Yvonne Langen is the host of the one-and-only cocktail show on Gusto TV – Corktales. And she’s back with new segments of Corktales, airing on November 18 at 8 pm ET during the premiere of season two of Gusto TV Studio’s Presents: The Lineup. Here, Langen sits down with us for a candid conversation about being a TV host, holiday cocktails and upcoming projects.
What inspired you to pursue a career in television?
Yvonne Langen: I’ve always loved entertaining, so being a TV host feels like a natural extension. Instead of just entertaining friends in my dining room, I get to reach a bigger crowd and share my love for food and drinks with people around the world. It’s the best feeling to connect with Gusto TV’s international audience and invite them into something I’m genuinely passionate about.
Can you share a memorable moment while shooting at Gusto Studios?
YL: One of the most unforgettable moments happened in season one of Corktales. I was making a Ramos Gin Fizz. The shaker tin got stuck, and I couldn’t open it for the life of me. So, I’m there, trying to look calm, while signaling for help. Two crew members jumped in and had to take it off the set to get it open. Eventually, the crew members came back on set acting all macho with the open shaker. It made for great TV and gave viewers a bit of behind-the-scenes fun too.
What’s one bar tool you can’t live without?
YL: A jigger—absolutely essential! I’m a fan of the Japanese-style jigger, which has two sides for quick pouring. Instead of fussing with a shot glass, this baby lets you measure and pour like a pro. Precision is key because cocktail-making is a bit like chemistry. Just like in baking, if you get the measurements wrong, it can ruin the whole thing. A jigger ensures you’re using the right amounts for every ingredient, which helps keep your cocktails consistent and delicious.
What’s an unusual ingredient you love using?
YL: Bitters – they’re like the spice rack of your home bar. There’s a whole world of bitters out there, from lifting to binding types, and they can highlight or mute different elements in a cocktail, much like pairing food with wine. The most famous bitters are probably Angostura—the one with the label that’s way too big for the bottle! I enjoy experimenting with different bitters because, even though you only need a dash or two, they can dramatically change a drink. Fun fact: you can even use bitters as the base spirit! A Trinidad Sour uses Angostura bitters as the main ingredient, resulting in a cocktail bursting with baking flavors. I have a whole collection of bitters at home, and they’re an easy way to elevate classic recipes.
What’s a popular holiday cocktail you love to make?
YL: One of my standout holiday creations is the Santiki Claus. It features a gingerbread syrup I make from scratch—it’s pure holiday magic! It’s a deliciously festive Tiki cocktail that combines the warmth of gingerbread with all those tropical flavors we love. But stay tuned for more of my favorite Christmas cocktails in a new holiday special called BLITZ’N! coming this December on Gusto TV!
Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re excited about?
YL: The Let’s Get Blitzen cocktail advent calendar is the big project for me every year. This year’s theme is mid-century modern, with tons of sparkle, kitschy ornaments, and a retro holiday feel. I’ll be styling photos, shooting videos, creating the eBook, and more. The eBook drops late November, and then the countdown starts on December 1.
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