Binny's Blog

The temperatures are plummeting after a relatively warm start to the winter season. There’s no better time to whip up some hot cocktails to get you through the grey winter days and long, dark winter nights.

When six o’clock rolls around many Italians have their hearts firmly set on a leisurely cocktail and maybe a nibble or two before dinner. It’s Aperitivo time and most will opt for something a bitter cocktail to stimulate their appetites. But what are devotees of the cocktail hour, the ranks of which include countless Americans, to do during Dry January?

Toddies are a broad class of cocktails that generally combine a spirit with water and sugar. Usually but not necessarily served hot, toddies also often include citrus, spice and/or herbs to create a soothing elixir, believed by many to ease the symptoms of the common cold and flu. Toddies are easy to make, provide a potent kick of booze, and happen to be quite appealing on a cold winter’s eve in the Midwest.

The original Matador cocktail called for Tequila, Orange Curacao, and French Vermouth. “Trader” Vic Bergeron created his own version in the early seventies throwing pineapple and lime juice into the mix. These are just the two most famous Matadors but certainly not the only ones. Today, in keeping with the growing trend of “Dry January” we humbly submit our spicy nonalcoholic version to be added to list.

Our resident Mixologist put together an original Champagne punch, fit for a New Year’s Eve. Punch, in some form, has been around for centuries. Punch’s long history has allowed for endless variations to arise, making it a diverse and many splendored thing that can be alcoholic or not, hot or cold, simple or complex, but no matter the iteration it must always be festive.

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.

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.

Some might call it a Sparking Greyhound or Salty Dog, but we're calling it the Early Adopter. This cocktail features Aviation Gin and Fever-Tree Sparkling Grapefruit Soda. Become and early adopter of this refreshing cocktail.

Learn how to make Apple Cider: Mulled but Cold, Binny’s Confessions of a Mixologist’s best autumn and Thanksgiving cocktail recipe featuring Cinnamon Whiskey, Allspice Dram and Semi-Sweet Hard Apple Cider.