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.

The Whiskey Hotline is joined by Laphroaig distillery manager John Campbell for a tasting of the latest release from the Islay icon, the 10 year Sherry Finish.

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.

Join the Whiskey Hotline for a transatlantic whisk(e)y tasting featuring Old Forester bourbon Master Taster Jackie Zykan and Glendronach/BenRiach Master Blender Rachel Barrie.

Join the Whiskey Hotline and 3rd generation Master Distiller Richard "The Nose" Paterson for an exploration of The Dalmore single malts.

We're digging up an old classic. The Brandy Alexander is sweet as a candy bar and is full of nutmeg, eggnog and cinnamon flavors. Bartender Brittney describes the flavors as the bottom of an ice cream tub - and we couldn't agree more.

A traditional Godfather cocktail is made of equal parts scotch and amaretto. A little experimentation led us to our new favorite cocktail. We added coffee liqueur and chocolate bitters to the mix for a "the best part of wakin' up" kind of taste.