By Ben Henry and Matthew Henry
5
1010 ratings
The podcast currently has 18 episodes available.
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
RecipesTypical Ben Rum Drink---
Books & Equipment LinksThe 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.
BooksWe 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
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Products we don’t own but would consider buying:
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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!
(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
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Books & Equipment LinksThe 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.
BooksWe 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
EquipmentProducts we own, like and use:
Products we don’t own but would consider buying:
---
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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
RecipesBanana Frexicano---
Books & Equipment LinksThe 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.
BooksWe 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
EquipmentProducts we own, like and use:
Products we don’t own but would consider buying:
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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
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Books & Equipment LinksThe 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.
BooksWe 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
EquipmentProducts we own, like and use:
Products we don’t own but would consider buying:
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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.
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Books & Equipment LinksThe 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.
BooksWe 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
EquipmentProducts we own, like and use:
Products we don’t own but would consider buying:
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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?
Too Long, Didn’t Listen(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
RecipesBrandy FlipIngredients:
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Books & Equipment LinksThe 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.
BooksWe 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
EquipmentProducts we own, like and use:
Products we don’t own but would consider buying:
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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.
Too Long Didn’t Read(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
RecipesVertigo---
Books & Equipment LinksThe 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.
BooksWe 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
EquipmentProducts we own, like and use:
Products we don’t own but would consider buying:
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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.
Too Long Didn’t Listen(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
RecipesAperol Spritz---
Books & Equipment LinksThe 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.
BooksWe 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
EquipmentProducts we own, like and use:
Products we don’t own but would consider buying:
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Find us on Social MediaInstagram & Threads: @perfectsippodcast
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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.
Too Long, Didn’t Listen(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
RecipesOrange and Black---
Books & Equipment LinksThe 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.
BooksWe 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
EquipmentProducts we own, like and use:
Products we don’t own but would consider buying:
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Find us on Social MediaInstagram & Threads: @perfectsippodcast
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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?)
Too Long, Didn’t Listen(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.
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Books & Equipment LinksThe 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.
BooksWe 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
EquipmentProducts we own, like and use:
Products we don’t own but would consider buying:
---
Find us on Social MediaInstagram & Threads: @perfectsippodcast
https://www.instagram.com/perfectsippodcast
https://www.threads.net/@perfectsippodcast
The podcast currently has 18 episodes available.
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