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.

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.

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 March, which means the Barrel to Bottle Crew is contractually obligated to talk about Irish spirits. Last year, we tackled some of Pat's favorite Irish whiskies.

The Scotch and Drambuie based delight known as the Rusty Nail got a 21st century update with the addition of the immensely complex herbal liqueur Green Chartreuse. The result is known as the Carthusian Nail. We must confess that we have “borrowed” this idea to create a St. Patrick’s Day friendly version we are calling the Brass Nail.

The classic Grasshopper cocktail has roots in New Orleans, but it took our neighbors to the north to popularize the decadent ice-cream-based version. This is an adults only Shamrock Shake that packs the punch of a swift knock on the noggin with a shillelagh (in a good way!).

A sophisticated Irish influenced meal full of familiar flavors and perfectly suited for family or a small dinner party - oven roasted salmon with carrot sauce, parsnip puree and caramelized cabbage.