Binny's Blog

On Second Thought is a twist on the classic cocktail, The Last Word. Bartender Colleen wanted to use Rhubarb Tea Liqueur, an 80-proof spirit that's a blend of rhubarb, lemon, and beets, along with spices like cardamom, pink peppercorns, and coriander. It compliments the gin well and creates a mix of floral and bitter flavors with a tart bite - very similar to the taste of Sweetheart candies. Super delish!

We're digging up an old classic. The Brandy Alexander is sweet as a candy bar and is full of nutmeg, eggnog and cinnamon flavors. Bartender Brittney describes the flavors as the bottom of an ice cream tub - and we couldn't agree more.

It's tiki time! Our Big Mama is full of tropical flavors that will have you feeling like you're floating on a flamingo raft somewhere under the sun. This tropical cocktail is a polite mix of lime, ginger, almonds, cinnamon, pineapple, and lemon. The savory sweet combo will have you making another and another and another.

The Vesper is a cocktail famously knows as James Bond's signature cocktail. It is gin forward with citrus and sweet flavors. This cocktail isn't for the weak. It's strong, mighty and may cause chest hair growth.

Legend has it that Don the Beachcomber concocted the first instance of the Zombie to help a hungover customer survive an important business meeting. We suggest skipping the meeting altogether to enjoy this classic cocktail, which uses four different types of rum. Limit two per person.

Consider this sweet and irresistible cocktail your new brunch go-to. It pairs well with a big pile of french toast or a plate of egg bennies. It's refreshing and is 10x better when enjoyed outside. On a patio. Under the sun.

Bartender Angie built this cocktail around memories she had with her Grandmother. They would often take a drive in the fall down Sheridan Road from the city up to Highland Park and watch all of the leaves change color. Additionally, the rum of choice is Angie's favorite, and she was quite pleased to find that the port mixed perfectly with the gin and bitters.

Veel Geluk, which means 'good luck' in Dutch, is a mix of genever from Holland and raspberry liqueur. If you've ever had genever you are aware it can be tough to swallow on its own. When mixed with the raspberry liquor the sweetness balances out the bitterness of the gin. Bartender Angie created this cocktail and enjoys mixing it up for her husband.

As of late, there is an immense interest for tiki-inspired drinks. Bartender Angie came up with one that's sure to make you feel like your toes are inches deep in the sand. It's quite literally called Tiki Drink, and is full of all the sunshine you'll ever need.

You've never had a gimlet? What are you waiting for? It's a classic combination of gin, lime and soda. Easy peasy. This refreshingly crisp cocktail delights with Sunday brunch, dinner salad or hummus and cheese.