You just can’t help falling in love with a town that gave us both the King of Rock n Roll and the Queen Bee. Today’s episode brings us the delights that can only be found in Tupelo, Mississippi.

Sponsored by Tupelo CVB, we’re diving into the history, restaurants, drinks, and experiences that make Tupelo on your go-now list.

First up, we have Jennie Bradford Curlee, the Deputy Director of the Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau. A lifelong resident of Tupelo, Jennie Bradford joined the Tupelo CVB in 2012 and now heads it all up.

After she gives us a tour around Tupelo, we are joined by Jeri Carter, the Queen Bee of Queen’s Reward Meadery.

Jeri Carter founded the Meadery in 2016, and all the meads produced are made with Mississippi Honey. Since its inception, Queen’s Reward has won over fifty medals in National and International mead and wine competitions.

I know that most people know Tupelo as the birthplace of Elvis Presley, but there’s so much more to discover. It’s also the headquarters of the Natchez Trace Parkway, one of the top ten most visited national parks in the country.

Coming in early 2027, the Chickasaw Heritage Center will open along the Natchez Trace, inviting visitors to experience the Chickasaw First American story from a uniquely Chickasaw perspective.

If you’re hungry? Tupelo serves up more than 200 restaurants, everything from Southern favorites and smoky barbecue to farm-fresh fare and elevated culinary creations.

And in the birthplace of the King of Rock ‘N’ Roll, live music isn’t optional; it’s essential. With 16 venues offering performances almost every day of the week, the soundtrack to your stay is always playing.

Just remember that with more than 2,200 hotel rooms, three distinct shopping districts, and one unforgettable vibe, Tupelo is ready when you are. Just visit Tupelo.net and imagine what you can do there!

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/the-spirit-of-tupelo-mississippi/

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There is only one place to experience the sunset over Venice with a cocktail in hand. Our guest today is the one behind the drinks that make it unforgettable.

Today I’m sitting down with Valentia Mircea, the Bar Manager of The Skyline Bar at the Hilton Molino Stucky Venice

She has spent over ten years in this industry, from London to Brighton to Venice. Whether she’s guiding her team to create a zero-waste signature menu or watching a guest experience the lagoon at sunset, her mission is to make moments into memories.

You can also read about the Hilton Molino Stucky Venice in my new book — yes, it’s finally happening. A Guide to Drinking in Venice lands April 2026. I’ve been hinting at it for years, and it’s now available for pre-sale. Go to alushlifemanual.com/book for more details.

Now — let’s enjoy that sunset at least virtually with Valentina.

Our cocktail of the week is the Venetian Lagoon.

INGREDIENTS

• 40 ml Gin dei Sospiri
• 20 ml Noilly Prat
• 10 ml Luxardo Bitter Bianco
• 10 ml Lillet Blanc
• 10 ml Salamoia (olive brine)
• 10-15 grams of purple cabbage
• Garnish: 3 Kalamata Olives

METHOD

• Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with 10/15 grams of purple cabbage
• Let sit for 30 minutes to infuse it
• Strain into a rocks glass with a large ice cube
• Garnish with 3 Kalamata olives

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, plus links to most of the ingredients.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/hilton-molino-stucky-venice-with-valentina-mircea/

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to https://substack.com/@alushlifemanual.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

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New episodes every other Tuesday, usually!!

At the St Regis, it’s two, two bars in one. Our guest is well aware of that fact - preparing a perfectly executed Negroni at noon on a sun-drenched terrace… and then later that evening a Warhol-worthy cocktail set in a bespoke glass.

Today I’m sitting down with Ludwig Negri, Manager of The St. Regis Bar and the Arts Bars at the St Regis Venice.

He’s been there since it was reopened in 2019, after honing his craft in London. We’ll talk Lake Garda beginnings, Venetian lagoon botanicals, and what it really takes to build two distinct bar identities in one of the most visited hotels in the city

You can also read about the St Regis Venice in my new book — yes, it’s finally happening. A Guide to Drinking in Venice lands in April 2026. I’ve been hinting at it for years, and it’s now available for pre-sale. Go to alushlifemanual.com/book for more details.

Our cocktail of the week is the Doge’s Tipple.

