Binny's Blog

In the pre-prohibition era, Brandy was a go to spirit for cocktails. In fact, many of the Whiskey-based cocktails you know and love were once made with Brandy, usually Cognac. While this mixologist readily confesses to the penchant modern barkeeps and imbibers have for fetishizing pre-prohibition recipes, excellent Brandy cocktails still languish in comparison to their Whiskey-based counterparts.

It is the beginning of summer and the long-awaited return of strawberry season in the Midwest, which is reason enough to celebrate. If you feel the need for another excuse to make this perfectly rustic summer dessert, June 14 is National Strawberry Shortcake Day. But who needs excuses when it comes to strawberry shortcake? It is THE dessert you should be serving to put an exclamation point on every June cookout and picnic you host.

This fruity, floral, and fizzy delight is the intersection of a French 75, a Kir Royale and an elderflower spritz. It is, seemingly, tailormade for Mother’s Day. So, if you usually bring your mom flowers, why not mix up this liquid bouquet instead.

The times we live in make it more important than ever that we show those most important to us how much they really mean. Here is an extra simple three course Valentine’s dinner for two, designed to bring that fancy restaurant feel home with minimal effort.

The Flank Steak Salad is definitely a hearty meal, and a delightfully simple one to prepare. Just bear in mind that salting is essential to the recipe. Salting and seasoning the steak 30 minutes prior to grilling ensures that the meat absorbs the flavorful seasoning and remains juicy when served.

The key to achieving that crispy texture and luxuriously creamy center is to set yourself up for success. Allow the filet to come to room temperature. Pat the surface dry before cooking.

Crème brûlée is not simply about intensely satisfying vanilla notes. The joy of crème brûlée is tasting the contrasts - the hot/savory note of burnt sugar and the cool/sweet interior, and above all the the audible crack of its hard shell giving way to the luxuriantly velvet-textured custard underneath.

Though this decadent recipe is a study in simplicity, be sure to use quality ingredients. Your better half will appreciate your efforts.

There's no need to break the bank this Valentine's Day. Treat yourself to more than one bottle of wine for your special celebration.

Aphrodite's Apple is a tall glass of apple pie, cinnamon, ginger, and citrus goodness we all want. This cocktail has the perfect amount of sweet and savory flavors, leaving you with a fantastic dessert cocktail.