Each episode, Mike collaborates with the podcast mixologist, Lulu, to create a cocktail inspired by the episode’s guest and episode location. This episode is recorded in Estonia, where Billy and host Mike Lauer are participating in ‘The Festival of 3’ as part of a handbell choir that Billy conducts. 

This drink begins with bourbon, which is a nod to Billy’s Wisconsin roots being made from corn. The drink is sweetened with cherry juice and lemon, and topped off with a local Estonian lager. 

As Billy takes his first sip, he likens his feelings before conducting a concert to the complex cocktail in hand.

“This tastes like exactly how I feel before I conduct a concert opener. Many things are going on, none of them exactly clear, but all of them having their place. I often tell people before a concert that I am an absolute wreck. Not because I’m nervous about what I’m going to do, but because there’s an excitement and energy about it. You start thinking about all of the things that make a great performance, but the moment that light hits me or the applause starts, all of that goes away. I’m the most calm person ever on the podium and I think this is the pregame to stepping on the podium.”

While the color of the cocktail would lead you to believe that the taste will be fruity and even airy, the taste is described by both our host and guest as anything but. Each ingredient can be distinguished; bourbon, grenadine, a local lager, and lemon.

Billy states confidently that his chosen name for this episode’s unique cocktail is ‘The Conductor’s Mind’.