Binny's Blog

Our new Clark & Sheffield VSOP Cognac is the perfect base for this tropical riff on the classic Sidecar cocktail.

We love a good tasting experiment on Barrel to Bottle, so this week we're making Manhattans. A lot of Manhattans. So many Manhattans that we can't keep track of how many we're making. We tried 21 different bitters to see which one makes the best Manhattan.

Originally, the Sazerac cocktail was made with French brandy. In 1873, the recipe for the Sazerac Cocktail was altered to replace the French brandy with American Rye whiskey. We decided to recreate the original with Hennessy Cognac - plus ginger syrup, a few dashes of barrel aged bitters, and of course, a heavy absinthe rinse.

A crisp, tart, and refreshing twist on the classic daiquiri, famously enjoyed by writer Ernest Hemingway. Unlike the traditional version, this cocktail swaps out sugar for maraschino liqueur, balancing the bright acidity of fresh lime and grapefruit juice with a hint of sweetness. A timeless favorite that delivers a bold yet smooth citrusy kick, perfect for warm weather sipping.

The Gold Standard sets the bar for excellence. The heavy combo of sugarcane spirits creates a golden hue, and the fresh lime and syrup adds sweet and citrus flavors. Move over Mai Tai, we have a new rumtastic cocktail in house.