Drink Masters 2022

Tone Bell is pitch-perfect as Drink Master‘s mirthful MC.

Cooking shows and comedians often make a delightful pairing, akin to peanut butter and jelly. What would Nailed It be without Nicole Byer’s infectious laughter and playful banter with judges and contestants? However, for every Byer, there seem to be two or three comedians who approach the task of blending humor with sweets with reluctance. (I’m looking at you, Is It Cake‘s Mikey Day, Crime Scene Kitchen‘s Joel McHale, and *Great British Baking Show*’s Matt Lucas.) When a comedian adds snark as a side dish to the earnest efforts of contestants, it can leave a sour taste in our mouths. But Bell is genuinely thrilled to be part of the show, and his enthusiasm is infectious!

Right from the start of the show, Bell not only introduces the premise of the new competition series but also mentions, “And of course, I get to sample these amazing creations and give my own two cents.” This brief moment establishes that Bell isn’t here solely for wisecracks; he brings energy and his own judgment to the judges’ panel. This aligns him with the contestants because their success or failure affects his experience of tasting the drinks. He also serves as our surrogate audience, providing commentary that we can readily relate to. Bell becomes our guide into the world of mixology, welcoming us with a smile, impeccable style, and a friendly sense of humor.

Now, let’s discuss his style. Adorned in bespoke suits bursting with vibrant colors, Bell exudes sophistication as he leads us through the challenges. He always looks like he’s ready for a night out at a trendy venue, adding elegance, vibrancy, and visual allure to each episode. Beyond being eye-catching, Bell’s persona is conducive to fostering conversations with judges and mixologists about life and cocktails. In return, he shares insights that are both unique and enjoyable.

For example, in the first challenge, a contestant presented a cocktail named “The Fellowship,” a clear nod to The Lord of the Rings. Bell lifted the glass stein containing the beverage and remarked, “I love this glass. I love this whole presentation because it makes me feel like I’m going to a happy hour in Narnia. You know what I mean?”

The other judges and the guest chuckled in appreciation, and so did I because I understood exactly what he meant. In a few words, Bell transported us into the experience of enjoying a splendid cocktail. From that moment, I knew I couldn’t stop at just one (episode of Drink Masters).

Drink Masters is collaborative and competitive in a great-watch way.

For me, the competition shows that stand out are the ones where contestants treat each other with compassion, acknowledging their shared community. (Think Face Off, Making It, or Forged in Fire.) I’ve become tired of the “I didn’t come here to make friends” drama. I crave competitors whose approach is to overcome challenges without resorting to sabotage.

I can’t guarantee that every mixologist in Drink Masters operates with a communal mindset. However, the inclusion of team challenges inherently brings drama as well as the need for genuine compromise and collaboration. It was touching to witness how they assist each other, offer support, and empathize when someone is eliminated after each challenge.

Without spoiling the final three contestants, I must say it was heartening to see them — even in the intense pursuit of victory — lending each other a helping hand. Because once the reality TV facade fades, they return to reality. These mixologists may emerge from the competition as heroes or villains, regardless of who wins. While a particular bar owner’s behavior soured my experience during the competition — making disparaging remarks about winning with milk punches only to later create one — no one receives a damning “villain edit” here. Consequently, there’s tension without detracting from the show’s celebration of creativity.

Drink Masters contenders get personal.

It’s practically a comedic trope that in cooking shows, contestants from Chopped to GBBO to Kitchen Nightmares justify their dishes with elaborate backstories meant to enhance the experience. In Drink Masters, if you turned taking a shot every time someone mentioned their grandmothers as a taste inspiration into a drinking game, you’d be in trouble during a binge-watch! Playing to the judges’ sympathies is par for the course, but Drink Masters delves deeper into self-expression beyond sentimental tales.

Montreal-based mixologist Tao Zrafi channels his worldly travels through his cocktails, while Bronx-raised LP transports the judges to her hometown with a drink and plantain pairing evoking her trips to the corner bodega. Some contestants put a modern twist on classic cocktails to reflect their heritage, while others experiment with wild combinations like chocolate swirls, pineapple garnishes, and edible gold leaf.

Spanning 10 episodes, Drink Masters provides viewers with a crash course in cocktail culture. With episodes running around thirty minutes each, the first season zips by with exhilarating challenges, witty remarks from its charming host, captivating contestants, and mouthwatering cocktails. So, if you’re in search of a new show to curl up with, why not pair this gem with whatever libation you can whip up?