The Art of Drinking with Join Jules and Your Favorite Uncle

Final episode of our January rerun series! For today’s spotlight, we go all the way back to episode 1 where we talk about the old fashioned. Admittedly, this is a bit of a curve ball as we dive into the Wisconsin Old Fashioned, which is an... interesting take on the classic Old Fashioned. The classic is simply spirit, bitters, sugar, and water. But here’s the catch, any spirit will do and you can make things interesting by changing up the bitters and even playing with flavored simple syrups. The world is your oyster, slurp it up! 

The Art of Drinking 

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Join Jules 

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Uncle Brad  

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Welcome back to our January rerun series! For today’s spotlight, I’m thrilled to revisit Episode 17, where we dive into the elegant and effervescent French 75. One of my ALL time favorites and my go to welcome cocktail to serve when hosting parties. 

I chose the French 75 for this rerun because it’s a brilliant riff on the classic Sour cocktail—that timeless combination of spirit, citrus, and sweetener. What makes the French 75 stand out, though, is its use of sparkling wine as a mixer or lengthener. The addition of bubbles transforms the structure of the drink, making it light, festive, and perfect for celebrations or any time you want to elevate your cocktail experience. 

By mastering the French 75, you’re stepping into the world of the Collins family of drinks. The Collins family is all about taking the basic sour template and “lengthening” it with something fizzy—traditionally club soda, but as the French 75 shows, sparkling wine is a fantastic twist. Other drinks in this family include the Tom Collins, John Collins, and Vodka Collins—each swapping out the base spirit or bubbly for different flavors and personalities. 

And while we're here, it's worth tipping our hat to the Mojito. Though technically not a Collins, the Mojito follows a remarkably similar template: spirit (rum), citrus (lime), sweetener (sugar), and a bubbly lengthener (soda), plus the refreshing addition of mint. It’s a great example of how understanding the Collins structure empowers you to spot and create variations across cocktail families—even when they hail from different traditions or use different techniques. 

As you listen (or re-listen) to Episode 17, think about how the French 75 not only showcases the versatility of the sour formula, but also invites you to play with sparkling ingredients in your cocktails. Once you get comfortable with this style, a whole world of bubbly, refreshing drinks is yours to explore. 

Cheers to new adventures in the Collins family, and to a sparkling start to the new year!

Thinking about purchasing a Klaris ice machine? Go to craftKLARIS.com and use the code AOD10 for 10% OFF your purchase. Trust us, you won’t regret it ;-) 
 

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The Art of Drinking 

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Uncle Brad  

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This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast 

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Continuing our January return to cocktail fundamentals while Jules and Brad prep for the new year ahead. Last week we mastered the Sour; Spirit (rum), Sour (lime juice), Sweet (simple syrup) - better known as the Daiquiri. This week's Episode 11 introduces the Sidecar, which takes that Sour framework and swaps simple syrup for liqueur. This creates what's known as a Daisy style cocktail: Spirit (Cognac), Sour (lemon juice), Sweet (Cointreau). I always add a touch of simple syrup too, and you'll hear why. 

What's another Daisy you ask? Margarita anyone? Tequila, lime juice, Triple Sec—and yeah, it's better if you add a touch of simple syrup to that one too. 😉 
 
Thinking about purchasing a Klaris ice machine? Go to craftKLARIS.com and use the code AOD10 for 10% OFF your purchase. Trust us, you won’t regret it ;-) 
 

Klaris 
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The Art of Drinking 

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Uncle Brad  

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This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast 

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We are kicking off 2026 with a strategic return to cocktail fundamentals. While Jules and Brad plan an exciting year ahead, they're revisiting four essential episodes for new listeners and seasoned fans alike. This week features Episode 2: The Daiquiri - the quintessential Sour cocktail that unlocks the understanding of dozens of other drinks. 

Discover why the Sour formula (spirit + citrus + sweetener) is the backbone of home bartending. From the classic Daiquiri to Whiskey Sours, Lemon Drops, and Pisco Sours, Brad explains how mastering this simple balance of strong, sour, and sweet opens up endless cocktail possibilities. Whether you're new to The Art of Drinking or looking to refresh your fundamentals, this episode provides the essential knowledge every home bartender needs to build their repertoire with confidence. 

Thinking about purchasing a Klaris ice machine? Go to craftKLARIS.com and use the code AOD10 for 10% OFF your purchase. Trust us, you won’t regret it ;-) 

 
Klaris 

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The Art of Drinking 

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Uncle Brad  

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This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast 

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www.reddrockmusic.com

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Join Uncle Brad and Jules as they explore the sophisticated French Martini, a modern classic that's more Manhattan than Paris. Brad guides you through the traditional recipe featuring vodka, Chambord, and pineapple juice—super-sized for maximum enjoyment—while diving into the fascinating history of Chambord liqueur and its royal French origins. Discover how this elegant cocktail earned its name and learn the techniques for crafting this beautiful drink. Jules then puts a creative spin on the classic before wrapping up with an invaluable tip: how to craft your own fruit-flavored liqueurs at home, opening up endless possibilities for custom cocktail creations. Whether you're a vodka enthusiast or a DIY spirits maker, this episode delivers both history and hands-on knowledge you can use behind your own bar. 

