The Perfect Sip

It’s Happy Hour—Thanksgiving edition! Temporarily back from our hiatus, we’re talking turkey, olive loaf charcuterie boards, and how to keep the kids away from the spiked punch. Oh, and Thanksgiving cocktails. Ben is presenting a clarified milk punch called the White Picket Fence. It’s spiced bourbon and toasted milk (yes, toasted milk!) clarified without the tang. The recipe is heavily inspired b...

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 rewor...

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! Too Long, Didn'...

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? M...

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...

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...

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 (...

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 ma...

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...

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...

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...

Why, when, and how to build, shake and stir cocktails. We explain how dilution is the key to choosing your mixing method, how to aerate a cocktail with tiny tiny bubbles, and just the right way to spin your ice. Oh, and we’re having a Martini. I hope you like yours wet. Wait, what? Too Long, Didn’t Listen (00:00) Cocktail Mixing Techniques (01:20) Building: like tension in a true crime podcast (03...

It’s Happy Hour! Ben & Matthew discuss if 4 or 25 is the right number of bar spoons, almost come to blows debating the merits of the Julep and Hawthorn strainers, and finally they go thrifting for glassware. Later they introduce two variations on the Old Fashioned cocktail. It’s a good think you have 25 bar spoons! (Affiliate) links below! Ben presents his Venus Gin #2 Old Fashioned. That’s ri...

You’ll also need a juicer, strainers, and of course classy glassware to drink from. But how do you choose? We’re going over the rest of the tools you need when getting started in the hobby. And once again we’re breaking down the options and giving out unsolicited advice. It’s time to find the right tools for slicing, smashing, skewering and staunching. But in a totally peaceful way. Recipes from t...

It’s Happy Hour! Ben and Matthew discuss the time and place for jiggers, why the fear of Boston shakers is worth it, and Matthew converts Ben over to the classy stylings of the mixing glass. Later they introduce one shaken and one stirred cocktail. So you can use all that new fancy equipment you just bought. (Affiliate) links below! Ben’s is shaking up Ben’s Whiskey Sour, a whiskey sour with all t...

You don’t need a jigger, you definitely need a Boston shaker, and you’ll want a mixing glass. Trust us. Or don’t! We’re talking about the mixing tools you MUST HAVE when you’re just getting started in the hobby. We’ll break down all of the options and then give you advice on what to pick. You don’t have to take the advice, but we’ll definitely say we told you so when the regret sets in. Actually,...

It’s Happy Hour! Ben and Matthew discuss the origins of The Perfect Sip, why they love making craft cocktails, and why you will too. They then describe how they want to build a fun and straightforward resource for amateur cocktail crafters old and new. Later they introduce their current favorite original recipes that they have created. Ben’s Winter Vacation is a kicked up daiquiri with three simpl...

Everything you need to know before getting started in the hobby of home cocktail crafting. We're covering the importance of quality ingredients, how to choose the right bottle of alcohol, and why you don't have enough ice. Oh, and we need to have a serious conversation about your bottles of citrus juice. And throw away that Margarita mix and get in here! Recipes from the show are below after all t...

Brothers Ben and Matthew Henry, the creators of the Giant Cocktails podcast, invite you on a new adventure to find the Perfect Sip. This podcast dives into the art of home cocktail crafting for enthusiasts both old and new. Starting September 17th, 2024, we’ll guide you through the skills, theory, and tools you need to create your own recipes and master the art of balance—one sip at a time. Catch...