Binny's Blog

Binny’s Confessions of a Mixologist brings you the best wassail recipe. Our version of this ancient drink features, hard cider, English ale, Madeira and roasted apples combined with exotic spices and even eggs if you choose.

A holiday bonus from our resident mixologist: two cocktail recipes this week. The Saratoga is a pre-Prohibition classic that's a cross between the Manhattan and the Metropolitan. The Laird's A-Leaping is a riff that uses Laird's Apple Brandy.

Last year on our Batch Cocktails episode, Pat and Chris made big batches of eggnog and aged them for 12 months. Now it's time to try them and hopefully not get sick. Additionally, Roger has cooked up a really easy cranberry simple syrup and has three cocktails to try out.

Even during Prohibition, Chicagoans could find a stiff drink if they knew how to ask for it. The Chicago Cocktail is not your typical Champagne cocktail. Brandy takes the lead in this big-shouldered Prohibition-era favorite.

Try Binny’s Confessions of a Mixologist “Tree of a Perfect Pear” sparkling wine cocktail recipe made with Prosecco, St. George Spiced Pear Liqueur, Cointreau and lemon juice. It’s the perfect Thanksgiving cocktail for kicking off the festivities.

It is officially peach season in the Midwest; time to learn how to make a real Bellini. It’s a simple drink but a sublime one when made from scratch.

Is it a smash? A sangria? A sparkling wine cocktail? All three? Who cares? It is, undeniably, a deliciously refreshing springtime trip to Spain’s beautiful north coast in one, not so little, glass.

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.

While you can certainly enjoy the Chandon Garden Spritz simply on the rocks, add some fun with a few garnishes and juice.

"It's the holiday season (the holiday season)" and that means it's time for the holiday releases from some of our favorite breweries.