Why I started YouTube 7 years ago and what's next? 🤔

Why did I start YouTube 7 years ago?

I started selling cocktail equipment online (Cocktail Kit) back in 2012 and at that time I was obsessively watching Casey Neistat's daily vlogs. I thought sharing cocktail videos would be a great way to promote my barware store so I challenged myself to share a cocktail video every day for an entire year 🤦‍♂️

I'd never filmed anything prior to my first upload so the lighting was bad, the audio was average and I was incredibly uncomfortable on camera 👈 I was lucky that this video got picked up by YouTube search a year later and helped grow the channel to what it is today (and it now has over 3.1M views).

Over the years I have shared a total of 603 cocktail videos but, to be honest, I've had no real strategy on how I chose cocktails or even a schedule to stick to. I'd literally pick which cocktail I would film based on what I wanted to drink... but I think it's about time that I made videos based on what YOU want to drink or watch or answer questions that you may have. I'd love for you to help decide what is featured on the channel so let me know your thoughts in the comments!

📷 VIDEOS

The sour category of cocktails would have to be my go to - citrusy, a perfect balance of sweet and sour, crushable.. delish! Here are some of my must-try sour recipes!

OTHER VIDEOS:

• Best Margarita you'll ever have | Zack Zoschke

• The Ultimate Cocktail Mash Up | Behind the Bar

• History of the Sazerac | Cocktail Time with Kevin Kos

• Triple Sec vs Dry Curacao vs Cointreau | Alchemix Bar

☕ WHAT'S HAPPENING

The Mr Black Coffee Challenge is back with a brand new format (the Quick Edit) and a $3,000 USD grand prize! This year is focused on simplicity - entries must contain 30ml (1 oz) of Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur, be an original creation and must be quick & easy! Simply tag @mrblackspirits and use hashtag #coffeecocktailchallenge to enter (on Instagram, Facebook or Tik Tok). Entries opened on Sep 28th and close on the Oct 11th. Find out more info on how to enter.

*sponsored

🔥 TIP OF THE WEEK

Use this nifty little trick to keep your herbs fresh in the fridge for a week or more. As soon as you get your mint/basil/etc. home, wrap the bunch in a moist paper towel, transfer to a resealable bag (preferably compostable) and refrigerate. The moisture and lack of air will keep them fresher for longer.

📚 RECOMMENDED READING

My knowledge of mezcal is pretty limited but it's a spirit category that I'm falling in love with. With my newly gained distilling experience, mezcal and it's production fascinates me. The author of Mezcal, Emma Janzen, has co-authored several other cocktail books, is a James Beard Award-winning author, was the content editor for Imbibe for 7 years and frequently writes for PUNCH, Bon Appetit, Eater and Serious Eats. Whilst I've barely passed page 21 so far, it's a great read for anyone that wants to learn about the history, craft and culture behind mezcal.

If you made it this far, let me know what you think of today's issue of The Stir Down!

Cheers,

Steve the Bartender

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🤔 Got a question? DM me on Instagram!