It's Happy Hour! In this episode Ben embraces the bitterness by discussing the intricacies of sweet vermouth while presenting the classic Manhattan. Matthew stays with the season while presenting his version of H. Ehrmann's Tender Knob. Also, throat rattling soccer highlights, beer and cider talk (?!) and advice on how not to let one bottle of a spirit ruin the whole batch. Recipes below. Manhattan 2 oz Rye whiskey 1 oz Sweet Vermouth 2 dashes Angostura bitters 2 Luxardo cherries for garnish Com...
Oct 12, 2023•30 min•Season 3Ep. 158
Good things happened and we're celebrating them. Matthew is giving out his awards while drinking his Apple Cinnamon Old Fashioned. Ben is toasting those players while choking down a Rob Roy. On the baseball side of things they pick their Rookie of the Year and MVP players while discussing the many runners up. The also do a brief rundown of the current state of the playoffs.
Oct 09, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 157
It's Happy Hour! In this episode Ben begins his month long introspective journey into bitterness with the legendary Rob Roy. It hurts so good. Meanwhile Matthew is presenting his best Old Fashioned yet, the Apple Cinnamon Old Fashioned. Drink it by the fire or enjoy it on ice cream! Also the discuss which season is the most bitter and give advice on how to avoid a batch cocktail disaster. Get in there now! Recipes Below. Rob Roy 2 oz Scotch (Blended Malt is traditional) 3/4 oz Sweet Vermouth 2 d...
Oct 05, 2023•33 min•Season 3Ep. 156
Gabe Kapler has been let go and we're talking about it. But also rumor has it one of our hosts has also been sent packing. Ben is pondering his future while drinking a bright fizzy Stone Fence. Matthew is polishing his resume while enjoying his I Don't Give a Fig. On the baseball side of things our job seekers discuss the rather sudden but unsurprising dismissal of Kapler, why it had to happen, and who might replace him. They also discuss Brandon Crawford's likely end to his Giants tenure and re...
Oct 02, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Season 3Ep. 155
It's Happy Hour! In this episode Matthew gives more than a few figs over a Fall inspired gin cocktail called I Don't Give a Fig. Meanwhile Ben is making amends by building sparkling fences with an uppity Stone Fence. They also discuss Matthew's foray into bar tending and why cutting corners is almost always OK. Also, beat boxing. Recipes below. I Don't Give a Fig (By Elissa Dunn @HellQueenCocktails on Instagram) 2 oz Fig Infused Gin 1/2 oz Cointreau 1/2 oz Orgeat 1 oz Lemon Juice 1 dash Absinthe...
Sep 28, 2023•31 min•Season 3Ep. 154
You know what's fun? The Giants? No. Cocktails! Today Matthew is enjoying a French Pearl while Ben is having a blast with his Clearly, It's Fall. On the baseball side of things our "entertainers" discuss the Tom Verducci article about the boring state of the Giants, if there's anyone left to be held accountable in leadership if Zaidi and Kapler are safe, and the state of the team culture what hope there is for corrections. But in a fun way! Oh boy.
Sep 25, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 153
It's Happy Hour! In this episode Ben presents a clarified milk punch cocktail called Clearly It's Fall. It's long and complicated but very much worth the effort. Meanwhile Matthew is clinging to summer with a minty French Pearl that brings hint of absinthe. They also agree on their favorite part of Fall (even though they can't agree when it starts) and tell you how to mix up your favorite cocktail recipes with a simple hack. Recipes below. Clearly It's Fall Two Cinnamon Sticks Two Slices Fresh G...
Sep 21, 2023•32 min•Season 3Ep. 152
Did you enjoy the meaningful games in Denver? They were a lot better with cocktails. Ben is coping by drinking his Horseman's Head. Meanwhile Matthew is crying into his Limon Love Affair (with Bourbon). On the baseball side of things our "believers" discuss the Giants dwindling playoff chances, the huge votes of confidence Zaidi and Kapler received from ownership, and just how fans should feel about this season and prospect of another under the current regime.
