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Ever wondered which cocktails you should actually master for your home bar? When the Man Cave Happy Hour crew discovered a list of "13 Essential Cocktails Everyone Should Know How to Make," they couldn't resist putting these classics to the test.

Armed with bottles of Sazerac rye, absinthe, Campari, and a lemon that received perhaps too much attention, Jamie, August, Matt and guests Barry and Mike work their way through iconic drinks like the Sazerac, Old Fashioned, Martini and Negroni. What unfolds is equal parts mixology lesson and riotous debate about everything from the wasteful practice of "rinsing" glasses with expensive liquors to the divisive nature of olives in martinis.

The crew uncovers fascinating cocktail history along the way, like how the Old Fashioned got its name from frustrated drinkers simply wanting "a good, old-fashioned cocktail" amid increasingly complicated concoctions—a sentiment that resonates in today's era of elaborate mixology. As Anthony Bourdain would say about enjoying a perfect Negroni, "Your body is not a temple, it's an amusement park. Enjoy the ride."

Between sips and storytelling, they question whether some "essential" cocktails truly belong on the home bartender's list. After all, who actually keeps a bottle of Benedictine or crème de violette at home? As one host puts it, "Some of these are like you have to hike up the Himalayan mountain to find a special herb."

Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast or just someone who enjoys watching friends get progressively more opinionated with each sip, this episode delivers spirits, stories, and endless entertainment. Pour yourself something delicious and join us for the perfect happy hour experience.

https://casualmixologist.com/guides/casual-banter/13-classic-cocktails-every-home-mixologist-should-know-how-to-make

https://linktr.ee/ManCaveHappyHour

www.ManCaveHappyHour.com

Jamie Flanagan @DJJamieDetroit

Matt Fox @fox_beazlefox

Merch www.WearingFunny.com