Binny's Blog

Cranberry Ginger Snap sounds like a delightful holiday cookie or maybe a cocktail based on a delightful holiday cookie; but really, it's one of a long line of riffs on the Whiskey Sour.

Try Binny's Home Bartender “Tree of a Perfect Pear” sparkling wine cocktail recipe made with Prosecco, spiced pear liqueur, Cointreau and lemon juice. It’s the perfect Thanksgiving cocktail for kicking off the festivities.

The Tuxedo cocktail is a highfalutin riff on the Martini with Fino Sherry in place of the Vermouth. It’s potent, crisp, and tangy from the Sherry and makes for a fun Martini alternative whether at a black-tie event or a backyard BBQ.

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.

You may be familiar with the original meaty dish that is now famous around the world but in this tasty version, savory mushrooms and chopped cauliflower play the meat role so well that even carnivores won’t miss it.

Cranberry sauce is often overlooked on a lot of families' holiday tables, but to me it's such a great, simple way to really brighten up the plate. The cranberry sauce also has the added benefit of pairing well with both wine and just about everything on a traditional holiday plate, making it a perfect bridge between your wine of choice and the wide array of flavors on your menu.

I have been making this for years and it never fails to impress with its indulgently delicious flavors and bright holiday colors. Best of all it’s relatively easy to make with the impact of the final dish far outweighing the effort required to put it together.

Roger is a beer and spirits guy, so wine is usually a little overwhelming for him. The one area of wine he has delved into a bit are fortified wines.

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

The Moroccan spice in question has a hint of heat but is mostly about warm, aromatic and complex flavors that echo the spice notes inherent in many wines from Ribera del Duero.