INGREDIENTS

• 45ml artichoke-infused Mancino Amaranto
• 45ml Venetian bitter (we are using select, but we are gonna change soon with Bitter dei Sospiri)
• 10ml Amaro Cadello
• Lemon Essence spray from Essentia
• 1 globe artichoke

METHOD

You will need to infuse your vermouth with artichoke first. To do that, you need to remove the outer leaves and trim the stem of one globe artichoke, keeping only the tender, light-green leaves and heart. Then slice the artichoke into very thin pieces. Add these to the jug and then add 750ml of Mancino Amaranto, which is what the St Regis Venice uses, or any vermouth. Then let it rest 24-48 hours.

• Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass filled with ice.
• Stir until well chilled
• Strain into a rocks glass with ice
• Mist with a spritz of Lemon Essence spray

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, plus links to most of the ingredients.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/st-regis-venice-with-ludwig-negri/

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to https://substack.com/@alushlifemanual.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram

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New episodes every other Tuesday, usually!!

Paris has taken Venice by storm but this time round, unlike Napoleon in 1797, they’ve arrived with shakers not soldiers. Our guest today is leading the charge!

I’m sitting down with Pietro Lorefice, Bar Manager of Experimental Cocktail Club Venice, one of the bars that changed the cocktail conversation in this city.

Experimental Cocktail Club conquered Paris in 2007 with its innovative ideas, sparking Europe’s modern cocktail revival and growing into an influential group of bars and hotels around the world.

In Venice, Pietro is at the helm and we’re talking craft, culture, and what it really takes to run one of Venice’s most exciting bars.

You can also read about Pietro in my new book - well almost. I HAVE A NEW BOOK COMING OUT in April 2026 - A Guide to Drinking in Venice! I've been talking about it for what... three years now? I can't wait for you to see it at last for pre-sale!

Go to alushlifemanual.com/book for more details.

Now let’s join Pietro!

Our cocktail of the week is the Isola Di Pino

INGREDIENTS

• 40 ml Vodka
• 20 ml Coffee liqueur
• 10 ml Amaro
• Salted Sugar Syrup* to taste

METHOD

• Combine all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice.
• Shake until well chilled and frosted.
• Fine strain into a coupette glass
• Add 3 coffee beans for good luck and enjoy.

*Salted Sugar Syrup: Combine equal parts (by weight) of sugar and water. Add 5% salt based on the total weight. Stir until completely dissolved.

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, plus links to most of the ingredients.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/experimental-cocktail-club-venice-with-pietro-lorefice/

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to https://substack.com/@alushlifemanual.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram

Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest

New episodes every other Tuesday, usually!!

In music, most of us are attracted to a song’s continually repeated musical rhythm, "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple, "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" by the Rolling Stones, or "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes, but once those were new to us. Our guest today is here to remind us of the pleasure we get when discovering a new riff.

Sponsored by Visit Cincy, I am thrilled to introduce you to Mollie Lewis, the President of New Riff Distilling, which took Kentucky’s leitmotif of bourbon and sprinkled in a few eighth-note surprises to create a liquid that is winning awards not only at home but around the world. Her story proves there’s always room for a new tune in town.

Not only am I excited to introduce Mollie to you, but also the whole Cincy Region — where North meets South and Ohio meets Kentucky. Just a bridge apart, Cincinnati’s German heritage and urban energy connect with Northern Kentucky’s Southern charm.

While you are there, you can sip bourbon, sample craft beer, and savor award-winning cuisine. There are tons of vibrant street art, historic landmarks, and stunning architecture to explore — all along a riverfront that’s buzzing with festivals year-round.

You can plan your trip at visitcincy.com.

Our cocktail of the week is the New Fashioned:

INGREDIENTS

• 2 oz. New Riff Bottled in Bond Bourbon
• 3 dashes Angostura Bitters
• 3 dashes Orange Bitters
• 1/4 oz. Rich Demerara Syrup*

METHOD

• Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass
• Add ice and then stir until chilled
• Strain over a large rock in a rocks glass or coupe
• Garnish with an orange peel

*Rich Demerara Syrup - In a large pot, mix 12 oz of water and 24 oz of demerara sugar together on low heat. Use a spoon to slowly stir as the mixture heats up. Heat through until sugar dissolves, never allowing the mixture to come to a boil. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 month.

