Toby Maloney: The Craft, Chaos & Calm of The Violet Hour
Toby Maloney is one of the true architects of the modern cocktail movement — a bartender, author, and hospitality mind whose influence spans from Milk & Honey and Pegu Club in New York to The Violet Hour in Chicago, and now to The Elbow Room in Vancouver, Washington.
In this episode, Damian sits down with Toby for a wide-ranging conversation covering the early chaos of oyster shucking and club bartending, the epiphany of watching Sasha Petraske behind the bar, and the vision and legacy of The Violet Hour — the iconic Chicago bar that helped reshape American cocktail culture.
🍸 Topics CoveredToby’s origin story — from pouring his first drink in a dry town at 11, to cooking his way around the worldThe moment that changed everything: his first daiquiri at Milk & HoneySasha Petraske’s influence, mentorship, and legacyHow The Violet Hour brought New York-style cocktail culture to ChicagoWhy creating a quiet, transportive, guest-focused space was at the heart of its designBehind the house rules, the team culture, and the now-legendary drinksThe next chapter: The Elbow Room and “comfortable craft” cocktails built for real-world speed
📚 Featured ResourceThe Bartender’s Manifesto by Toby Maloney & Emma Janzen
A bartender’s book for bartenders — about process, purpose, and hospitality with heart.
→ Available now wherever you get your books.
Stay tuned for Toby’s next book, The Cocktail Sessions, dropping May 2026 — a craftsmanship-first guide to 63 essential classic cocktails.
🔗 Guest Links📸 Instagram: @tobycocktail
📩 Email: tobymaloney@gmail.com
🍸 Bar: @elbowroom1970
📘 Book: The Bartender’s Manifesto — available now
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Cocktail Academy
Introducing "The Cocktail Academy" with your host Damian Cole, a seasoned veteran of the hospitality industry. Join Damian and his expert guests on a spirited journey through the world of cocktails, spirits, and all things booze-related.
Whether you're a home cocktail enthusiast or aspiring bartender, this podcast is your go-to source for practical tips and insider knowledge, served straight up with no nonsense. From mastering classic cocktail recipes to exploring the latest trends in mixology, "The Cocktail Academy" has everything you need to shake, stir, and sip like a pro. Tune in for candid conversations, industry insights, and plenty of laughs along the way.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Where can you listen?
