Happy Hour: Tiki Failures & Amaro Redemptions

Happy Hour: Thanksgiving Cocktails – A Clarified Milk Punch and Brandy + Allspice Sour

It’s Happy Hour—Thanksgiving edition! Temporarily back from our hiatus, we’re talking turkey, olive loaf charcuterie boards, and how to keep the kids away from the spiked punch. Oh, and Thanksgiving cocktails. Ben is presenting a clarified milk punch called the White Picket Fence. It’s spiced bourbon and toasted milk (yes, toasted milk!) clarified without the tang. The recipe is heavily inspired by this cocktail from Kevin Kos: https://www.kevinkos.com/post/revolutionary-milk-washing-technique [https://www.kevinkos.com/post/revolutionary-milk-washing-technique]. Matthewis presenting Autumn’s Kiss. It’s a “simple” brandy sour full of fall flavors with a hint of absinthe. It tastes like apple pie. The cocktail, not the kiss. *No bald eagles were harmed during the recording of this podcast TOO LONG, DIDN’T LISTEN * (00:00) Opening * (05:34) Matthew’s perfect charcuterie * (10:01) Ben’s secret appetizer recipe. It’s not good. * (13:00) Thanksgiving foods we love and love to hate * (18:00) Thanksgiving Cocktails: Spritz, Batch or Burn Baby, Burn * (25:00) Cocktail: White Picket Fence * (39:30) Cocktail: Autumn’s Kiss * (46:31) Closing RECIPES WHITE PICKET FENCE * 3 oz Spiced Whiskey Milk Punch * 2-4 oz Sparkling Cider * 0-2 oz Club Soda * Pour the milk punch into a highball glass over ice. Top with sparkling cider. For a less sweet cocktail, replace a portion of the cider with club soda. Spiced Whiskey Milk Punch * 8 oz Spiced Whiskey * 3 oz Toasted Powered Milk * 1 oz Maple Syrup * pinch of salt 1. Combine the spiced whiskey, maple syrup, and salt. Stir to combine. 2. Toast powdered milk in a pan on the stove, in the oven, or in a toaster oven. Monitor closely as it can burn quickly. Some light browning on the edges and surface is expected, but do not scorch. 3. Boil enough water to rehydrate the milk, then use the hot water to make the milk according to the package instructions. 4. While the milk is still hot, measure 3 oz into a large container, then pourthe whiskey mixture into the milk. You should see curdling happen immediately. Stir gently to help it along. 5. Let the mixture sit for a minute or two, then filter through cheesecloth or a coffee filter. Once some curds have collected in the filter, move the filter to a new container and re-strain the first portion of the final product. Spiced Whiskey * 750 ml of Whiskey of you choice * 2 cinnamon sticks * 1 star anise pod * 4 cloves * 1/4 cracked nutmeg * Combine whiskey and spices in a sealed bottle or jar. Let sit for 24 hours to 3 days, tasting every 24 hours. Remove spices when desired. AUTUMN’S KISS * 2 oz Brandy or Cognac * 3/4 oz Allspice Dram * 1 oz Lemon Juice * 3/4 oz Cinnamon Syrup * 1 Dash Cardamom Bitters * 1 Dash Orange Bitters * Absinthe for rinse * Start by preparing a coupe glass: coat the inside with absinthe and discard any excess. Add the remaining ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until well-chilled. Double strain into the prepared coupe glass and garnish with a star anise. --- BOOKS & EQUIPMENT LINKS The links below that point to Amazon are affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase we may receive a small compensation at no extra cost to you. Links to any other destination are not affiliate links. BOOKS We own and recommend these books: The 12 Bottle Bar: Make Hundreds of Cocktails with Just Twelve Bottles [https://amzn.to/3TzZ5bg] by David Solmonson, Lesley Jacobs Solmonson Liquid Intelligence: The Art and Science of the Perfect Cocktail [https://amzn.to/3XRGbz5] by Dave Arnold Imbibe! [https://amzn.to/4dgfA35] by David Wondrich Cocktail Codex [https://amzn.to/4ebizLH] by Alex Day, Nick Fauchald, David Kaplan EQUIPMENT Products we own, like and use: * Measuring tools * OXO Good Grips Mini Angled Measuring Cup, 2 Oz capacity [https://amzn.to/3Zrz15P] * OXO Metal Angled Measuring Cup [https://amzn.to/4d8HhuG] * OXO SteeL Double Jigger [https://amzn.to/3ZxKNMd] * Shakers * This shaking set is sold as two separate items on Amazon, you will need both * Cocktail Kingdom Koriko Small Weighted Shaking Tin [https://amzn.to/4e6HIXB] * Cocktail Kingdom Koriko Large Weighted Shaking Tin [https://amzn.to/3XPgMWY] * Mixing Glasses/Tins * Viski Crystal Mixing Glass, 17 oz [https://amzn.to/4erdMW1] * Pint glass: you don’t need a link for this do you? * Peelers * OXO Good Grips Y-Peeler [https://amzn.to/4dogtqo] * Bar Spoons * Crate & Barrel: Bar Spoon with Muddler [https://www.crateandbarrel.com/bar-spoon-with-muddler/s214336] * Cork Screw / Bottle Opener * True Truetap Double Hinged Waiters Corkscrew [https://amzn.to/4ekVExu] * Bar Towels * White Flour Sack Towels [https://amzn.to/3BpSbz5] * Glassware * Highball * Strauss 13-Oz. Cooler Glass [https://www.crateandbarrel.com/strauss-13-oz.-cooler-glass/s557544] * Lowball * Crescent 10-Oz. Double Old-Fashioned Glass [https://www.crateandbarrel.com/crescent-10-oz.-double-old-fashioned-glass/s043524] * Strauss 11-Oz. Double Old-Fashioned Glass [https://www.crateandbarrel.com/strauss-11-oz.-double-old-fashioned-glass/s557552] * Stemmed * Mercer 10-Oz. Coupe Glass [https://www.crateandbarrel.com/mercer-10-oz.-coupe-glass/s422321] Products we don’t own but would consider buying: * Measuring Tools * Cocktail Farmer Standard Jigger [https://amzn.to/3MQFdgh] * Piña Barware Bell/Leopold Style Stainless Steel Jigger 2oz. / 1oz. [https://amzn.to/3TDiRT3] * Piña Barware Slim/Japanese Style Stainless Steel Jigger 2oz. / 1oz. [https://amzn.to/3TDiQPe] * Shakers * A Bar Above Weighted Craft Boston Shaker Set [https://amzn.to/4eyF50A] (Single set slightly less expensive than the Koriko) * Houdini Boston Cocktail Shaker [https://amzn.to/3MQctnG] (a well rated pint glass set) * Barfly Double Wall Diamond Lattice Mixing Tin [https://amzn.to/3ZuJc9I] * Knives * Cocktail Kingdom Buswell Paring Knife [https://cocktailkingdom.com/products/buswell-paring-knife] * Victorinox 3.25 Inch Swiss Classic Paring Knife [https://amzn.to/3zBDSa0] (Green - Black seems to be in high demand) * Cutting Board * Jelli Reversible Black Marble 14.5"x11" Cutting Board [https://www.crateandbarrel.com/jelli-reversible-black-marble-14.5x11-cutting-board/s279495] * Bar Spoons * Cocktail Kingdom Skull [https://cocktailkingdom.com/products/skull-barspoon-gunmetal-black-33cm] (We wouldn’t really buy this but it looks cool) * A metal finger, not a spoon [https://cocktailkingdom.com/products/gaz-regan-negroni-finger-stirrer-stainless-steel-35cm] (I could resist linking to this one) * Homestia Gothic Skull Bar Spoon [https://amzn.to/3ZFsQew] (A cheaper skull) * Viski Stainless Steel Weighted Barspoon [https://amzn.to/4gBujZv] * Hawthorne Strainers * Barfly Bar Strainer, Stainless Steel [https://amzn.to/4dnFP82] * A Bar Above Hawthorne Strainer [https://amzn.to/3BnBvrW] * Julep Strainers * Cocktail Kingdom Premium Julep Strainer [https://cocktailkingdom.com/products/premium-julep-strainer-stainless-steel-mirror-finish] --- FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram & Threads: @perfectsippodcast https://www.instagram.com/perfectsippodcast [https://www.instagram.com/perfectsippodcast] https://www.threads.net/@perfectsippodcast [https://www.threads.net/@perfectsippodcast]

Happy Hour: Tiki Failures & Amaro Redemptions

