Art of the Drink was the first weekly video podcast focusing exclusively on instructional bartending. It was created by Anthony Caporale and David McCoy as an extension of Caporale's Art of the Drink Instructional Bartending DVD, and premiered in May 2005. The series was produced by Caporale's Lion's Cathedral Productions company, with the final episode released on YouTube on July 31, 2019.
Each episode followed a two-act format: Caporale prepared a cocktail, then a co-host replicated the process based on his instructions. Many installments included a trivia contest referencing prior episodes and concluded with outtakes from the filming process. Caporale's five-to-fifteen-minute videos focused on concise demonstrations behind a bar. He covered everything from the correct glassware and ice to the right liquors, often using multiple camera angles. Except for occasional interviews or On the Road segments, he mixed original and classic cocktails like The Samuels or the Sazerac on set, while an accompanying blog expanded on topics such as "proof" and the difference between shaking and stirring.
Zach Jones of Tubefilter, wrote in his review that he found the podcast "incredibly informative" and the instructions "are easy to understand." Art of the Drink was a featured How-To Podcast on iTunes. The series was also featured in The News & Observer and commended as a Best of 2006 in The New York Times.
Art of the Drink was invited to cover a number of notable events, including the 2009 White House Press Dinner, and the launches of Maker's 46 Bourbon and Pisco Porton. Leading beverage industry guests included Bill Samuels Jr., Johnny Schuler, Charlotte Voisey, and Junior Merino.
Months after its launch, Art of the Drink received a multi-year sponsorship from Maker's Mark Bourbon in one of the earliest social media influencer programs. Later sponsors included Truvia Natural Sweetener, Pisco Porton, and Tanteo Tequila.
Art of the Drink received the Lulu TV Award for Best Instructional Vlog in 2006 and was featured as a How-To Podcast on iTunes. It was a Taste Award Finalist in 2010 and 2012 for Best Drink or Beverage Program: Web.