Did Santa forget something? Treat yourself to a Klaris Ice machine – you deserve it. I mean, who doesn’t love clear ice (without the hassle of those clunky, never works, ice molds)? Go to craftKLARIS.com and use the code AOD10 for 10% OFF your purchase. Trust us, you won’t regret it ;-) 

TIP: DIY Liqueur

 
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Uncle Brad  

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This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast 

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Raise your flute for France's most elegant aperitif! Uncle Brad and Jules explore the Kir Royal, a sparkling symphony of crème de cassis and champagne that transforms any moment into a celebration. Brad walks listeners through the classic recipe and its surprisingly political origins - from a pragmatic Burgundian mayor's clever marketing to Parisian cafe culture. Jules shakes things up with Tia Barrett's inventive riff, marrying blueberry pomegranate juice, vodka, vanilla, and St.-Germain for a modern twist on the blackcurrant classic. Whether you're toasting with vintage Bollinger or smart-shopping at your local wine shop, Jules wraps the episode with essential champagne-buying tips that'll help you navigate labels, prices, and styles with confidence. Pop the cork and discover why this French favorite has enchanted drinkers for generations. 

Thinking about purchasing a Klaris ice machine? Go to craftKLARIS.com and use the code AOD10 for 10% OFF your purchase. Trust us, you won’t regret it ;-) 

Kir Royal 

Glass: Chilled flute glass 

Garnish: raspberry / blackberry / currant berries 

Directions & Ingredients 

In chilled flute glass add: 

Chilled champagne (halfway) 

½ oz of creme de cassis 

Top off with champagne 

Add garnish raspberry, blackberry, or current berries 

Tia Barrett’s Riff 

Glass: Chilled flute glass 

Garnish: raspberry / blackberry / currant berries 

Directions & Ingredients 

In chilled flute glass add: 

1 oz. Pom blueberry pomegranate juice 

½ oz. Vodka 

½ oz. Giffard Vanille de Madagascar 

¼ oz. St-Germain 

Top off with champagne 

Add garnish raspberry, blackberry, or current berries 

TIP: Buying champagne  

 
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The Art of Drinking 

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Uncle Brad  

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This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast 

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Join Uncle Brad and Jules as they explore the classic Three Dots and A Dash cocktail. Brad demonstrates the traditional recipe while Jules adds an unexpected Mexican twist (and no, it's not tequila). Discover the fascinating history behind this tiki favorite, including how it earned its Morse code-inspired name and the story of its creator. The episode wraps up with expert recommendations on rum bottles that make perfect holiday gifts for the spirits enthusiast in your life. Enjoy that sipping rum over a nice chunk of clear ice from your Klaris Ice Machine. Go to craftKLARIS.com and use the code AOD10 for 10% OFF your purchase. Trust us, you won’t regret it ;-) 

3 Dots & Coconut Horchata 

Ingredients 

1 oz aged rhum agricole 

3/4 oz blended rum, likebrads  

½ oz allspice dram 

¾ oz lime juice 

1 oz RumChata (or coconut horchata) 

3/4 oz coconut cream (Coco López or similar) 

½ oz cinnamon syrup 

1 dash Angostura bitters (optional but amazing) 

Directions: Add all ingredients to a shaker. Shake HARD with ice (you want it frothy and cold). Double strain into a tiki mug or double old fashioned glass. Top with a little crushed ice. 

Three Dots & A Dash Recipe 

Glass: Tall Tiki or Collins Glass 
Garnish: 3 cherries and a pineapple slice shaped into a dash on a cocktail pick 

Ingredients: 

1½ oz aged rhum agricole (preferably from Martinique) 

½ oz aged Caribbean blended rum 

¼ oz falernum liqueur 

¼ oz allspice liqueur 

½ oz fresh lime juice 

½ oz fresh orange juice 

½ oz honey syrup (2:1 honey to water, acacia honey preferred) 

1 dash Angostura aromatic bitters 

Handful of ice 

Directions: Add all ingredients to blender and flash blend (3 second pulses 3 – 4 times). Pour into glass, top with crush ice, and garnish. 