Sep 18, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 151
It's Happy Hour! In this episode Matthew gets involved in a Limon Love Affair (with Bourbon), a lemon forward cocktail fortified with homemade Super Juice. (We promise, it's not weird.) Meanwhile Ben continues with his fall cocktail series with a "spicy" cocktail he's calling the Horseman's Head. Also, how to make your own Super Juice and why it's OK to be cheap. Recipes below. Limon Love Affair (with Bourbon) 1 1/2 oz Bourbon 1/2 oz Lemon Juice 3/4 oz Limoncello 5-6 Mint Leaves 1 Tbs Apricot Pr...
Sep 14, 2023•34 min•Season 3Ep. 150
Does this regime deserve more time? Sounds like drinking talk! Matthew sides with the establishment while drinking his Strawberry Southside. Meanwhile Ben is sharpening his pitchfork while enjoying his Jack Rose. On the baseball side of things our disputants remind us that the season isn't over yet before asking how much mediocrity is enough? They discuss the lack of landing a major free agent, the state of the young players finally breaking through, and the need for this regime to alter how it ...
Sep 11, 2023•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 149
It's Happy Hour! In this episode Ben falls all over himself while presenting the classic Jack Rose. Meanwhile Matthew stubbornly refuses to give up on summer with his Strawberry Southside. They also argue about when is the right time to say goodbye to summer and give tips on what glassware to buy and where to find it. Recipes below. Jack Rose 2 oz Applejack 3/4 oz Lemon juice 3/4 oz Grenadine Lemon twist for garnish Combine Applejack, lemon juice, and grenadine in a shaker with ice. Shake until ...
Sep 07, 2023•33 min•Season 3Ep. 148
We’re kidding, of course. The Giants are still in it! It just feels like they aren’t. Ben is managing these conflicting emotions by drinking a (Pineapple) Gin Kir Cocktail. Matthew is barely hanging on with the help of his original Summer Haze. On the baseball side of things our “believers” discuss the disappointing end to a week that started with such promise. They also discuss who is to blame for the abundance of mediocrity, why there is still hope, and how this all bodes for next season....
Sep 04, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Season 3Ep. 147
It's Happy Hour! In this episode Matthew gets lost in a Summer Haze, a riff on a recipe he introduced early this summer. Meanwhile Ben goes for style and substance with his version of Martha Stewart's (?) Pineapple Gin Kir cocktail. They also discuss childhood trauma and how to make a cocktail pretty. It's all happening on Happy Hour! Recipes below. Summer Haze 2 oz Bourbon 1/2 oz Amaro Nonino Quintessentia 1/2 oz Strawberry Syrup 1 oz Lemon Juice 2 Dashes Lavender Bitters 1 Egg White Add all in...
Aug 31, 2023•31 min•Season 3Ep. 146
A clubhouse leader has emerged! Can he inspire the Giants to the playoffs? Matthew clings to hope being buoyed by his Ginger Rosemary Whisky Sour. Ben is all in after drinking seven of his Ben's Whiskey Sours. On the baseball side of things our believers discuss Thairo's team meeting, the recent slump of Camilo Doval, and whether rookies or veterans should be at the center of the playoff push.
Aug 28, 2023•59 min•Season 3Ep. 145
It's Happy Hour! In this episode the brothers are both presenting whiskey sours in honor of National Whiskey Sour Day on the 25th of August. Ben is presenting his gussied up sour which he calls ... Ben's Whiskey Sour; very original Ben. Meanwhile, Matthew gets aggressive with his Ginger Rosemary Whiskey Sour. Also, the brothers get narcissistic on their road trips and Matthew advocates for experimenting with herb. Recipes below (including a special recipe from episode 2!). Ben’s Whiskey Sour 2 o...