It’s Happy Hour! We’re sharing balancing failures (ours and others) and successes. We’ve got volcanoes, torches, funky rum, giant thistles and enough nuts to feed a forest of squirrels*. Ben presents his Typical Ben Rum Drink a wild tiki-inspired mix of Jamaican rum and orgeat with a snowy mountain of crushed ice. Which will you drown in first, the rum or the water from all that ice? Matthew reworks a restaurant cocktail originally called the BronArmy Navy. It was a sugar bomb with a with star ingredient that wasn’t allowed to shine. Matthew lets the artichokes free! You’re welcome Castroville. *Justice for Peanut TOO LONG, DIDN’T LISTEN (00:00) Opening and Squirrel Nut Factories (02:44) The end of our first “arc” and a look forward (12:15) Salvaging failed cocktails and stubborn recipes (14:17) Ben’s muddy mess (16:20) Cocktail: Typical Ben Rum Drink (19:59) Tiki is a vibe (32:58) Cocktail: Matthew’s BronArmy Navy (44:25) Episode close RECIPES TYPICAL BEN RUM DRINK * 1 oz Smith and Cross Jamaican rum * 1 oz Planteray Stiggin’s Pineapple rum * 1 oz Orgeat * 3/4 oz lime juice * 1/4 oz Falernum (to top) * 2 dashes Angostura bitters * Instructions: Combine rums, orgeat, and lime juice in a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled, then strain into a rocks glass packed with crushed ice. Top with Falernum and Angostura bitters. Garnish with pineapple fronds or other tiki-inspired decor. BRONARMY NAVY * 2 oz bourbon * 1 oz lemon juice * 3/4 oz Cynar * 3/4 oz Orgeat * Pinch of salt * Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake well. Double strain into a chilled glass and serve with or without a lemon twist garnish. --- BOOKS & EQUIPMENT LINKS The links below that point to Amazon are affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase we may receive a small compensation at no extra cost to you. Links to any other destination are not affiliate links. BOOKS We own and recommend these books: The 12 Bottle Bar: Make Hundreds of Cocktails with Just Twelve Bottles [https://amzn.to/3TzZ5bg] by David Solmonson, Lesley Jacobs Solmonson Liquid Intelligence: The Art and Science of the Perfect Cocktail [https://amzn.to/3XRGbz5] by Dave Arnold Imbibe! [https://amzn.to/4dgfA35] by David Wondrich Cocktail Codex [https://amzn.to/4ebizLH] by Alex Day, Nick Fauchald, David Kaplan EQUIPMENT Products we own, like and use: * Measuring tools * OXO Good Grips Mini Angled Measuring Cup, 2 Oz capacity [https://amzn.to/3Zrz15P] * OXO Metal Angled Measuring Cup [https://amzn.to/4d8HhuG] * OXO SteeL Double Jigger [https://amzn.to/3ZxKNMd] * Shakers * This shaking set is sold as two separate items on Amazon, you will need both * Cocktail Kingdom Koriko Small Weighted Shaking Tin [https://amzn.to/4e6HIXB] * Cocktail Kingdom Koriko Large Weighted Shaking Tin [https://amzn.to/3XPgMWY] * Mixing Glasses/Tins * Viski Crystal Mixing Glass, 17 oz [https://amzn.to/4erdMW1] * Pint glass: you don’t need a link for this do you? * Peelers * OXO Good Grips Y-Peeler [https://amzn.to/4dogtqo] * Bar Spoons * Crate & Barrel: Bar Spoon with Muddler [https://www.crateandbarrel.com/bar-spoon-with-muddler/s214336] * Cork Screw / Bottle Opener * True Truetap Double Hinged Waiters Corkscrew [https://amzn.to/4ekVExu] * Bar Towels * White Flour Sack Towels [https://amzn.to/3BpSbz5] * Glassware * Highball * Strauss 13-Oz. Cooler Glass [https://www.crateandbarrel.com/strauss-13-oz.-cooler-glass/s557544] * Lowball * Crescent 10-Oz. Double Old-Fashioned Glass [https://www.crateandbarrel.com/crescent-10-oz.-double-old-fashioned-glass/s043524] * Strauss 11-Oz. Double Old-Fashioned Glass [https://www.crateandbarrel.com/strauss-11-oz.-double-old-fashioned-glass/s557552] * Stemmed * Mercer 10-Oz. Coupe Glass [https://www.crateandbarrel.com/mercer-10-oz.