TIP: Gifting rum for the holidays  

 
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In this festive episode of The Art of Drinking, Jules shares her Nonna-approved Tom & Jerry recipe—a classic holiday cocktail that's equal parts tradition and indulgence. Uncle Brad dives into the drink's rich history and reveals the surprising story behind how this warming winter libation got its name. Jules walks listeners through her technique for creating the perfect Tom & Jerry batter, but fair warning: she's keeping the full recipe under wraps. You'll need to grab a copy of her book Pretty Simple Cocktails at [insert website] or sharpen your note-taking skills during this episode. Whether you're a holiday cocktail enthusiast or just curious about this vintage favorite, this episode delivers the perfect blend of history, technique, and family tradition. 

The holidays are here! Want to up your clear ice game to the next level? Go to craftKLARIS.com and use the code AOD10 for 10% OFF your purchase. Trust us, you won’t regret it ;-) 

 
Klaris 

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The Art of Drinking 

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Uncle Brad  

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This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast 

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Uncle Brad and Jules crack open the world of nocino, a mysterious and delicious walnut liqueur, which could also be considered an amaro. Brad kicks things off with a Walnut Banana Bread Old Fashioned that puts everything you've learned from this podcast into practice—spirit, sweet, bitters, water, done. Jules counters with her Bitter Nocino, a nutty twist on the classic Negroni that'll make you rethink your ratios. You’ll want your clear ice for this one!

Head over to Klaris to grab your craft ice machine-craftKLARIS.com and use the code AOD10 for 10% OFF your purchase. Trust us, this takes your cocktails to the next level.

Then things get historical as Brad traces nocino's journey from ancient Druidic rituals through to the road to Rome, complete with tales of virgins climbing walnut trees under the summer solstice moon. Finally, Jules breaks down the art of fat washing spirits with practical tips that'll level up your home bar game. Whether you're here for the cocktails, the history, or the slightly scandalous folklore, this episode has something for everyone. 

Banana Bread Old Fashioned 

Glass: Double rocks glass 

Garnish: Orange peel or a walnut (but that’s not as fancy is it)  

Directions & Ingredients 

In mixing glass add: 

2.5oz Bourbon 

0.5oz Nocino 

0.25 Banana Liqueur  

0.33oz simple syrup 

2 dash of orange bitters 

Stir for 25 rotations in mixing glass (or add 0.25oz of water to your drink and skip the glass) 

Strain into your chilled rocks glass over a big beautiful clear ice cube 

Add orange peel garnish  

Framework: 

The Bitter Nocino 

Ingredients: 

1 oz Gin 

½ oz Nocino 

½ oz Sweet Vermouth 

1 oz Campari 

Large Cube, orange twist & Cinnamon stick on top 

Instructions: 

To a mixing glass add your ingredients, add ice, and mix to chill and dilute. 

Strain over a large Klaris cube & top with an orange twist and cinnamon stick on top 

TIP: Fat washing your spirits 

 
Klaris 

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The Art of Drinking 

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Join Jules 

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Uncle Brad  

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This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast 

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We're back with another All Spice Dram cocktail, and this week we're exploring the Lion's Tail—a bourbon-based classic that emerged from the creative explosion of post-Prohibition mixology. Brad walks you through the proper technique for crafting this spirited sipper then dives into its fascinating history and the possible origins of its name. Jules adds her personal twist to the recipe, then shifts gears for our tip segment with a guide to the three most popular fall amaro’s that should be on your radar as the weather cools down. Whether you're looking to expand your home bar or just want to impress at your next gathering, this episode delivers the goods. 

Want to elevate your cocktail game? Get yourself a Klaris Ice Machine for the best clear cubes you will ever see (nor not see – get it, they’re clear)! Go to craftKLARIS.com and use the code AOD10 for 10% OFF your purchase. Trust us, you won’t regret it ;-) 

Lions Tail 

Glass: Coupe 

Garnish: Lime peel 

Directions & Ingredients 

In shaker glass add: 

2.0 oz Bourbon 

2 tsp of Allspice Dram liqueur 

0.5 oz of Fresh lime juice 

1 tsp of Rich simple syrup (2:1) 

1 dash of Angostura bitters41 

Shake for 20 seconds 

Double Strain into coupe glass 

Add garnish 

 
Jules’ Riff 

Glass: Coupe  

In a cocktail shaker add: 

1 oz Bourbon 

1 oz Rye Whiskey 

½ oz Cynar 

½ oz maple syrup 

¾ oz lemon juice 

½ oz allspice dram 

1 egg white 

2 dashes angostura 

Dry shake 

Shake again with ice 

Double strain into a coupe 

Fresh nutmeg on top! 

 
Klaris 

IG: @craftklaris 

Website: www.craftklaris.com   

 
The Art of Drinking 

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Join Jules 

IG: @join_jules 

TikTok: @join_jules  

Website: joinjules.com 

Uncle Brad  

IG: @favorite_uncle_brad 

This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast 

IG: @reddrockmusic 

www.reddrockmusic.com

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