It's Happy Hour! In this episode Matthew is making native San Franciscans pucker with a classic Frisco Sour. Ben is getting into old time elixirs with the forgotten classic, the Monkey Gland. They also debate which spirit they would keep above all others and then advise on how a master of one cocktail is really the master of many. Recipes below. Frisco Sour 1 2/3 oz Bourbon 1/2 oz Benedictine D.O.M. Liqueur 1/2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice 1/4 oz Fresh Lime Juice 1/4 oz Rich Simple Syrup (2:1 Sugar to w...
Jun 29, 2023•35 min•Season 3Ep. 128
Matthew goes solo on this one! Or did he? This episode delves into how the Padres keep Padre-ing and answers questions from listeners that dig deep - or not. You be the judge. On the cocktail side, Matthew is drinking a Toasted Ginger Godfather while Ben's Sidecar is back. The good news is that Ben is back from Iceland next week - or is he? Listen and find out!
Jun 26, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 127
It's Happy Hour! In this episode Ben pulls up with a classic Sidecar. Meanwhile Matthew saunters in with his Toasted Ginger Godfather. They also forget their swim suits while diving into when to buy large bottles vs small small bottles. Recipes below. Sidecar 2 oz. Cognac 1 oz. Orange Liqueur (Cointreau) 1 oz. Lemon Juice Lemon peel for garnish Sugar for rim Sugar the rim of a chilled coupe glass. (Put sugar on a small plate. Take a lemon wedge with a split perpendicular down the middle. Run spl...
Jun 22, 2023•34 min•Season 3Ep. 126
Ben is in Iceland and sounds like he's in space but that doesn't stop the boys from celebrating a perfect week of Giants baseball. Matthew is drinking his Paper Plane while Ben pretends to drink his Bloody Mary. The guys talk about sweeping the Dodgers, how Luis Matos has done and how the youth infusion might play out into next year. They also talk about the injuries and isn't time to bring up Kyle Harrison?
Jun 19, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 125
Ben's in Iceland and Matthew can't do anything when Ben is gone so this episode is a couple days late. Sorry! But it's Happy Hour now and in this episode Matthew is flying in on a modern classic, the perfect Paper Plane. Ben is nursing his hangover and battered ego with a Bloody Mary. They also discuss the merits of everyone's favorite vegetable, celery! Also, tips on how to keep your bar space clean while crafting your drinks. Recipes below. Paper Plane 3/4 oz Bourbon 3/4 oz Aperol 3/4 oz Amaro...
Jun 15, 2023•32 min•Season 3Ep. 124
Luis Matos is absolutely raking in Sacramento. Surely his debut must be imminent? Probably not, but we can dream. And drink cocktails. Ben is dreaming of the future while trying to stomach his Bad Breakfast. Matthew is eagerly awaiting his Matos jersey while enjoying The Elder Flores. On the baseball side of things [the brothers] discuss the most 2023 week so far, the Joey Bart saga, and who the Giants have to trade to make room for Luis Matos. It's absolutely funsy-ating. Cocktail recipes can b...
Jun 12, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Season 3Ep. 123
It's Happy Hour! This week Ben is not too proud to present the perfect way to start a Monday: with a Bad Breakfast. Thankfully Matthew is content with his complex hot gin based bouquet of flavors, The Elder Flores. The brothers also discuss their distant smokey past and give advice on the best first five bottles to put in your bar. Recipes below. Bad Breakfast 1 1/2 oz Gin 1/2 oz Apricot Brandy 3/4 oz Lemon Juice 1 bar spoon Apricot Preserves Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake 1...
Jun 08, 2023•32 min•Season 3Ep. 122
This episode is for Roger Craig, one of the greats. We'll remember you fondly. Matthew is toasting the old skipper with an original, an Holy Schmitt. Ben is raising a glass of his original, an Orange Zephyr. On the present day baseball side of things, the boys discuss whether seven(!?) rookies is enough, can they adjust to the league figuring them out, and how many of them should be sent back down when the roster crunch begins. Also, when will we see Kyle Harrison for crying out loud! (I know, n...
