide to the town of Asolo and a selection of the vineyards and historical sites you can visit when you are next in town. You can find it on my YouTube channel, youtube.com/lushlifemanual. 
    Our cocktail of the week comes straight from master mixologist Samuele Ambrosi, owner of Cloakroom Cocktail Lab and Knowledge Hub in Treviso. We met at Venice Cocktail Week last year, and I am thrilled to include one of his cocktail creations. It's called the Made in Italy and is a little different from what you might think of as a prosecco cocktail - because it’s savory!
    The cocktail of the week is Samuele Ambrosi’s MADE IN ITALY.
    INGREDIENTS 
    50ml  Basil and "datterino" tomatoes cordial*150 ml Asolo DOCG Prosecco extra Brut
    METHOD
    Add all the ingredients to a mixing glassAdd iceStir, stir, stirStrain into a champagne glassGarnish with a tomato basil cracker
    *Basil and "datterino" tomatoes cordial*
    In an electric blender, add 500gr cherry tomatoes and 10/12 fresh basil leaves and blend everything for a few minutesLeave the liquid all together for 10/15 minutes in the fridge.Then strain all and put 1 tsp white sugarKeep the cordial in the fridgeBest before 10/12 daysYou can use the leftovers (tomato peel, basil leaves, etc.) to make the garnish! 

    You’ll find this recipe, more prosecco cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find some of the ingredients in our shop.

    Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/asolo-prosecco-podcast

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    Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to patreon.com/lushlife
    Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more! 


    Produced by Simpler Media
    Follow us on Twitter and Instagram
    Get great cocktail...

    • 55 min
    Serving up Season 8 of Lush Life

    Serving up Season 8 of Lush Life

    School is back, and a new season of Lush Life commences! How exciting!
    I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is the Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time.
    Yes, next Tuesday, I bring you the first episode of Season 8 of Lush Life.  This season, we’ll have even more great conversations, enjoy more great cocktails, and visit a few more great places to enjoy a sip or two.
    We’ll be delving into prosecco, horse racing, and absinthe, plus meeting even more legends of the industry, and that’s just the beginning! Of course, I will also be bringing you the latest cocktails of the week!
    Just a note if you are new to Lush Life - you can find out more information on everyone I’ve interviewed on my blog alushlifemanual.com! And you can also watch most of the interviews on my YouTube channel, which, not to confuse you, is youtube.com/lushlifemanual without the A! 
    I can’t leave you without a pre-season cocktail of the week.
    Since this time of year is all about apples - this is one of my favorite autumn cocktails (and one I always start the season with!)
    It’s the Avallen Autumn Old-Fashioned:
    Ingredients
    50ml  / 1.5 oz Avallen Calvados10ml / 1 tbsp Amontillado Sherry5ml / 1 tsp Maple Syrup 1 Large Barspoon Fig Jam
    Method
    Pour all ingredients into a mixing glass: Stir to dissolve jam (10-15 seconds)Then add ice, and stir, stir, stir. Double strain into a rocks glass with ice filled to the topGarnish with a slice of fig or apple or a fig and an apple

    You’ll find this recipe, plus all the cocktails of the week, at ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find almost all the ingredients in our shop. 

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    Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to patreon.com/lushlife.
    Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more! 

    Produced by Simpler Media
    Follow us on Twitter and Instagram
    Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest
    New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

    • 3 min
    How to Drink Select Aperitivo with Rudi Carraro

    How to Drink Select Aperitivo with Rudi Carraro

    Just when you thought my season was over, I’m surprising you with a little mid-summer episode dedicated to a place and spirit I love.
    If you’ve been listening to Lush Life for a while, you would probably know that I love Venice. If you are a first-timer to Lush Life, I'll say it again I love Venice! 
    So how excited am I to be joined by my friend Rudi Carraro, Global Brand Ambassador of the very Venetian Select Aperitivo?  
    I’ll let Rudi tell you how Select and Venice go hand-in-hand while I sip my Select Spritz dreaming I’m on a terrace overlooking the Grand Canal.
    Before we begin and for the last time this season, you can always watch this episode on Youtube, plus all the other Lush Life episodes as well as a whole lot more, just head to youtube.com/@lushlifemanual that's youtube.com/@lushlifemanual!
    Now let’s join Rudi!
    Our cocktail of the week is the Select Spritz:
    INGREDIENTS
    2 oz Select Aperitivo3 oz Prosecco1 splash Soda1 Green olive
    METHOD
    Fill a wine glass with icePour Select Aperitivo into the glassAdd the prosecco and then the sodaStir very gentlyGarnish with a green olive - truly Venetian! 

    You’ll find this recipe, more Select Aperitivo cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find most of the ingredients in our shop.

    Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/select-aperitivo-with-rudi-carraro

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    Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to patreon.com/lushlife.
    Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more! 

    Produced by Simpler Media
    Follow us on Twitter and Instagram
    Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest
    New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

    • 25 min
    How to Celebrate the World's 50 Best with Mark Sansom

    How to Celebrate the World's 50 Best with Mark Sansom

    What a great way to start the summer by celebrating with a guest whose job it is to celebrate the best of the best.
    Mark Sansom has been Director of Content at The World’s 50 Best Bars, 50 Best Discovery, The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, and soon to be the World’s 50 Best Hotels for the past 5 very momentous years!
    Today he guides us through a bit about the history of World’s 50 Best, but mostly we get to what’s been happening since Covid and how the site and events have changed since Mark joined the team.
    Before we begin and for the last time this season, you can always watch this episode on Youtube, plus all the other Lush Life episodes as well as a whole lot more; just head to youtube.com/@lushlifemanual that's youtube.com/@lushlifemanual!
    Our cocktail of the week is one of Mark’s favorites, the Mezcal Negroni!
    INGREDIENTS
    50ml Campari50ml sweet vermouth50ml gin10ml super smoky mezcalorange half-wheel
    METHOD
    Add all the ingredients to a mixing glassAdd iceStir, stir, stirStrain into a rocks glass with iceGarnish with an orange half-wheel
    You’ll find this recipe, more mezcal cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find most of the ingredients in our shop.
    Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/worlds-50-best-bars-with-mark-sansom

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    Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to patreon.com/lushlife.
    Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more! 

    Produced by Simpler Media
    Follow us on Twitter and Instagram
    Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest
    New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

    • 36 min

Customer Reviews

4.5 out of 5
8 Ratings

8 Ratings

captainfuzz ,

Susan Knows Her stuff

This woman is so fun to listen to. I am transported to the glamourous life, listening to the most interesting bar stories in the world! My favorite podcast to listen to on Fridays.

AnnaPrekeges ,

Terrible

Seems completely unedited, poorly titled episodes, rambles etc

kittysue ,

Fantastic podcast

This is a wonderful podcast for anyone interested in cocktails, spirits, the life of a bartender or inspiration behind some of the world's top bar menus. I love the interviews and the stories

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