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.

(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

• 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.

• 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.

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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.

We own and recommend these books:

The 12 Bottle Bar: Make Hundreds of Cocktails with Just Twelve Bottles by David Solmonson, Lesley Jacobs Solmonson

Liquid Intelligence: The Art and Science of the Perfect Cocktail by Dave Arnold

Imbibe! by David Wondrich

Cocktail Codex by Alex Day, Nick Fauchald, David Kaplan

Products we own, like and use:

• Measuring tools
• OXO Good Grips Mini Angled Measuring Cup, 2 Oz capacity
• OXO Metal Angled Measuring Cup
• OXO SteeL Double Jigger
• Shakers
• This shaking set is sold as two separate items on Amazon, you will need both
• Cocktail Kingdom Koriko Small Weighted Shaking Tin
• Cocktail Kingdom Koriko Large Weighted Shaking Tin
• Mixing Glasses/Tins
• Viski Crystal Mixing Glass, 17 oz
• Pint glass: you don’t need a link for this do you?
• Peelers

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!

(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

• 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.

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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.

We own and recommend these books:

The 12 Bottle Bar: Make Hundreds of Cocktails with Just Twelve Bottles by David Solmonson, Lesley Jacobs Solmonson

Liquid Intelligence: The Art and Science of the Perfect Cocktail by Dave Arnold

Imbibe! by David Wondrich

Cocktail Codex by Alex Day, Nick Fauchald, David Kaplan

Products we own, like and use:

• Measuring tools
• OXO Good Grips Mini Angled Measuring Cup, 2 Oz capacity
• OXO Metal Angled Measuring Cup
• OXO SteeL Double Jigger
• Shakers
• This shaking set is sold as two separate items on Amazon, you will need both
• Cocktail Kingdom Koriko Small Weighted Shaking Tin
• Cocktail Kingdom Koriko Large Weighted Shaking Tin
• Mixing Glasses/Tins
• Viski Crystal Mixing Glass, 17 oz
• Pint glass: you don’t need a link for this do you?
• Peelers
• OXO Good Grips Y-Peeler
• Bar Spoons
• Crate & Barrel: Bar Spoon with Muddler
• Cork Screw / Bottle Opener
• True Truetap Double Hinged Waiters Corkscrew
• Bar Towels
• White Flour Sack...

It’s Happy Hour and Halloween! We’re presenting two Halloween inspired cocktails to celebrate. But first, we talk about our bar and cocktail making set ups and trade tips and tricks to simplify cocktail crafting and cleaning up afterward.

Then, Ben presents his cocktail the Horseman’s Head*. This White Russian and Pumpkin Spice Latte mashup is a wonderful creamy dessert cocktail that leans heavily on traditional fall flavors. But it’s anything but basic.

Matthew then goes after the witches* with his Burned at the Stake. This smoky and tart kicked-up margarita looks as good as it tastes. Perfect in the hands of a sexy vampire handing out candy or a rain soaked parent wearing an orange button that says “Boo!”

*No horsemen or witches were harmed in the making of these cocktails.

(00:00) We want to suck your blood

(02:26) How to set up your bar for maximum cocktail efficiency (or when Jane from accounting ruins your day).

(07:22) Matthew comes clean about his 98(!)-bottle bar

(13:31) Cleaning tips and tricks

(18:15) Handling distractions and parenting advice

(19:00) … and marriage advice

(20:09) Angostura bitters: the stealthy stain master

(24:41) What makes a cocktail a “Halloween cocktail”?

(26:15) Cocktail 1: Horseman’s Head – A creamy, boozy pumpkin-spiced delight.

(34:50) Cocktail 2: Burned at the Stake – A smoky, citrusy margarita riff with a haunting twist.

• 1 oz Mr. Black coffee liqueur
• 1 oz vodka
• 2 oz Heavy Cream / Whipping Cream
• 3/4 oz Pumpkin Spice Syrup
• Combine Mr. Black’s, Vodka and pumpkin spice syrup in a mixing glass. Stir to combine. Pour over a very large single ice cube in a rocks glass. Stir gently to slightly chill. In a separate mixing glass slightly whip cream with a milk frother. (You can also shake in a mason jar.) Once cream has thickened to a thick but pourable consistency, gently pour into the glass. Aim for the top middle of the ice cube.

