What We're Drinking with Dan Dunn

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.
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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.

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In this cinematic celebration of booze-soaked movie magic, Dan raises a glass to some of the greatest drinking scenes ever captured on film. From iconic barroom moments and legendary party sequences to unexpected liquid-fueled masterpieces, he explores how alcohol has helped create some of cinema's most memorable scenes, whether they're hilarious, heartfelt, chaotic, or downright absurd. Along the way, he revisits classics like Animal House and Jaws, marvels at the infectious drinking-and-dancing spectacle of The Greatest Showman, and reflects on why certain on-screen toasts have become permanently embedded in pop culture. Grab your favorite beverage and settle in for a spirited trip through Hollywood history.

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This week on 3-Minute Bartender, Dan raises a bright-orange toast to one of the world's most popular, and most polarizing, cocktails: the Aperol Spritz. Often dismissed as a frivolous poolside sipper, the Spritz actually boasts a history dating back more than a century, with roots stretching from Austrian soldiers in northern Italy to the sun-drenched piazzas of modern-day Venice.

Along the way, Dan shares the recipe, explores a few popular variations, and makes the case that sometimes a cocktail doesn't need to be high-proof, barrel-aged, smoked, or garnished with a small herb garden to be worth drinking. Whether you're a longtime fan or an unapologetic Spritz skeptic, this episode might just convince you to embrace your softer side.
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This week we raise a glass to World Gin Day with a guest who lives and breathes the category: Diana Gettinger, National Brand Ambassador for Cygnet Gin. Together, Dan and Diana dive into the current state of gin, exploring how the spirit has evolved from its London Dry roots into one of the most dynamic and innovative categories in the world of booze. Is the gin boom still booming? What trends are shaping the future? And why does gin remain the bartender's favorite spirit?

Naturally, the conversation also turns to Cygnet, the ultra-premium Welsh gin brand founded by internationally acclaimed singer Katherine Jenkins. Dan and Diana discuss what sets Cygnet apart in an increasingly crowded spirits landscape, the challenges and opportunities facing gin in 2026, and why Wales has quietly become one of the most exciting places in the spirits world. They also swap stories from behind the bar, debate the perfect gin and tonic, and offer a few suggestions for celebrating World Gin Day properly.

Whether you're a lifelong gin devotee, a curious cocktail enthusiast, or someone who still thinks gin tastes like a Christmas tree, this episode might just change your mind. Pour yourself a G&T, settle in, and join us for a spirited celebration of one of the world's great distillates.

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