Binny's Blog

“Americans are allergic to bad vintages,” observed one person in Bordeaux during a recent trip. I couldn’t disagree. The view here is often absolute: a vintage is either good or bad. And people don’t want to drink “bad” vintages.

As we gear up to focus on Bordeaux for the month of September it seems fitting to recap the annual Binny's en premier trip.

Claire Villars-Lurton is the embodiment of centuries of Bordeaux winemaking know how. She joins host Kristen to discuss the culture of French winemaking and more.

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.

Originally, the Sazerac cocktail was made with French brandy. In 1873, the recipe for the Sazerac Cocktail was altered to replace the French brandy with American Rye whiskey. We decided to recreate the original with Hennessy Cognac - plus ginger syrup, a few dashes of barrel aged bitters, and of course, a heavy absinthe rinse.

Ernest said it best, “I drink to make other people more interesting.” We're not saying you're boring or anything, but everyone would be a lot cooler if they tried this daiquiri mixed with 12 year-aged rum. Seriously.

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.

The Gold Standard sets the bar for excellence. The heavy combo of sugarcane spirits creates a golden hue, and the fresh lime and syrup adds sweet and citrus flavors. Move over Mai Tai, we have a new rumtastic cocktail in house.

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.