Episode 116 The Dude Would Approve

Nov 3

Ep. 116: The Dude Would Approve - Lebowski's Kool-Luah Coffee Liqueur and the Hot Honey Espresso Martini

Welcome to Season 7 episode 116 of The Art of Drinking with Join Jules and Your Favorite Uncle

Meet Monica and David Kowalski, the husband-and-wife duo behind Colorado Springs' beloved Lebowski's Tap Room and the award-winning premium coffee liqueur, Lebowski's Kool-Luah. What started as Monica's dad's cherished family recipe has evolved into a craft liqueur that's earning rave reviews and found its way on Uncle Brad’s shelf as his favorite coffee liqueur.

The Kowalskis share the heartwarming story of how endless compliments on the family recipe led them to take the leap from restaurateurs to craft distilling, creating a coffee liqueur that truly stands apart from the crowd. With its stunning mid-century atomic era bottle design that perfectly captures The Big Lebowski's laid-back aesthetic, this isn't your typical coffee liqueur—it's a premium experience that even has Uncle Brad declaring it his new go-to expression.

Monica and David guide listeners through their signature Hot Honey Espresso Martini, just one of the many creative coffee cocktails served at their taproom alongside an impressive array of White Russian variations. The conversation dives into the fascinating history of coffee liqueur, exploring how Lebowski's Kool-Luah builds upon the legacy of coffee liqueur pioneers while carving out its own unique identity in the spirits world.

The episode wraps up with invaluable advice from the Kowalskis on elevating your home bartending game, sharing how they've translated lessons from the corporate world about consistency and quality control into both their restaurant operations and their craft liqueur production. Whether you're a devoted White Russian, Espresso Martini enthusiast, or curious about the craft distilling world, this episode serves up the perfect blend of entrepreneurial spirit, cocktail craftsmanship, and that distinctly chill Lebowski vibe.

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click here to get your Kool-luah

Meet Monica and David Kowalski

Honoring Dad while Crafting with love in Colorado Springs

Let me spin you a tale, a cool story about a special drink called Lebowski's Kool-Luah. This isn’t just any drink, man, it’s a family gem, born from a recipe that Monica’s dad used to whip up back in the day. Imagine the taste of nostalgia mixed with a dash of love—yeah, that’s what it’s like. Monica and David, they’ve been serving this unique concoction at their place, Lebowski's Taproom. Click here to learn more

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Hot Honey Espresso Martini

1.5 oz Duelers Reposado Tequila
1.5 oz Lebowski's Kool-Luah Coffee Liqueur
0.5 oz Hot Honey Simple Syrup
0.5 oz Half & Half or Cream
2 Dashes each orange & chocolate bitters
3 Coffee Beans and a Dried Chile for Garnish

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass. Top with 3 coffee beans and a dried chile for garnish.

This weeks tip section will be dedicated to answering YOUR questions