Episode 20: “On Dive Bars” with Cocktail Historian & Author Dr. David Wondrich

For those of you who listen to this podcast, you know that we talk a lot about the importance of bars, what they’re for, and what role they play in hosting communities. Few other types of bars show this more starkly than the good ol’ American Dive Bar.

But what is a dive bar? What defines one, and how are they made? These questions aren’t well discussed, but are important as we stand on the brink of a post-pandemic world.

Our host, Master Bartender Michael J. Neff brings on a very special guest for exactly that discussion for this, the final podcast episode of 2020. 

World-renowned cocktail historian and veteran dive-bar appreciator, Dr. David Wondrich, is best known as the author of two books that have inspired generations of bartenders and mixologists: “Imbibe” & “Punch.” He was also the storied drinks editor for Esquire Magazine during the heyday of the modern cocktail revival, which has since turned into a movement.

There are few people who know the value of a good dive bar better, and we are honored that Dr. Wondrich came on to discuss them with us.

The nature of the conversation guarantees a lot of ground is covered, but you’ll also end up with a list of great dive bars around the country to visit when the world gets anywhere close to back to normal. If they survive the economic onslaught of this pandemic, they will definitely need your support.

The Cottonmouth Club Presents is a podcast on Bars, Bar Culture, Cocktails & Spirits. This is our last episode of the 2020, and we look forward to bringing you more conversations in 2021.

Weirdo-paced Banjo Music: “Hound Dog Song” & “Old Reuben”

Chapters

• 2:46 The Beginning
• 3:04 Dive Bars & African American Heritage
• 5:21 The Definition of a Dive Bar
• 6:11 Are Dive Bars Made or Grown?
• 6:46 Dive Bar Callout #1: EVS in NYC
• 8:31 Are Cocktails Too Fancy For Dive Bars?
• 9:42 Holiday Cocktail Lounge: Before & After
• 10:38 Night-time vs. Day-time People
• 11:51 Crystal Balls Are Flawed (But Let’s Do It Anyway)
• 13:33 Someone Else To Make The Drinks
• 16:31 Oleo-Saccharum: What It Is & What It’s For
• 18:25 How To Make Punch
• 22:04 Punch As Predecessor of The Cocktail
• 24:06 Why the History of Cocktails is So Hard
• 27:47 Why It Matters (aka Who Gets Credit)
• 30:22 Henry Ramos & New Orleans Cocktails
• 32:35 Celebrity Chefs & Celebrity Bartenders
• 36:00 The Early Days of BAR & Cocktails
• 39:09 In Praise of Mr. Boston’s
• 41:52 A Manhattan in Every Bar
• 44:13 The Narrative of Cocktails, Menus & Bars
• 47:02 How to Create That Narrative
• 49:24 What We Used To Do Before People Cared About Cocktails As Much
• 51:32 Rituals & Culture In Bars, Dive Or Otherwise
• 55:17 What We’ll Need Going Forward (aka What Dr. Wondrich Loves About Bars)
• 56:45 On The Jukebox
• 59:12 Warren’s Inn (Houston), The Chart Room (NOLA), The Showtime (DC)
• 1:02:19 How To Make A Dive Bar (Part 2)
• 1:02:41 We Drink What People Are Drinking
• 1:04:48 Pianos, Ragtime & The Community Assist
• 1:07:04 Final Three Questions: If These Cocktails Were Bands...