Our Team

Karl Tessendorf

Writer

Karl is a talented writer and recipe developer with a passion for the history of food and drink. He produced and starred in a TV series about craft beer and BBQ culture. He’s also written two recipe books about cooking over fire, and he loves to eat, drink and be merry.

Favorite Cocktail: I’m a seasonal drinker so it’s always changing but you can’t go wrong with a Caipirinha or a Negroni. Lime is my favorite citrus and I love its fresh zing on a hot summer’s day. And a Negroni, well it’s a Negroni—so what more is there to say?

Best Mixer Tip: If you’re just starting out in the world of cocktails then my advice is to always keep it simple. There are so many classic cocktails that are easy to make with just a few ingredients. They’re iconic for a reason so before you buy a fancy smoke machine for infusing cocktails, delve into the classics. You won’t be disappointed.

Top cocktails Karl thinks you should make:

5 min Easy

Between the Sheets

5 min Easy

Americano Cocktail Recipe

5 min Easy

Black Manhattan

5 min Easy

Boulevardier

5 min Easy

Mudslide

Karl's articles

Negroni Week 2026: Dates, Meaning and How to Celebrate

Negroni Week first hit the scene in 2013, starting out with just 120 bars pouring Campari, gin, and vermouth for a cause. Fast-forward to today, and what began as a small idea has blown up into a global movement with thousands of venues and countless fans raising a glass together. At its core, nothing’s changed: […]

Modern Happy Hour Hosting: How People Are Drinking Together in 2026

What modern happy hour looks like in 2026 Cocktail culture is always evolving, and with it, the rituals that surround it. Happy hour is a long-standing tradition, and for the most part, it comes with a set of rules. It usually takes place at a set time with a predictable lineup of drinks in a […]

How to Adapt Negronis for Summer

What makes the Negroni so adaptable? When it comes to classic cocktail builds, the Negroni is the poster child. With equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, it’s the perfect balance of big, bold, and bittersweet flavors. Because it relies on equal ratios, it’s super easy to experiment with and adapt while keeping its soul. […]

Aperol Spritz Picnic Guide: Easy Ideas for Spring Outdoor Drinks

Why Aperol Spritz is perfect for spring picnics Spring has sprung, the birds are chirping, and there are few better cocktails to celebrate with than an Aperol Spritz. With its signature blend of bittersweet orange, dry Prosecco, and bubbly club soda, it’s the ultimate spring picnic cocktail that’s easy to savor in the sunshine. Every sip feels like a celebration, and its relaxed alcohol level means you’ll be socializing for longer. The marriage of […]

Passion Fruit vs Guava Cocktails: Which Fruit Is Defining 2026?

Why fruit-forward cocktails are taking over in 2026 2026 is reaching cruising altitude, and in the drinks world, fruit-forward cocktails continue to soar. Passion fruit cocktails and guava cocktails have emerged as tasty favorites with unique skill sets. While they couldn’t be more different, both fruits deliver a sense of tropical escapism without crash landing into excess. They’re vibrant yet balanced and offer sharpness, acidity, softness, and texture without […]

The Ultimate Guide to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail (Featuring Wild Turkey)

What is the Kentucky Bourbon Trail? For fans of liquid gold aged in charred new oak barrels, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is an essential pilgrimage. Stretching from Louisville to Lexington, it’s a collection of distillery experiences across the state that’s designed to showcase the very best of bourbon. You’ll learn how it’s made, what makes it so special, […]