-coupe-glass/s422321] Products we don’t own but would consider buying: * Measuring Tools * Cocktail Farmer Standard Jigger [https://amzn.to/3MQFdgh] * Piña Barware Bell/Leopold Style Stainless Steel Jigger 2oz. / 1oz. [https://amzn.to/3TDiRT3] * Piña Barware Slim/Japanese Style Stainless Steel Jigger 2oz. / 1oz. [https://amzn.to/3TDiQPe] * Shakers * A Bar Above Weighted Craft Boston Shaker Set [https://amzn.to/4eyF50A] (Single set slightly less expensive than the Koriko) * Houdini Boston Cocktail Shaker [https://amzn.to/3MQctnG] (a well rated pint glass set) * Barfly Double Wall Diamond Lattice Mixing Tin [https://amzn.to/3ZuJc9I] * Knives * Cocktail Kingdom Buswell Paring Knife [https://cocktailkingdom.com/products/buswell-paring-knife] * Victorinox 3.25 Inch Swiss Classic Paring Knife [https://amzn.to/3zBDSa0] (Green - Black seems to be in high demand) * Cutting Board * Jelli Reversible Black Marble 14.5"x11" Cutting Board [https://www.crateandbarrel.com/jelli-reversible-black-marble-14.5x11-cutting-board/s279495] * Bar Spoons * Cocktail Kingdom Skull [https://cocktailkingdom.com/products/skull-barspoon-gunmetal-black-33cm] (We wouldn’t really buy this but it looks cool) * A metal finger, not a spoon [https://cocktailkingdom.com/products/gaz-regan-negroni-finger-stirrer-stainless-steel-35cm] (I could resist linking to this one) * Homestia Gothic Skull Bar Spoon [https://amzn.to/3ZFsQew] (A cheaper skull) * Viski Stainless Steel Weighted Barspoon [https://amzn.to/4gBujZv] * Hawthorne Strainers * Barfly Bar Strainer, Stainless Steel [https://amzn.to/4dnFP82] * A Bar Above Hawthorne Strainer [https://amzn.to/3BnBvrW] * Julep Strainers * Cocktail Kingdom Premium Julep Strainer [https://cocktailkingdom.com/products/premium-julep-strainer-stainless-steel-mirror-finish] --- FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram & Threads: @perfectsippodcast https://www.instagram.com/perfectsippodcast [https://www.instagram.com/perfectsippodcast] https://www.threads.net/@perfectsippodcast [https://www.threads.net/@perfectsippodcast]

How to Balance a Cocktail

Your training is almost complete. Today we’re cocktail tasting, cocktail balancing and cocktail perfecting. In this finale of our "Getting Started" series, we’re breaking down the steps to deconstructing a cocktail, balancing it and then improving it. et us introduce you to a sweet little friend of ours—the Cocktail of the Week. Who will also be our model this week. So get in here! TOO LONG, DIDN'T LISTEN (00:00) How to Balance a Cocktail (01:54) Cocktail of the Week: The Plain & Simple (Daiquiri) (03:59) Why fresh lime juice matters (05:21) A brief sojourn into rum (08:31) How to taste cocktails like an expert (no, you're doing it wrong) (15:32) The secret to balancing cocktails (hint: it involves homework) (24:02) Simple tips to improve your cocktail (30:00) Closing RECIPES THE PLAIN & SIMPLE (DAIQUIRI) * 2 parts white rum * 1 part fresh lime juice * 1 part simple syrup (1:1 white cane sugar to water) * Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake until fully chilled. Double strain into a chilled, stemmed cocktail glass. Serve without garnish. BEN'S PREFERRED PLAIN & SIMPLE * 2 parts Plantation Three Stars rum * 3/4 part fresh lime juice * 3/4 part simple syrup (1:1) * 1 lime wheel for garnish * Combine rum, lime juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake until fully chilled. Double strain into a chilled, stemmed cocktail glass. Float lime wheel on top of cocktail. SOUR PLAIN & SIMPLE * 2 parts white rum * 1 part fresh lime juice * 3/4 part simple syrup * Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake until fully chilled. Double strain into a chilled, stemmed cocktail glass. SWEET PLAIN & SIMPLE * 2 parts white rum * 3/4 part fresh lime juice * 1 part simple syrup * Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake until fully chilled. Double strain into a chilled, stemmed cocktail glass. SPIRIT FORWARD PLAIN & SIMPLE * 2 parts white rum * 3/4 part fresh lime juice * 3/4 part simple syrup * Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake until fully chilled. Double strain into a chilled, stemmed cocktail glass. --- BOOKS & EQUIPMENT LINKS The links below that point to Amazon are affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase we may receive a small compensation at no extra cost to you. Links to any other destination are not affiliate links. BOOKS We own and recommend these books: The 12 Bottle Bar: Make Hundreds of Cocktails with Just Twelve Bottles [https://amzn.to/3TzZ5bg] by David Solmonson, Lesley Jacobs Solmonson Liquid Intelligence: The Art and Science of the Perfect Cocktail [https://amzn.to/3XRGbz5] by Dave Arnold Imbibe! [https://amzn.to/4dgfA35] by David Wondrich Cocktail Codex [https://amzn.to/4ebizLH] by Alex Day, Nick Fauchald, David Kaplan EQUIPMENT Products we own, like and use: * Measuring tools * OXO Good Grips Mini Angled Measuring Cup, 2 Oz capacity [https://amzn.to/3Zrz15P] * OXO Metal Angled Measuring Cup [https://amzn.to/4d8HhuG] * OXO SteeL Double Jigger [https://amzn.to/3ZxKNMd] * Shakers * This shaking set is sold as two separate items on Amazon, you will need both * Cocktail Kingdom Koriko Small Weighted Shaking Tin [https://amzn.to/4e6HIXB] * Cocktail Kingdom Koriko Large Weighted Shaking Tin [https://amzn.to/3XPgMWY] * Mixing Glasses/Tins * Viski Crystal Mixing Glass, 17 oz [https://amzn.to/4erdMW1] * Pint glass: you don’t need a link for this do you? * Peelers * OXO Good Grips Y-Peeler [https://amzn.to/4dogtqo] * Bar Spoons * Crate & Barrel: Bar Spoon with Muddler [https://www.crateandbarrel.com/bar-spoon-with-muddler/s214336] * Cork Screw / Bottle Opener * True Truetap Double Hinged Waiters Corkscrew [https://amzn.to/4ekVExu] * Bar Towels * White Flour Sack Towels [https://amzn.to/3BpSbz5] * Glassware * Highball * Strauss 13-Oz. Cooler Glass [https://www.crateandbarrel.com/strauss-13-oz.-cooler-glass/s557544] * Lowball * Crescent 10-Oz. Double Old-Fashioned Glass [https://www.crateandbarrel.com/crescent-10-oz.-double-old-fashioned-glass/s043524] * Strauss 11-Oz. Double Old-Fashioned Glass [https://www.crateandbarrel.com/strauss-11-oz.-double-old-fashioned-glass/s557552] * Stemmed * Mercer 10-Oz. Coupe Glass [https://www.crateandbarrel.com/mercer-10-oz.-coupe-glass/s422321] Products we don’t own but would consider buying: * Measuring Tools * Cocktail Farmer Standard Jigger [https://amzn.to/3MQFdgh] * Piña Barware Bell/Leopold Style Stainless Steel Jigger 2oz. / 1oz. [https://amzn.to/3TDiRT3] * Piña Barware Slim/Japanese Style Stainless Steel Jigger 2oz. / 1oz. [https://amzn.to/3TDiQPe] * Shakers * A Bar Above Weighted Craft Boston Shaker Set [https://amzn.to/4eyF50A] (Single set slightly less expensive than the Koriko) * Houdini Boston Cocktail Shaker [https://amzn.to/3MQctnG] (a well rated pint glass set) * Barfly Double Wall Diamond Lattice Mixing Tin [https://amzn.to/3ZuJc9I] * Knives * Cocktail Kingdom Buswell Paring Knife [https://cocktailkingdom.com/products/buswell-paring-knife] * Victorinox 3.25 Inch Swiss Classic Paring Knife [https://amzn.to/3zBDSa0] (Green - Black seems to be in high demand) * Cutting Board * Jelli Reversible Black Marble 14.5"x11" Cutting Board [https://www.crateandbarrel.com/jelli-reversible-black-marble-14.5x11-cutting-board/s279495] * Bar Spoons * Cocktail Kingdom Skull [https://cocktailkingdom.com/products/skull-barspoon-gunmetal-black-33cm] (We wouldn’t really buy this but it looks cool) * A metal finger, not a spoon [https://cocktailkingdom.com/products/gaz-regan-negroni-finger-stirrer-stainless-steel-35cm] (I could resist linking to this one) * Homestia Gothic Skull Bar Spoon [https://amzn.to/3ZFsQew] (A cheaper skull) * Viski Stainless Steel Weighted Barspoon [https://amzn.to/4gBujZv] * Hawthorne Strainers * Barfly Bar Strainer, Stainless Steel [https://amzn.to/4dnFP82] * A Bar Above Hawthorne Strainer [https://amzn.to/3BnBvrW] * Julep Strainers * Cocktail Kingdom Premium Julep Strainer [https://cocktailkingdom.com/products/premium-julep-strainer-stainless-steel-mirror-finish] --- FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram & Threads: @perfectsippodcast https://www.instagram.com/perfectsippodcast [https://www.instagram.com/perfectsippodcast] https://www.threads.net/@perfectsippodcast [https://www.threads.net/@perfectsippodcast]

