James Hastings
Location
Chiang Mai, Thailand
School
Collingwood College
Expertise
Craft Beer, Southeast Asian Cuisine, Sustainability In Hospitality
- Before becoming a food writer, James spent over 16 years in the hospitality industry, working in eight countries around the globe and gaining skills in almost every type of venue imaginable.
- While beverage manager at Charley Noble, a Chef's Hat-awarded restaurant in New Zealand, James' team won Cuisine's Best Drinks List in 2017 and made the national GoodFood list of Top 100 Restaurants in 2018.
- In 2023, he was also awarded "Best Newcomer" by BrewDog, Europe's largest independent craft brewery.
Experience
James is a feature writer at Tasting Table and has amassed a wealth of experience in both the writing and culinary worlds. His background features a blend of hospitality experience, freelance writing, and digital strategy, with notable contributions to food publications. His time working for a range of high-end independent businesses has resulted in extensive knowledge and interest in craft beer, spirits, cocktails, and fine wine. He has also been fortunate enough to work with industry powerhouses such as Heineken and BrewDog, where he indulged his love for teaching by running beer schools. Before becoming a food writer, James spent over 16 years in the hospitality industry, working in eight countries around the globe and picking up skills in almost every type of venue imaginable. When he's not writing about food and drink or experimenting with avant-garde cocktail recipes, James works as a Stop The Bleed instructor in Southeast Asia, providing emergency first aid training to local communities.
Education
James studied English and history in college.
Tasting Table’s editorial coverage hails from a veteran group of writers and editors with expertise in their respective fields in the food and drink, hospitality, and agriculture industries. Outside experts are also consulted to help deliver factual, up-to-date information and original recipes.
We strive to publish knowledgeable, engaging articles to give readers the information they're looking for, whether that is the news of the day; cooking tips, tricks, and trends; or reviews and recommendations. In an effort to provide the most comprehensive, current, and accurate content, our team is constantly reviewing and updating articles as necessary. Click here for more information on our editorial process.
Stories By James Hastings
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The cosmo cocktail has been a pop culture staple since the '80s. If you want to whip up your own, you'll need these bartender-approved tips.
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There are plenty of tips and tricks for crafting perfect pork meatballs. However, there's one factor that supersedes all of those: the cut of meat you're using.
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The pungent breath that goes with eating garlic is a well-known hazard, it isn't known as the stinking rose for nothing. Here's how to fight it.
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There's nothing more refreshing than drinking out of a chilled glass. But what if you didn't plan ahead? No worries, here's how to chill quickly.
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If you're a fan of Irish coffees and looking to make the best cocktail possible, we've got you covered. Here are 10 tips you need when making Irish coffee.
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Whether you're making pulled pork sliders, tacos al pastor, or serving it as a side, there's a fruity ingredient that will give your dish a sweet flavor boost.
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Energy drinks are popular the world over, providing a pick-me-up to those who want one. These are some of the biggest brands you'll find outside of the U.S.
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Since clear differences exist between American bacon and Canadian bacon, we explained what differentiates these two popular varieties of bacon.
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The beauty of this chocolate cake shot recipe is that it's remarkably simple, only requiring three ingredients, none of which are chocolate.
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While you may not be able to find or afford a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle bourbon, there are plenty of top-notch alternatives for bourbon fans to consider.
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Few sides add the reliable pop of freshness and acidity that coleslaw does. Make your coleslaw even tastier by adding this delicious fruit.
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The term "flavored bourbon" can be very confusing if you're familiar with the rules that govern the American whiskey. Here's all you need to know.
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Looking to add brandy to your home bar but not sure where to start? We break and select a list of our favorites that perfect for any home bar.
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Simple syrup and gum syrup -- or gomme syrup -- are both ways to add some smooth sweetness to your cocktail. But there's one big difference between the two.
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The Hawthorne strainer is an essential bar tool, but you still need to know how to use it. Here are 10 tips to keep in mind when using a Hawthorne strainer.
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An espresso martini is an iconic modern cocktail, with simple recipe that's ripe for customization. Gordon Ramsey's variation gives a rich, distinctive flavor.
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The flavor notes of whiskey varied and complex and can be tricky to identify. Our resident bar industry expert explains how to tell what notes you're tasting.
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Wine is often referred to in terms of acidity -- but what does that really mean? We're here to explain it all, from structure to food pairings.
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Some beer fans prefer their suds to taste sweet, so we asked a former manager of a craft-beer bar to recommend the world's best brews with satisfying sweetness.
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If you're in Russia when someone is giving a toast, there's one important rule to follow. And, if you really want to fit in, there's more to learn, too.
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There are so many different bloody mary garnishes to choose from. But this bartender admits that there are some adornments that you should think twice about.
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It seems counterintuitive to add bitters to dessert cocktails, but a pro mixologist suggests the best types that will absolutely enhance these liquid delights.
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Many fruit liqueurs from around the world can enliven a variety of cocktails, but which offer the best quality? A globe-trotting mixologist shares his list.
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Looking for a distinctive bottle of whiskey? From Indian whiskey to Mexico, we explore and list out some of our favorite bottles out there.
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Don Q is widely regarded for its range of high-quality rums. We took a deep dive into the distillery's Gran Reserva XO premium bottle.
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When you're looking to up your cocktail-making game, it helps to turn to the experts. Here are some hacks to try immediately, according to a bartender.
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A world-traveling mixologist offers advice for making whiskey cocktails with just three ingredients, proving that simple drink recipes produce superb results.