Binny's Blog

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.

You may have heard that there's a Champagne shortage going on. First, we all drank too much of it during the early stages of the pandemic. Then supply chain issues caused even more problems. Luckily, Binny's crack team of buyers saw the writing on the wall early and made some big purchases for all of our thirsty customers around the holidays. Alicia has selected five Champagnes today that are available in our stores right now at great prices. Cheers!

The Festival of Lights is upon us! Time for lighting the menorah, gifts and song, dreidel and gelt, and of course, latkes. If you don’t already have a favorite recipe or a family member who makes the world’s greatest latkes, the Demo Kitchen might be a little worried for you. These crispy little potato pancakes are such a delicious Hanukkah tradition that no one should be deprived of their pleasures, so we felt obligated to supply a very classic version, just in case.

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, St. George 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 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.

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.

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.