Happy Hour: Cocktail Balance & Cow Chip Bingo

It’s Happy Hour! We’re diving into cocktail balance, party fouls, and … livestock*? Then, as promised, we’re presenting two wild-card cocktails with an agave twist. Ben’s got the “perfect” cocktail to wash away the Negroni from Tuesday: the Banana Frexicano. This smoky-sweet blend of agave and banana will have you dreaming of warm tropical nights. Best of all, no Campari! You like Mezcal, right? Matthew, at Ben’s request, is bringing a kicked-down Margarita this week. It’s your standard tequila + orange liqueur + lime + salt but with some subtle twists to really let the Tequila shine. *No cows or pigs were harmed in the recording of this podcast. TOO LONG, DIDN’T LISTEN (00:00) Opening (01:13) Do cows fly? (05:05) Matthew, the Elderflower Liqueur of parties (07:00) Cocktail balance (08:49) Flavor matters (11:46) Flavor balance tips (17:18) Cocktail: Banana Frexicano (20:30) Mezcal (23:25) Cocktail: Matthew’s Margarita (27:28) Tequila (31:22) Orange liqueurs primer (33:40) Their grandpa goes on the run (35:29) Closing RECIPES BANANA FREXICANO * 1 oz mezcal * 1 oz cognac or brandy * 1 oz banana liqueur (we used Giffard’s Banane du Bresil) * Combine mezcal, cognac or brandy, and banana liqueur in a mixing glass with ice. Stir for 20-30 seconds to your desired dilution, then strain into a Nick and Nora glass. Garnish with a banana round on a cocktail pick if desired. MARGARITA * 1.5 oz reposado tequila * 0.75 oz lime juice * 0.75 oz Cointreau * 1 tsp agave syrup * Pinch of salt * Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice, shake until well chilled, and strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wheel. --- BOOKS & EQUIPMENT LINKS The links below that point to Amazon are affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase we may receive a small compensation at no extra cost to you. Links to any other destination are not affiliate links. BOOKS We own and recommend these books: The 12 Bottle Bar: Make Hundreds of Cocktails with Just Twelve Bottles [https://amzn.to/3TzZ5bg] by David Solmonson, Lesley Jacobs Solmonson Liquid Intelligence: The Art and Science of the Perfect Cocktail [https://amzn.to/3XRGbz5] by Dave Arnold Imbibe! [https://amzn.to/4dgfA35] by David Wondrich Cocktail Codex [https://amzn.to/4ebizLH] by Alex Day, Nick Fauchald, David Kaplan EQUIPMENT Products we own, like and use: * Measuring tools * OXO Good Grips Mini Angled Measuring Cup, 2 Oz capacity [https://amzn.to/3Zrz15P] * OXO Metal Angled Measuring Cup [https://amzn.to/4d8HhuG] * OXO SteeL Double Jigger [https://amzn.to/3ZxKNMd] * Shakers * This shaking set is sold as two separate items on Amazon, you will need both * Cocktail Kingdom Koriko Small Weighted Shaking Tin [https://amzn.to/4e6HIXB] * Cocktail Kingdom Koriko Large Weighted Shaking Tin [https://amzn.to/3XPgMWY] * Mixing Glasses/Tins * Viski Crystal Mixing Glass, 17 oz [https://amzn.to/4erdMW1] * Pint glass: you don’t need a link for this do you? * Peelers * OXO Good Grips Y-Peeler [https://amzn.to/4dogtqo] * Bar Spoons * Crate & Barrel: Bar Spoon with Muddler [https://www.crateandbarrel.com/bar-spoon-with-muddler/s214336] * Cork Screw / Bottle Opener * True Truetap Double Hinged Waiters Corkscrew [https://amzn.to/4ekVExu] * Bar Towels * White Flour Sack Towels [https://amzn.to/3BpSbz5] * Glassware * Highball * Strauss 13-Oz. Cooler Glass [https://www.crateandbarrel.com/strauss-13-oz.-cooler-glass/s557544] * Lowball * Crescent 10-Oz. Double Old-Fashioned Glass [https://www.crateandbarrel.com/crescent-10-oz.-double-old-fashioned-glass/s043524] * Strauss 11-Oz. Double Old-Fashioned Glass [https://www.crateandbarrel.com/strauss-11-oz.