In this episode of The Cocktail Guru Podcast, hosts Jonathan and Jeffrey Pogash welcome longtime friend and world-class bartender Chris Cardone. From his early days in flair bartending competitions to building craft cocktail programs in New York, Chris has carved a unique career in hospitality. But his story goes beyond the bar—after a pivotal moment in 2015, he embraced a healthier lifestyle and shifted focus toward non-alcoholic spirits and craft mocktails, proving that sophistication in a glass doesn’t always require alcohol.

What do you get when you combine a decorated U.S. Air Force veteran, humanitarian deminer, and wine importer? Meet Sam Lerman, CEO of Spirit Worldwide, whose life reads like a real-world spy thriller. In this episode of The Cocktail Guru Show, hosts Jonathan and Jeffrey Pogash sit down with Sam tohear how a mission in Ukraine led to the discovery of world-class wines — and how he’s now introducing them to the U.S.
➡️ Learn about rare Ukrainian varietals like Saperavi,the humanitarian mission behind the brand, and why Sam’s story is anything but ordinary.
🎧 Listen now and toast to a story of courage, compassion, and craft.

Join Jonathan Pogash, the Cocktail Guru, and his father Jeffrey Pogash as they dive into the fascinating world of spirits and cocktails in this exciting episode of The Cocktail Guru Show! Recorded live from the WSWA Access Live event in Denver, Colorado, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and expert opinions from some of the industry's leading trailblazers and tastemakers.