Binny's Blog

Breakfast cocktails, anyone? Bartender Kyle mixed this tropical concoction and we can't get enough. It's full of tropical, fruity goodness. The Chareau Aloe Liqueur and guava adds banana, melon and pear flavors to the mix, while the Aperol provides a citrus kick.

Ever been to the island of Kauai? It's home to blooming hibiscus flowers, a tropical rainforest and the Allerton Garden. The reposado, rhubarb and hibiscus flavors blend perfectly in this tequila drinker's dream.

"Et Tu, Brute," Caesar's famous last words. Betrayal is most commonly perceived as a bad thing, but in the case of this cocktail, we thought just the opposite. Et Tu Brute drinks like a creamsicle but kicks like a bourbon on the rocks.

Nothing says summer like a big pitcher of sangria. The best part of mixing up sangria is that you can make it completely your own. Kiwi? Sure! Honey? Go for it! Brandy? The more the merrier. We like to mix ours with a splash of pineapple juice and Cognac.

This isn't your every day Hot Toddy. Instead of tea Bartender Angie uses pimento dram for a chai like spicy character. We don't have a medical degree, but Angie's simple recipe for a Bourbon Hot Toddy Pimento is enlivened with honey-lemon syrup and allspice from an addition of Pimento Dram. A winter warmer that will cure all of your ills.

Veel Geluk, which means 'good luck' in Dutch, is a mix of genever from Holland and raspberry liqueur. If you've ever had genever you are aware it can be tough to swallow on its own. When mixed with the raspberry liquor the sweetness balances out the bitterness of the gin. Bartender Angie created this cocktail and enjoys mixing it up for her husband.

The ultimate escape-in-a-glass, bursting with tropical flavor and island flair. Our Bartender Angie came up with an umbrella drink that's sure to make you feel like your toes are inches deep in the sand. It's quite literally called Tiki Drink, and is full of all the sunshine you'll ever need. This rum-based tiki cocktail brings a festive, vacation-ready vibe to any occasion.

What would the holidays be without some homemade Egg Nog? Made with strawberry rye whiskey, this is one recipe from Pennington's recipe vault that you'll want to enjoy all year round.

Prepare to leave your plain hot chocolate days in the past. The Aztec Hot Chocolate is a blend of Ancho Reyes and Cinnamon Tequila that adds bold spiciness to your hot chocolate. It's a whirlwind of sweet and spicy goodness that will warm you up instantly.

Like a good Manhattan? Then you'll love the Holiday Road. Build it just like a Manhattan, but substitute your favorite rum for the usual whiskey. Lincoln Park Tasting Room bartender Angie uses a 15 year old rum because, as she put it, go big or go home.