-double-old-fashioned-glass/s557552] * Stemmed * Mercer 10-Oz. Coupe Glass [https://www.crateandbarrel.com/mercer-10-oz.-coupe-glass/s422321] Products we don’t own but would consider buying: * Measuring Tools * Cocktail Farmer Standard Jigger [https://amzn.to/3MQFdgh] * Piña Barware Bell/Leopold Style Stainless Steel Jigger 2oz. / 1oz. [https://amzn.to/3TDiRT3] * Piña Barware Slim/Japanese Style Stainless Steel Jigger 2oz. / 1oz. [https://amzn.to/3TDiQPe] * Shakers * A Bar Above Weighted Craft Boston Shaker Set [https://amzn.to/4eyF50A] (Single set slightly less expensive than the Koriko) * Houdini Boston Cocktail Shaker [https://amzn.to/3MQctnG] (a well rated pint glass set) * Barfly Double Wall Diamond Lattice Mixing Tin [https://amzn.to/3ZuJc9I] * Knives * Cocktail Kingdom Buswell Paring Knife [https://cocktailkingdom.com/products/buswell-paring-knife] * Victorinox 3.25 Inch Swiss Classic Paring Knife [https://amzn.to/3zBDSa0] (Green - Black seems to be in high demand) * Cutting Board * Jelli Reversible Black Marble 14.5"x11" Cutting Board [https://www.crateandbarrel.com/jelli-reversible-black-marble-14.5x11-cutting-board/s279495] * Bar Spoons * Cocktail Kingdom Skull [https://cocktailkingdom.com/products/skull-barspoon-gunmetal-black-33cm] (We wouldn’t really buy this but it looks cool) * A metal finger, not a spoon [https://cocktailkingdom.com/products/gaz-regan-negroni-finger-stirrer-stainless-steel-35cm] (I could resist linking to this one) * Homestia Gothic Skull Bar Spoon [https://amzn.to/3ZFsQew] (A cheaper skull) * Viski Stainless Steel Weighted Barspoon [https://amzn.to/4gBujZv] * Hawthorne Strainers * Barfly Bar Strainer, Stainless Steel [https://amzn.to/4dnFP82] * A Bar Above Hawthorne Strainer [https://amzn.to/3BnBvrW] * Julep Strainers * Cocktail Kingdom Premium Julep Strainer [https://cocktailkingdom.com/products/premium-julep-strainer-stainless-steel-mirror-finish] --- FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram & Threads: @perfectsippodcast https://www.instagram.com/perfectsippodcast [https://www.instagram.com/perfectsippodcast] https://www.threads.net/@perfectsippodcast [https://www.threads.net/@perfectsippodcast]

Understanding Cocktail Balance

Today, we’re revealing the art and science behind cocktail balance—from ethanol’s heat to the nuanced finish of bitters. We define it, describe it, and explain how we experience it, all without getting our togas wet. Then it’s time for the Cocktail of the Week. If Ben hates it so much, why does he drink so many? Oh, and he said he needs to know your robe size and that he’ll meet you inside. So get in here! TOO LONG, DIDN’T LISTEN (00:00) Understanding Cocktail Balance (03:17) It’s a party, and everyone says you’re the straw that stirs the drink (09:13) Balance: It’s all in the mouth of the beholder (and no, that’s not a D&D reference) (13:28) The science of cocktail balance: battling the burn (14:08) Breaking down the five elements: Spirit, sweet, sour, bitterness, and dilution (28:51) Honorable mention elements: temperature, mouthfeel, and flavor (29:00) Cocktail of the Week: Negroni (37:47) Closing RECIPE NEGRONI * 1 oz gin * 1 oz Campari * 1 oz sweet vermouth * Garnish: orange twist * In a mixing glass with ice, combine gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Stir until just chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice chunk, garnish with an orange twist (express the oils over the glass), and enjoy responsibly. --- BOOKS & EQUIPMENT LINKS The links below that point to Amazon are affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase we may receive a small compensation at no extra cost to you. Links to any other destination are not affiliate links. BOOKS We own and recommend these books: The 12 Bottle Bar: Make Hundreds of