Jun 05, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 3Ep. 121
It's Happy Hour! In the episode Matthew gets bitter and a little bit apocryphal with his original cocktail (Un)Holy Schmitt. Meanwhile Ben breezes in with his Orange Zephyr, a cocktail built from the hidden fruits of his bar to celebrate the unofficial start of summer. They also discuss the flexible power of bitters and forget what day it is. Recipes below. (Un)Holy Schmitt 2 oz Bourbon 1/2 oz Benedictine 1/2 oz Amaro Nonino 1/4 oz Demerara Syrup 2 dashes Angostura Bitters 2 dashes Peychaud’s Bi...
Jun 01, 2023•31 min•Season 3Ep. 120
The optimists were right! This team is kind of good. Matthew is rejoicing with his cocktail, a Psycho Killer. Ben is pouting (optimistically) over his oddly named Red Headed Farmer. On the baseball side of things, our idealists discuss the changing of the guard at shortstop, how Giants are a good baseball team after an infusion of youth, and finish with a review of the ever impending roster crunch. Cocktail recipes can be found in the show notes for the previous episode.
May 29, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Season 3Ep. 119
It's Happy Hour! In this episode Ben finally returns to rum and his ancestral farmer roots with a delightfully delicate Red Headed Farmer. Matthew goes crazy with an all spirit cacoa and banana infused Psyco Killer. They also different ways to relax without a cocktail and just what to do with bottle of liqueur that just won't leave. Recipes below. Red Headed Farmer 1 1/2 oz Rhum Agricole 1 oz Ginger liqueur 3/4 oz lemon juice Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake for 10-12 seconds....
May 25, 2023•37 min•Season 3Ep. 118
The youth movement is finally here! It has our hosts crying like babies after a home run. Matthew's tears of joy are falling into his Banana PB&J. Ben is bawling around gulps of his Porto Flip. On the baseball side of things our weepers talk promotions of prospects, including Bailey, Matos, and Brown. Also, the Padres, Mets and Cardinals are Padre-ing, the veteran hitters are hitting, and the kids are having an impact. Are playoffs back on the table? Maybe. Maybe not. Recipes for the cocktai...
May 22, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 3Ep. 117
It's Happy Hour! In this episode we're serving our first dessert cocktails. Matthew presents the Banana PB&J. It's sweet, decadent and crust free! Ben is breaking his diet with a Porto Flip. Heavy on the cream, heavy on the port and heavy on the calories. Also, the discuss tips on how to shake your shaker and what Matthew does behind closed doors. Banana PB&J 1.5 oz Peanut Butter Whiskey 1/4 oz Banana Liqueur 1 oz Lemon Juice 3/4 oz Orgeat 1 Bar Spoon of Strawberry Preserves 1 Egg White ...
May 18, 2023•34 min•Season 3Ep. 116
Can Casey Schmitt pitch? Asking for some friends. It's been a unkind first quarter of the season. Ben is taking solace in his "diet" cocktail he's called the Fuzzy Mint. (Fuzzy?) Matthew is staring into a Banana Old Fashioned, looking for any sign of optimism. On the baseball side of things the boys discuss the state of the team after a quarter of the season, the wisdom of the 7 man "rotation", the rise of Casey Schmitt and whether younger players can make this team watchable. Cocktail recipes c...
May 15, 2023•59 min•Season 3Ep. 115
It's Happy Hour! In this episode a hangry Ben keeps it light with a refreshing Fuzzy Mint that is perfect for a liquid diet. Matthew presents a rich and robust Banana Old Fashioned perfect for cheat day. In honor of Mothers Day, they discuss the most memorable advice they received from their mother. Spoiler alert: memorable does not mean good. Recipes below. Fuzzy Mint 2 oz gin 1/4 oz simple syrup 2-4 oz club soda 4-5 Cucumber coins 5-8 mint leaves lime wedge Extra cucumber coins and mint leaves...