• 1 part pumpkin juice
• 1 part Demerara sugar
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2-4 slices of fresh ginger
• whole nutmeg
• Heat pumpkin juice over low heat. Add Demerara sugar and stir until dissolved. Bring to a slight simmer and add cinnamon sticks and ginger slices. Remove from heat and let ginger and cinnamon steep for 5-10 minutes. Remove ginger. Grate whole nutmeg over syrup to taste. Stir to combine and store in a well-sealed container with cinnamon sticks. (Or remove them, I don’t care. I’m sure someone on the internet has a strong opinion about this; maybe you can search for it.)

• 1 1/2 oz tequila teposado
• 1/2 oz mezcal
• 1 oz lime juice
• 1/2 oz Grand Marnier
• 1/2 oz grenadine
• Garnish: Black salt rim and a blood orange slice
• Rim a rocks glass with lime and black salt for an eerie effect. In a shaker, combine tequila, mezcal, lime juice, Grand Marnier, and grenadine. Shake well and strain into the prepared glass over ice. Garnish with a blood orange slice for that extra spooky look.

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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.

We own and recommend these books:

The 12 Bottle Bar: Make Hundreds of Cocktails with Just Twelve Bottles by David Solmonson, Lesley Jacobs Solmonson

Liquid Intelligence: The Art and Science of the Perfect Cocktail by...

In this episode we’re organizing our bar, getting ready for a cocktail session (some might call it party), and perfecting our cocktail making set up. Today is all about preparation so you can spend less time searching for your bar spoons and more time smiling maniacally at your guests as you shake their cocktails. What are you, a YouTuber?

(00:00) Opening: Bar Preparation

(01:14) The three key states of cocktail prep: Ready, set, me’s-in-what?

(02:29) You bar’s default state: dusty or disastorous?

(09:11) Preparing for a cocktail session

(14:23) Preparing for the next cocktail like a master chef

(23:36) Cocktail of the week: Brandy Flip

(30:01) Closing

Ingredients:

• 2 oz brandy
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 1 whole egg
• Ground nutmeg (for garnish)
• In a shaker without ice, combine brandy, simple syrup, and the whole egg (no shell!). Shake for 10-15 seconds to emulsify. Add ice and shake again until well chilled (another 10-15 seconds). Double strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.

---

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.

We own and recommend these books:

The 12 Bottle Bar: Make Hundreds of Cocktails with Just Twelve Bottles by David Solmonson, Lesley Jacobs Solmonson

Liquid Intelligence: The Art and Science of the Perfect Cocktail by Dave Arnold

Imbibe! by David Wondrich

Cocktail Codex by Alex Day, Nick Fauchald, David Kaplan

Products we own, like and use:

• Measuring tools
• OXO Good Grips Mini Angled Measuring Cup, 2 Oz capacity
• OXO Metal Angled Measuring Cup
• OXO SteeL Double Jigger
• Shakers
• This shaking set is sold as two separate items on Amazon, you will need both
• Cocktail Kingdom Koriko Small Weighted Shaking Tin
• Cocktail Kingdom Koriko Large Weighted Shaking Tin
• Mixing Glasses/Tins
• Viski Crystal Mixing Glass, 17 oz
• Pint glass: you don’t need a link for this do you?
• Peelers
• OXO Good Grips Y-Peeler
• Bar Spoons
• Crate & Barrel: Bar Spoon with Muddler
• Cork Screw / Bottle Opener
• True Truetap Double Hinged Waiters Corkscrew
• Bar Towels
• White Flour Sack Towels
• Glassware
• Highball

It’s Happy Hour! Ben & Matthew discuss muddling, layering, and bubblification. And probably not for the last time, Ben tells you how not to make a bomb. Then they present a layered and a muddled cocktail, with mixed results.

Ben muddles his way through an attempt to layer the Vertigo cocktail. It doesn’t go well, but the cocktail still tastes great with a refreshing kola and ginger vibe. To make up for it, he also gives a bonus recipe for a pretty but boozy Indigo Gin and Ginger Beer cocktail.

Matthew, on the other hand, deftly lays down a perfectly muddled Mojito. It’s the classic cocktail done right. He even throws in a bonus technique: the swizzle, to make it extra frosty.

(00:00) Opening—Matthew gets vetoed and wet-willied. Rough start

(04:05) Matthew is the life of the party

(08:00) Bubblification wins in a landslide

(12:30) Measure bubbles with your heart not jiggers

(17:53) Ben lays bricks

(19:49) Cocktail: Vertigo

(25:16) Cocktail: Mojito

(32:30) Swizzling: bonus technique

• 2 oz Averna
• 1/2 oz Lemon Juice
• 4 oz Ginger Beer
• Add lemon juice and ginger beer to a highball or collins glass with ice. Stir gently to combine. Using the back of a bar spoon, slowly layer the Averna over the top of the ginger beer and lemon juice. Your mileage may vary in successfully layering this cocktail. Try packing the glass tightly with ice and floating the Averna on the ice.