Cocktails with Just Twelve Bottles [https://amzn.to/3TzZ5bg] by David Solmonson, Lesley Jacobs Solmonson Liquid Intelligence: The Art and Science of the Perfect Cocktail [https://amzn.to/3XRGbz5] by Dave Arnold Imbibe! [https://amzn.to/4dgfA35] by David Wondrich Cocktail Codex [https://amzn.to/4ebizLH] by Alex Day, Nick Fauchald, David Kaplan EQUIPMENT Products we own, like and use: * Measuring tools * OXO Good Grips Mini Angled Measuring Cup, 2 Oz capacity [https://amzn.to/3Zrz15P] * OXO Metal Angled Measuring Cup [https://amzn.to/4d8HhuG] * OXO SteeL Double Jigger [https://amzn.to/3ZxKNMd] * Shakers * This shaking set is sold as two separate items on Amazon, you will need both * Cocktail Kingdom Koriko Small Weighted Shaking Tin [https://amzn.to/4e6HIXB] * Cocktail Kingdom Koriko Large Weighted Shaking Tin [https://amzn.to/3XPgMWY] * Mixing Glasses/Tins * Viski Crystal Mixing Glass, 17 oz [https://amzn.to/4erdMW1] * Pint glass: you don’t need a link for this do you? * Peelers * OXO Good Grips Y-Peeler [https://amzn.to/4dogtqo] * Bar Spoons * Crate & Barrel: Bar Spoon with Muddler [https://www.crateandbarrel.com/bar-spoon-with-muddler/s214336] * Cork Screw / Bottle Opener * True Truetap Double Hinged Waiters Corkscrew [https://amzn.to/4ekVExu] * Bar Towels * White Flour Sack Towels [https://amzn.to/3BpSbz5] * Glassware * Highball * Strauss 13-Oz. Cooler Glass [https://www.crateandbarrel.com/strauss-13-oz.-cooler-glass/s557544] * Lowball * Crescent 10-Oz. Double Old-Fashioned Glass [https://www.crateandbarrel.com/crescent-10-oz.-double-old-fashioned-glass/s043524] * Strauss 11-Oz. Double Old-Fashioned Glass [https://www.crateandbarrel.com/strauss-11-oz.-double-old-fashioned-glass/s557552] * Stemmed * Mercer 10-Oz. Coupe Glass [https://www.crateandbarrel.com/mercer-10-oz.-coupe-glass/s422321] Products we don’t own but would consider buying: * Measuring Tools * Cocktail Farmer Standard Jigger [https://amzn.to/3MQFdgh] * Piña Barware Bell/Leopold Style Stainless Steel Jigger 2oz. / 1oz. [https://amzn.to/3TDiRT3] * Piña Barware Slim/Japanese Style Stainless Steel Jigger 2oz. / 1oz. [https://amzn.to/3TDiQPe] * Shakers * A Bar Above Weighted Craft Boston Shaker Set [https://amzn.to/4eyF50A] (Single set slightly less expensive than the Koriko) * Houdini Boston Cocktail Shaker [https://amzn.to/3MQctnG] (a well rated pint glass set) * Barfly Double Wall Diamond Lattice Mixing Tin [https://amzn.to/3ZuJc9I] * Knives * Cocktail Kingdom Buswell Paring Knife [https://cocktailkingdom.com/products/buswell-paring-knife] * Victorinox 3.25 Inch Swiss Classic Paring Knife [https://amzn.to/3zBDSa0] (Green - Black seems to be in high demand) * Cutting Board * Jelli Reversible Black Marble 14.5"x11" Cutting Board [https://www.crateandbarrel.com/jelli-reversible-black-marble-14.5x11-cutting-board/s279495] * Bar Spoons * Cocktail Kingdom Skull [https://cocktailkingdom.com/products/skull-barspoon-gunmetal-black-33cm] (We wouldn’t really buy this but it looks cool) * A metal finger, not a spoon [https://cocktailkingdom.com/products/gaz-regan-negroni-finger-stirrer-stainless-steel-35cm] (I could resist linking to this one) * Homestia Gothic Skull Bar Spoon [https://amzn.to/3ZFsQew] (A cheaper skull) * Viski Stainless Steel Weighted Barspoon [https://amzn.to/4gBujZv] * Hawthorne Strainers * Barfly Bar Strainer, Stainless Steel [https://amzn.to/4dnFP82] * A Bar Above Hawthorne Strainer [https://amzn.to/3BnBvrW] * Julep Strainers * Cocktail Kingdom Premium Julep Strainer [https://cocktailkingdom.com/products/premium-julep-strainer-stainless-steel-mirror-finish] --- FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram & Threads: @perfectsippodcast https://www.instagram.com/perfectsippodcast [https://www.instagram.com/perfectsippodcast] https://www.threads.net/@perfectsippodcast [https://www.threads.net/@perfectsippodcast]