May 11, 2023•32 min•Season 3Ep. 114
Thairo Estrada, Michael Conforto, Cal Stevenson. What do they have in common? They're all Giants and that's about it. Matthew is celebrating the diversity while drinking a Bronarmy Navy. Ben is appreciating the balance while drinking a Charlotte's Web. On the baseball side of things they discuss the great starts of Estrada & Wade, the horrific starts of Conforto & Haniger, and then lift the rocks and point at all the ugly things no one else wants to talk about. Cocktail recipes can be fo...
May 08, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Season 3Ep. 113
It's Happy Hour! The brothers are recreating (and improving?) restaurant cocktails. Matthew chokes on a Cynar and Orgeat cocktail called Bronarmy Navy. While Ben get’s tangled in the smoke of a Charlotte's Web. Come along as they shamelessly steal from their betters. Cocktail recipes below. BronArmy Navy 2 oz Bourbon 1 oz Lemon Juice 3/4 oz Cynar 3/4 oz Orgeat Pinch of Salt Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake for 10 seconds. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass. Charl...
May 04, 2023•31 min•Season 3Ep. 112
And yes, Ben is wrong. Matthew is celebrating his victory by drinking his Matcha Made in Heaven. Ben is brooding into his Long French Kiss. On the baseball side of things, the brothers have a big debate about Rule 5 Draftee Blake Sabol, ponder just when we'll know how good the 2023 Giants are, and make casual jokes about baseball at 7200 feet elevation. Cocktail recipes can be found in the show notes of the previous episode.
May 01, 2023•58 min•Season 3Ep. 111
It's Happy Hour. Matthew is blesses us with the Matcha Made in Heaven, a divine blend of matcha and gin. Ben gets passionate with a Long French Kiss, a refreshing spin on the French Connection. They also discuss prom night for some reason. Ben solves all your problems, simply by adding water. You're welcome. Cocktail recipes below. Matcha Made in Heaven 2 oz Gin 1 oz Lime Juice 3/4 oz Agave Syrup 10 mint leaves 1/2 tsp Matcha Powder 2 oz Club Soda First muddle mint leaves with agave syrup. Add r...
Apr 27, 2023•29 min•Season 3Ep. 110
We've got a winning streak! Bring in the overly optimistic sloshcastlers. Ben is singing the Giants praises while drinking Just a Peach. Matthew scoffs at the naysayers with a Scofflaw. On the baseball side of things our mic-soakers ask if Saturday and Sunday were signs of things to come, the improving bullpen, and the rehab stints of Mitch Haniger and Austin Slater. Cocktail recipes can be found in the show notes of the previous episode.
Apr 24, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 109
It's Happy Hour! In this episode Ben presents a bourbon and creme de peche cocktail while trying to convince us that sometimes a peach is Just A Peach. Matthew takes direct aim at the U.S. constitution with the classic Scofflaw. Also, Ben and ChatGPT coin news words for a growing class of sinfluencer. Just A Peach 1 1/2 oz Bourbon 1/2 Creme de Peche 3/4 oz Lemon Juice 1/2 oz Simple Syrup Combine all ingredients in a shaker. Shake 10-12 seconds. Dirty dump into a rocks glass. Garnish with brandie...
Apr 20, 2023•29 min•Season 3Ep. 108
Can anyone hit the lefties?! Never fear, the boys are practicing their swings but it's thirsty work. Matthew is slaking his thirst with a Blake Sabol inspired Fernet Sour. Ben is chugging a Vesper Martini while icing his shoulders. On the baseball side of things our season citizens discuss the ineptitude against left handed pitching, the faltering bullpen, and ponder just how bad is the defense. For cocktail recipes, please see the show notes for the previous episode.
Apr 17, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 107
It's Happy Hour! In this episode, Matthew crafts a Fernet Sour, which definitely doesn't have V8 or mouthwash. Ben stirs up a Vesper with the versatile Lillet blanc making its debut on the show. Also: super power legal advice, and how to make friends with bartenders. Fernet Sour 1 oz Fernet-Branca 1 oz Green Chartreuse 1 oz lime juice 1 oz Simple Syrup Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a lim...
