Binny's Blog

Celebrate Sherry Week with the Flor de Jerez, a modern cocktail that showcases the nutty, tangy flavors of Amontillado.

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.

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

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.

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.