Binny's Blog

Toddies are a broad class of cocktails that generally combine a spirit with water and sugar. Usually but not necessarily served hot, toddies also often include citrus, spice and/or herbs to create a soothing elixir, believed by many to ease the symptoms of the common cold and flu. Toddies are easy to make, provide a potent kick of booze, and happen to be quite appealing on a cold winter’s eve in the Midwest.

We aren’t talking about “the” perfect Manhattan, some might argue that the incredibly popular sweet Manhattan already holds that title, but “a” Perfect Manhattan. A variation on the theme that has the maker replace half of the Sweet Vermouth with Dry Vermouth. This perfect 1:1 ratio of Vermouths is the origin of the name.

Travel out to Whiskey Acres in DeKalb for a Whiskey Hotline/Barrel to Bottle field trip.

This cocktail is an old timey classic, but it required a side trip to the 1980s to land on this prohibition era gem. Try this fruity but refreshing silent film era classic. It will leave you speechless.

The 1980s were a time of excess, and that included the cocktails. Every thing was overly sweet and overly proofed.

Last week we covered the wonders of wormwood in our introduction to vermouth and aromatized wines.

Join the Whiskey Hotline and New Riff co-founder Jay Erisman for a tasting of their latest, Maltster Wheated Bourbon and Winter Whiskey.

Join the Whiskey Hotline and Balcones Head Distiller Jared Himstedt for an exploration of the range of whiskies being produced at this Texas whiskey stalwart.

Join the Whiskey Hotline and renowned mixologist and Crafthouse founder Charles Joly