Apr 13, 2023•31 min•Season 3Ep. 106
We hear you dig the long ball. Well so do we! It's the strikeouts that are hard to swallow. Ben is forcing them down with an Orange & Black cocktail. Matthew is chasing them with a Scorpion Kick. On the baseball side of things the brothers discuss the all or nothing approach of the offense, the catcher carousel and when it will stop on Patrick Baily, and wrap things up with their second impressions of the season so far. For cocktail recipes see the description from the previous episode....
Apr 10, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 105
It’s Happy Hour! Ben brews up a coffee and rye Old Fashioned he's calling an Orange & Black in honor of the Giants home opener. Matthew boots up a Scorpion Kick in a callback to our 100th episode. Things get a little icy before they chill with their cocktails. Recipes below. Orange & Black 1 oz Rye Whiskey 3/4 oz Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur 1/4 oz Orange Liqueur 2 Dashes orange bitters Garnish with orange twist Add all the ingredients together in rocks glass. Add a large ice cube. Stir. Exp...
Apr 06, 2023•31 min•Season 3Ep. 104
Well, that could have been worse! The important thing is that baseball has finally arrived! Ben is celebrating with his Orange You Glad It's Not Tiki cocktail. Matthew is drinking his Orange in the Bronx. One the baseball side of things the brothers discuss weird roster shuffles, the Giants offense grim start, and give first impressions of key players: how's Conforto doing? Does Camilo love the clock? Is Black Sabol the second coming of Mike Trout? Drink recipes can be found in the previous epis...
Apr 03, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 3Ep. 103
It’s Happy Hour! More importantly, it’s Opening Day! Matthew is paying homage to the Giants and giving a nod to the home team with his modified classic “Orange in the Bronx”. Meanwhile Ben is also celebrating the Giants and giving a nod to his Tiki roots with his “Orange You Glad It’s Not Tiki”. Mix them both up while you sit back and watch (or listen!) to the Giants take on Arson and the Yankees. Recipes below. Orange in the Bronx 1 1/2 oz Gin 3/4 oz Sweet Vermouth 3/4 oz Orange Liqueur (Grand ...
Mar 30, 2023•31 min•Season 3Ep. 102
Tuck in folks, this is a long one! The boys are breaking down the roster today and it's thirsty work. Matthew is slaking his thirst with a Switchblade cocktail. Ben is quaffing his final Tiki cocktail, the Scorpion. On the baseball side of the things the brothers break down the likely roster position by position. Who won the catcher battle? How many more squeezes do Haniger and Conforto have left in them? How good is the Giants pitching staff? To learn more about the cocktails in today's episode...
Mar 27, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Season 3Ep. 101
It's Happy Hour! In the 100th episode of Giant Cocktails Ben puts his Tiki journey to rest with the sweet sting of a Scorpion while Matthew brandishes a hot, tart, and tangy Switchblade. Join the brothers and their imaginary friends Sophia & Dave for this syrupy sweet episode. Recipes Below. Scorpion 1 oz fresh lime juice 2 oz fresh orange juice 3/4 oz Demerara syrup 1 oz Orgeat 1 oz brandy or cognac 2 oz gin 2 oz rum Combine all of the ingredients with ice into a cocktail shaker and shake b...
Mar 23, 2023•31 min•Season 3Ep. 100
Opening day is less than two weeks away! That means it's time to start making ridiculous alcohol fueled predictions that won't survive the first road trip. Ben overthinks everything while drinking a Blood Moon Daiquiri. Matthew guesses wildly while drinking his Irish Maid. Who will have a better season, Conforto or Haniger? Will Blake Sabol win the MVP or just ROY? Most importantly, how many games will the Giants win? Cocktail recipes can be found in the previous episode "The 4% Irish Lunar Fies...
Mar 20, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 99