Aug 24, 2023•30 min•Season 3Ep. 144
Kyle Harrison is finally here. Will the Giants woeful offense finally show up too? Ben ponders this while drinking a Cold Brew Old Fashioned. Matthew eagerly nods his head as he downs his Paloma. On the baseball side of things our sabermatricians discuss why a discrepancy between xBA and BA may not be just a matter of luck, Gabe Kapler and his recent antics, and trying to catch lightening in bottle with Wad Meckler. Also, the long awaited and often teased xDEBUT of Kyle Harrison!
Aug 21, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 3Ep. 143
It's Happy Hour! In this episode Matthew presents the popular thirst quenching Polama and no grapefruits were harmed in the making. Meanwhile Ben is drinking a Cold Brew Old Fashion, it's dark, moody, and perfect to sip while not reading books. The hosts also discuss their pipe cleaner arms, burning people with butter and the absolute correct order to add ingredients while building a cocktail. Recipes below. Paloma 2 oz Tequila (Blanco or Reposado) 1/2 oz Lime juice Grapefruit Soda, chilled, to ...
Aug 17, 2023•35 min•Season 3Ep. 142
Wheels falling off? Clubhouse dissent? Pish-posh. Matthew is scoffing at such ideas while guzzling his Sweet Tea. Ben is waving away such negative talk while drinking a double serving of his second batch of Gin Punch. Everything is fine. This is fine. On the baseball side of things our realists discuss the return of Bruce Bochy, the absolutely woeful offense and the really good (we swear) pitching, before finally discussing the possibility of a clubhouse division based on Alex Wood's "they and t...
Aug 14, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 3Ep. 141
It's Happy Hour! In this episode Ben is making cocktails for the future with his refrigerator friendly Gin Punch. Meanwhile Matthew is riffing on a YouTube recipe called the Sweet Tea. They also discuss batch cocktails and give advice on dry weddings (avoid them). Recipes Below. Gin Punch 1 1/2 cups of Gin 1/2 cup of Maraschino liqueur 1/8 cup of Demerara sugar 1/4 cup of Lemon Shrub 1 cup of Water Make the lemon shrub two days ahead of time. Combine the gin, shrub, sugar and maraschino liqueur ...
Aug 10, 2023•32 min•Season 3Ep. 140
It’s all Matthew’s fault. He’s smugly drinking “The” El Diablo like the devil he is. Ben is angrily drinking his Peppermelon trying to stay cool. On the baseball side of things our bickering brothers discuss the trade deadline, argue that this team is better than many fans think, and the ever elusive but surely imminent debut of Kyle Harrison.
Aug 07, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Season 3Ep. 139
It's Happy Hour! In this episode Matthew dances with El Diablo a simple but elegant and flashy tequila refresher. Meanwhile Ben spices things up with the Peppermelon, a pairing between a gin cocktail that features watermelon and black pepper. They also struggle to remember their first time drinking tequila and give advice on when to substitute ingredients in your cocktails. Recipes below. El Diablo 1 1/2 oz Tequila Reposado 1/2 oz Crème de Cassis 3/4 oz Lime Juice 3 oz Ginger Beer Add the tequil...
Aug 03, 2023•32 min•Season 3Ep. 138
Only 1.5 days until the trade deadline. Still no help. It's rookies or bust this year. Time for cocktails! Matthew is cheering on the kids with a Ranch Water in his hand. Ben is chugging a Fleming Fizz to combat the never ending panic attacks. (DO NOT PUT 1 OZ OF ISLAY SCOTCH IN THAT DRINK! Refer to the notes of the previous episode for the correct measurement.) On the baseball side of things our scatterbrained brothers discuss the impending trade deadline, the Giants lack of activity so far, an...
Jul 31, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 3Ep. 137
It's Happy Hour! In this episode Ben presents the cure to boredom with a mashup of two classics, the Fleming Fizz. Meanwhile Matthew is slaking his hot day thirst with a long tall Ranch Water. They also discuss fond birthday memories such as child extortion and proxy parenting. Also, they describe how just a few bubbles can help you go from sad to glad in no time flat. Recipes below. Fleming Fizz 1 1/2 oz Blended Scotch 3/4 oz Lemon Juice 1/2 oz Honey Syrup 1/4 oz Ginger Syrup 2 oz Sparkling Whi...