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, plus links to most of the ingredients.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/new-riff-with-mollie-lewis-president/

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to https://substack.com/@alushlifemanual.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

Some birds sing at dawn to wake us up, but today we’re celebrating the birthday of a certain nocturnal songbird whose award-winning cocktails, wonderful hospitality, and sultry nightly soundtrack have been keeping London warbling for 15 years.

Today we’re turning our attention to Nightjar, the Shoreditch bar that rewrote London’s late-night playbook.

Joining me are the brilliant duo behind it: Roisin Stimpson and Edmund Weil. Long before Nightjar became a fixture on the World’s 50 Best Bars list, the Top 500 Bars, and every other list, Rosie and Edmund had a dream and the drive to create a place that brought together all their passions.

All their bars, Nightjar, Oriole, and Swift, hold a special place in my heart, and you will see why. I don’t want to reveal too much of their story in this intro, so let’s get right into the episode and have them guide us through the story of Nightjar.

But before that, if you love Lush Life, we would so appreciate your support by signing up for our newsletter. You can get our advice on anything to do with home bartending, where to drink in every major city, special recipes, and even your very own Lush Life mug! Just head to alushlifemanual.substack.com and sign up!

Now grab that Martini and let’s join Rosie and Edmund!

Our cocktail of the week is the Toronto:

INGREDIENTS

• 50 ml Woodford Reserve
• 12.5 ml Fernet Branca
• 7.5 ml Maple syrup, infused with roasted coffee beans & pecan nut

METHOD

• Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass
• Add ice and then stir until chilled and
• Strain it into a rocks glass.
• Garnish with cotton candy

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, plus links to most of the ingredients.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/nightjar-with-roisin-stimpson-edmund-weil/

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to https://substack.com/@alushlifemanual.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram

Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest

New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

Add a splash of bourbon, a hint of hops, and a generous pour of local pride, and you’ve got the perfect backdrop for today’s episode.

Sponsored by Visit Cincy, we’re diving into the drinks, history, and experiences that make Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky a true destination for cocktail lovers.

First up, we have Maija Zummo, the Senior Communications Manager for Domestic and International Communications for the Cincy Region, and of course, a proud Cincinnati native.

Maija is a former journalist who now channels her storytelling skills into showcasing the city she loves. Her mission is to educate others about this hidden gem of a destination and invite them to discover the unique charm of the Cincy Region.

Next up, we have Bill Whitlow, the Brand Ambassador of Wenzel Distillery. Bill started behind the bar at the age of 16. After a varied career, including winning the Woodford Manhattan Experience twice and the best Mint Julep in Kentucky for 2019 and 2022, he helped open the Wenzel Distillery in Covington.

Wenzel Distillery is a boutique personal blending experience and has expanded into a fully operational distillery. Wenzel has won Best Finished Bourbon in the World, Best Under 12 Year Limited Release, and other Gold and Silver Medals.

I am so excited to introduce them and the whole Cincy Region — where North meets South and Ohio meets Kentucky. Just a bridge apart, Cincinnati’s German heritage and urban energy connect with Northern Kentucky’s Southern charm.

While you are there, you can sip bourbon, sample craft beer, and savor award-winning cuisine. There are tons of vibrant street art, historic landmarks, and stunning architecture to explore — all along a riverfront that’s buzzing with festivals year-round.

You can plan your trip at visitcincy.com.

Our cocktail of the week is called Blueberry Chocolate Julep.

INGREDIENTS

• 3 oz Wenzel Distillery Wheated Bourbon
• ½ oz Blueberry Syrup
• 2 Dashes Bourbon Barrel Foods Chocolate Bitters
• 6-8 Mint Leaves

METHOD

• Add mint and blueberry syrup to your julep cup and lightly muddle
• Add Wenzel Bourbon and bitters
• Add crushed ice and mix
• Garnish with a mint sprig, blueberries, and powdered sugar

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, plus links to most of the ingredients.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/spirit-of-cincy/

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to https://substack.com/@alushlifemanual.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram

Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest

New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!