• 3-5 mint leaves
• 1/2 oz Simple Syrup
• 2 oz White Rum
• 3/4 oz Lime Juice
• Club Soda, to top
• Garnish: Mint Sprig and Lime Wheel
• Gently muddle mint leaves and simple syrup in the bottom of a highball glass. (If you prefer not having mint leaves in the drink, build it in a cocktail shaker.) Add rum and lime juice, then fill with ice. Stir to combine. Top with club soda. Garnish with a mint sprig and/or lime wheel.

---

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.

We own and recommend these books:

The 12 Bottle Bar: Make Hundreds of Cocktails with Just Twelve Bottles by David Solmonson, Lesley Jacobs Solmonson

Liquid Intelligence: The Art and Science of the Perfect Cocktail by Dave Arnold

Imbibe! by David Wondrich

Cocktail Codex by Alex Day, Nick Fauchald, David Kaplan

Products we own, like and use:

• Measuring tools
• OXO Good Grips Mini Angled Measuring Cup, 2 Oz capacity
• OXO Metal Angled Measuring Cup
• OXO SteeL Double Jigger
• Shakers
• This shaking set is sold as two separate items on Amazon, you will need both
• Cocktail Kingdom Koriko Small Weighted Shaking Tin
• Cocktail Kingdom Koriko Large Weighted Shaking Tin
• Mixing Glasses/Tins
• Viski Crystal Mixing...

We’re muddling, layering, and take special care of our bubbles. We explain why the key to muddling is to muddle less, how to use layers to create a cocktail that evolves, how to keep your bubbly cocktails bubbling longer. Oh, and we also give advice on how to protect the most precious resource of all: the last lemon in your home.

(00:00) Opening

(01:35) Muddling: When to tap and when to smash

(07:32) Layering: The truth is Ben can’t do it

(12:19) Bubbles: How to keep your bubbles alive

(17:06) Save money like a pro

(21:03) Straining: It’s easy. Why did we even include this?

(22:38) Cocktail of the week: Aperol Spritz

(30:10) Closing

• 3 oz Prosecco
• 2 oz Aperol
• 1 splash to 1 oz club soda
• Orange Wheel for garnish
• Fill a large wine glass with ice. Pour in the Prosecco, the Aperol and then the club soda. Tuck the entire orange wheel in the glass. Don’t murder your bubbles.

---

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.

We own and recommend these books:

The 12 Bottle Bar: Make Hundreds of Cocktails with Just Twelve Bottles by David Solmonson, Lesley Jacobs Solmonson

Liquid Intelligence: The Art and Science of the Perfect Cocktail by Dave Arnold

Imbibe! by David Wondrich

Cocktail Codex by Alex Day, Nick Fauchald, David Kaplan

Products we own, like and use:

• Measuring tools
• OXO Good Grips Mini Angled Measuring Cup, 2 Oz capacity
• OXO Metal Angled Measuring Cup
• OXO SteeL Double Jigger
• Shakers
• This shaking set is sold as two separate items on Amazon, you will need both
• Cocktail Kingdom Koriko Small Weighted Shaking Tin
• Cocktail Kingdom Koriko Large Weighted Shaking Tin
• Mixing Glasses/Tins
• Viski Crystal Mixing Glass, 17 oz
• Pint glass: you don’t need a link for this do you?
• Peelers
• OXO Good Grips Y-Peeler
• Bar Spoons
• Crate & Barrel: Bar Spoon with Muddler
• Cork Screw / Bottle Opener
• True Truetap Double Hinged Waiters Corkscrew
• Bar Towels
• White Flour Sack Towels
• Glassware
• Highball
• Strauss 13-Oz. Cooler Glass
• Lowball

It’s Happy Hour! Ben & Matthew discuss the methods of cocktail dilution, why stirring is more difficult than shaking, and how to not get punched in the face. Later they discuss if size matters, of your ice that is. Finally they introduce an original stirred cocktail and a modern-ish classic shaken cocktail.

Ben’s stirred Orange and Black is a bold yet balanced cocktail that blends the spice of rye whiskey with the rich, earthy notes of Mr. Black coffee liqueur. The orange liqueur adds a subtle brightness, while the bitters tie everything together. It’s the perfect practice field for perfecting your stirring technique.

