What We're Drinking with Dan Dunn

Dan Dunn

A fantabulous conflation of history, culture, politics, famous people and booze, strained through the cognitive mesh of a best-selling author, polymath and inveterate reprobate.

  1. Jul 7

    National Piña Colada Day Shindig Ep|348

    On this tropical edition of What We're Drinking with Dan Dunn, we're raising a frosty glass to one of the most beloved and misunderstood cocktails of all time: the mighty piña colada. Joining Dan for the festivities is Haley Traub, National Mixologist for Pernod Ricard and one of the most respected bartenders in America, whose résumé includes legendary New York cocktail institutions Attaboy and Dutch Kills. Together, they dive into the history of Puerto Rico's national drink, debate its origin story, and explore why the piña colada has endured for more than seven decades while countless cocktail trends have come and gone. Along the way, Dan offers an impassioned defense of Rupert Holmes' immortal Escape (The Piña Colada Song), arguing that it belongs in the pantheon of great songwriting, despite its decidedly questionable moral framework. There's also a spirited round of "Piña Colada Song Lyric or Line from a Bad Romance Novel," because frankly, the line between the two is thinner than you'd think. Haley shares her expert take on what separates a good piña colada from a great one, whether the drink has finally shed its unfair reputation as a "guilty pleasure," why tropical cocktails thrive during stressful times, and what today's drinking trends reveal about our collective desire for escapism. They also discuss the evolution of Malibu, the resurgence of frozen cocktails, the future of rum, and the cocktail trends Haley wishes she'd never see again. Whether you prefer your piña colada blended, shaken, or served with a side of infidelity, this episode is your perfect summertime escape. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    National Piña Colada Day Shindig Ep|348
  2. Jun 30

    Sensational Summer Wines EP|347

    Summer is officially in session, which means it's time for the 43rd Annual What We're Drinking with Dan Dunn Summer Wine Special. Dan is joined by the podcast's Official Roving Correspondent, Brad Japhe, for a spirited, and occasionally absurd, deep dive into what actually makes a great summer wine. Spoiler alert: it's not just rosé and Sauvignon Blanc. This year's lineup features four exceptional bottles that prove summer wine is more about attitude than color. Dan and Brad explore the beautifully balanced 2023 Alma Rosa Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay, including the remarkable journey of winemaker Samra Morris from wartime Bosnia to California's Central Coast. They also spotlight the winery's inspiring commitment to mental health advocacy. Next up is the delightfully unconventional 2025 Bouchaine Alsatian Blend, a masterclass in the art of blending aromatic white varieties, followed by the stunning 2024 Auteur Campbell Ranch Pinot Noir, a cool-climate Pinot that makes a compelling case for lightly chilled reds in the summertime. And finally, the majestic 2023 Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon. Along the way, Dan and Brad discuss why acidity matters, why bubbles improve nearly every situation, why "room temperature" red wine service is one of America's great beverage misconceptions, and why the best summer wine is ultimately the bottle that's empty before anyone remembers to ask what it was. Expect wine education, tasting notes, history, a few political asides, and the kind of adjective-heavy banter that only two professional drinkers can deliver. Pour yourself something cold and join us for our annual celebration of sensational summer wines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Sensational Summer Wines EP|347
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131 Ratings

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A fantabulous conflation of history, culture, politics, famous people and booze, strained through the cognitive mesh of a best-selling author, polymath and inveterate reprobate.

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