Jul 27, 2023•29 min•Season 3Ep. 136
Here come the alcohol fueled angry rants! Ben's rage is powered by his original cocktail the Fruit Roll Up. Matthew's wrath is amplified by his tequila infused Summer Slushy. On the baseball side of things our grouches discuss the absolute mess of the performances of the entire team, what kind of lineup they would put on the field for the last game of the road trip, and last of all, how do we fix this? Cocktail recipes can be found in the show notes of the previous episode.
Jul 24, 2023•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 135
It's Happy Hour! In this episode Matthew throws his Summer Slushy right in his brother's face. It's sticky, sweet and with just right little kick of spice. Once Ben gets cleaned up he horrifies whiskey purists with his Fruit Roll Up. He's got to get rid of that Limepop somehow, which turns out to be the rowdy boys tip of the day. They also discuss the best flavor of slushy to drink in the parking lot on a hot summer night. Recipes below. Summer Slushy 2-3 oz Tequila Blanco 1 cup frozen Mango 1/2...
Jul 20, 2023•34 min•Season 3Ep. 134
Undefeated in the second half! No better way to celebrate than with homemade cocktails. Matthew is getting hyped while drinking his highbrow "Daisy Buchanan". While Ben is doing dirt angels in the soil with his "Granjero Pelirrojo". On the baseball side of things the our luminaries discuss the All Star game, make predictions for the second half, debate whether it's ever a good idea to trade highly rated prospects and finish by declaring who they would give up for a Shohei Ohtani rental. Cocktail...
Jul 17, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 133
It's Happy Hour! In this episode Ben harvests a mezcal and lime wine aperitif based cocktail he calls a Granjero Pelirrojo. Meanwhile Matthew gets literary with his Daisy Buchanan, a gin, elder flower and chamomile cocktail perfecting for poolside sipping. They also discuss the perfect fair food, Ben reveals his spirit animal, and Matthew gives a few tips on software that will help you find your next cocktails (after Daisy and h farmer friend, of course). Recipes below. Daisy Buchanan 1.5 oz Gin...
Jul 13, 2023•34 min•Season 3Ep. 132
Let's not kid ourselves; this has been a crazy season. It's time to take a step back and take stock of where we are. With cocktails of course. Matthew is pondering things over his Summer Daze. While Ben is pontificating over his Wild Pink Gin & Tonic. On the baseball side of things the boys discuss the early draft picks of the Giants, the Giants two(!) All Stars, the state of the team at the break, before finishing by giving out grades to every player to make the major league team this year....
Jul 10, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Season 3Ep. 131
It's Happy Hour! In this episode Matthew presents his mesmerizing Summer Daze, a gin and Amaro tipple tempered with lavender. Meanwhile Ben enjoys the fruits of his recent voyage to Iceland with a Wild Pink Gin & Tonic. They also discuss the bittersweet feelings of returning from vacation and present a sweet and sticky way to improve your cocktails. Recipes below. Summer Daze 2 oz Gin 1/2 oz Amaro Nonino Quintessentia 1 oz Strawberry Shrub 1 oz Lemon Juice 3 Dashes Lavender Bitters 1 Egg Whi...
Jul 06, 2023•31 min•Season 3Ep. 130
How do you celebrate a new iconic rookie? With cocktails of course! Ben is rejoicing with a Monkey Gland. Matthew is lauding the lad with a Frisco Sour. On the baseball side of things our bruised bartenders discuss the state of the starting pitching (opener games versus bullpen games, where is Kyle Harrison, and why the heck do the Giants keep using their starters so weirdly). Also, they anoint Patrick Bailey as the second coming of Buster Posey and discuss how injuries are the only thing we hav...
Jul 03, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 129