Matthew is bringing the shaken Army and Navy, a smooth, citrus-forward sour that perfectly balances gin’s juniper bite with the creamy sweetness of Orgeat. It’s a classic, yet vibrant, cocktail with a luxurious texture and a refreshing finish that is elevated by the shaking technique.

(01:28) Building cocktails and mastering dilution

(02:31) Why aeration can make or break your drink

(05:30) How to shake a cocktail like a pro (but only if you listen twice)

(10:11) Does size really matter? Absolutely, when it comes to ice

(13:35) Aeration: the secret ingredient to flavor and feel

(16:56) Stirring cocktails: trickier than you'd think

(21:00) Mastering dilution with consistency

(23:00) Cocktail: The Orange and Black

(26:08) Cocktail: The Army & Navy

• 1 1/2 oz rye whiskey
• 1/2 oz Mr. Black coffee liqueur
• 1/4 oz orange liqueur (I used Cointreau)
• 2 dashes orange bitters
• Garnish with orange twist
• Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice. Stir to your desired dilution, then strain into a rocks glass with one large ice cube. Express an orange twist over the glass, rub around the rim, and drop into the drink.

• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz lime juice
• 3/4 - 1 oz Orgeat
• 1 dash Angostura Bitters
• Garnish: lime wheel
• Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until well-chilled. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a lime wheel.

---

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.

We own and recommend these books:

The 12 Bottle Bar: Make Hundreds of Cocktails with Just Twelve Bottles by David Solmonson, Lesley Jacobs Solmonson

Liquid Intelligence: The Art and Science of the Perfect Cocktail by Dave Arnold

Imbibe! by David Wondrich

Cocktail Codex by Alex Day, Nick Fauchald, David Kaplan

Products we own, like and use:

• Measuring tools
• OXO Good Grips Mini Angled Measuring Cup, 2 Oz capacity
• OXO Metal Angled Measuring Cup
• OXO SteeL Double Jigger
• Shakers
• This shaking set is sold as two separate items on Amazon, you will need both
• Cocktail Kingdom Koriko Small Weighted Shaking Tin

In this bonus episode we’re tackling the mystical Boston shaker. We cover how to seal it, why it will definitely stay sealed, and how to open it like a pro. We also tell you how to handle a stuck shaker, prevent leaks and how to not make a bomb, because cocktails don’t belong on the floor or all over your pride. So throw away that cobbler shaker your husband bought you for Mother's Day and get in here! (Regift it to the MIL?)

(00:00) How to Use the Boston Shaker

(02:05) Why we love the Boston shaker

(04:17) Which tin do you build in? Big, little, or chaos?

(06:05) The seal: How to lock it down like a pro

(08:23) The shake: waka waka waka!

(09:36) The science: why your Boston shaker stays sealed

(12:26) Opening: smack it, squeeze it, or … strangle it?

(16:07) Troubleshooting: overfilling, leaks, and explosions

(19:05) Don’t shake bubbles. Just don't. Seriously.

---

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.

We own and recommend these books:

The 12 Bottle Bar: Make Hundreds of Cocktails with Just Twelve Bottles by David Solmonson, Lesley Jacobs Solmonson

Liquid Intelligence: The Art and Science of the Perfect Cocktail by Dave Arnold

Imbibe! by David Wondrich

Cocktail Codex by Alex Day, Nick Fauchald, David Kaplan

Products we own, like and use:

• Measuring tools
• OXO Good Grips Mini Angled Measuring Cup, 2 Oz capacity
• OXO Metal Angled Measuring Cup
• OXO SteeL Double Jigger
• Shakers
• This shaking set is sold as two separate items on Amazon, you will need both
• Cocktail Kingdom Koriko Small Weighted Shaking Tin
• Cocktail Kingdom Koriko Large Weighted Shaking Tin
• Mixing Glasses/Tins
• Viski Crystal Mixing Glass, 17 oz
• Pint glass: you don’t need a link for this do you?
• Peelers
• OXO Good Grips Y-Peeler
• Bar Spoons
• Crate & Barrel: Bar Spoon with Muddler
• Cork Screw / Bottle Opener
• True Truetap Double Hinged Waiters Corkscrew
• Bar Towels
• White Flour Sack Towels
• Glassware
• Highball
• Strauss 13-Oz. Cooler Glass
• Lowball
• Crescent 10-Oz. Double Old-Fashioned Glass