The Giants bats have scratched out some runs but should winning be this hard? The brothers break down the Marlins series: The hidden closer trick! Keaton Winn with a lead! A clutch double play ... on offense?! Also, Ben gives Matthew a shoulder to cry one before shoving him in the proverbial mud.On the cocktail side of things Matthew is drinking Gilda (that's the name of the cocktail, he's not a vampire) while Ben is drinking a Drunken Monkey (again, a cocktail). Recipes below.Gilda2 oz Blanco or Reposado Tequila1/2 oz Pineapple Juice1/2 oz Lime Juice1/2 oz Cinnamon SyrupCombine, shake and strain into a coupe. Garnish with a lime wheel or pineapple wedge or frond.Drunken Monkey1 1/2 oz Smith & Cross Rum2 1/2 oz Plantation 3 Stars rum1 oz Banane du Brésil2 dashes chocolate bittersCombine rums, banana liqueur and bitters in a mixing glass with ice. Stir to desired dilution. Strain into a rocks glass. Add large chunk of ice. Garnish with a copious amount of Luxardo cherries. At least 3 or you’re a cheap monkey or curmudgeon monkey.

Well, Snell had another rough outing. That's ok, it's only his second start of spring. The brothers discuss this fallacy and exactly when fans are "allowed" to be frustrated by his non-competitive outings. They also discuss the up and down nature of the lineup and how no one is coming to save it. They also check in on the front end of the bullpen. How do we feel about Avila, Miller, and Teng?On the cocktail side of things Matthew is drinking a Giant Hit while Ben is choking down a Nevermind. Recipes below.Giant Hit1.5 oz Rye Whiskey1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth1/2 oz Cherry Heering1/4 oz Rich Demerara Syrup2 dashes Chocolate Bitters1 dash Cherry BittersBrandied Cherry for GarnishAdd all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice. Stir vigorously for 30 seconds until well-chilled. Strain into a Nick and Nora glass and garnish with a brandied cherry.Nevermind1 oz Galliano1 oz White Rum1 oz White PortCombine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled. Strain into a Nick & Nora glass.

We almost got swept by the Nationals. But we didn't! So everything's fine right? Uh, no. The brothers break down the good (Hicks! Fitzgerald!) and the bad (RISP. Snell.) of the series. And we promise there are no mentions of chicken strips at all in this episode.On the cocktail side of things Matthew is drinking a Gimlet while Ben is drinking a Fitzgerald. Recipes below.Gimlet2 oz Gin3/4 oz Lime Juice3/4 oz Simple SyrupPut all ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake 10-12 seconds. Strain into chilled coupe glass. Garnish with lime wheel.Fitzgerald2 oz gin1 oz lemon juice1 oz simple syrup2-3 dashes Agostura bittersCombine all ingredients in shaker with ice. Shake 10-12 seconds. Double strain into a coupe glass.

The brothers break down their first 2024 game at the park: Cocktails! Food! Vibes! A two hour anemic loss! This experience prompts them to break down the offensive woes and what it might mean for the roster.On the cocktail side of things Ben is drinking a Ben's Buck while Matthew is drinking a Cinnamon Daiquiri. Recipes below.Ben's Buck2 oz Rye Whiskey3/4 oz Ginger Syrup3-4 oz Club SodaAdd rye whiskey and ginger syrup in highball glass and stir to combine. Add ice. Top with club soda. Gently stir one time combine.Cinnamon Daiquiri2 oz White Rum3/4 oz Cinnamon Syrup3/4 oz Lime JuiceMix em, shake ‘em and strain ‘em.

OK, look, we all knew this could happen. And it did. So we're going to talk about it. While drinking. The boys are discussing the Dodgers series and if it matters as much as it hurts. Also, they're checking in on the bullpen. Were the reports of a dumpster fire just a bunch of smoke? In the lightning round: Should Soler be hitting lower in the line up? Should the Giants and Dodgers brawl? Do the Giants need to run more?On the cocktail side of things Ben is drinking a Rum Old Fashioned he's calling Pineapple Rum & Friends Old Fashioned while Matthew is drinking a Bourbon Old Fashioned. Recipes below.Pineapple Rum & Friends Old Fashioned2 oz Pineapple Rum1/2 oz Heering Cherry Liqueur2 dashes of chocolate bittersAdd all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and stir to desired dilution. Strain into a rocks glass and add a single large chunk of ice. Garnish with a handful of Luxardo cherries.Bourbon Old Fashioned2 oz High Proof Bourbon1/2 oz Demerara Gum Syrup2 Dashes Black Walnut BittersOrange peel and Luxardo cherry for garnish

The Good, the bad, and the ugly: the boys are discussing everything about the opening weekend. First they discuss which players impressed them the most. (Chapman! Lee! Hicks! Conforto?!) Then they wallow in the less impressive outings. (Soler. Jackson. Jeffries?!) Then they discuss the ugly ending to the Joey Bart saga. Also, should Soler be hitting second? Do we have a bullpen problem?On the cocktail side of things Ben is drinking a Negroni ... his last one while Matthew enjoys a Bennet. Recipes below.Negroni1 oz London Dry Gin1 oz Campari1 oz Sweet VermouthLarge Orange Twist for garnishCombine gin, Campari and sweet vermouth in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until just chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over a large single chunk of ice. Express orange twist over glass and put twist in glass. Good luck.Bennet2 oz Gin1 oz Lime Juice1/2 oz Simple Syrup1 dash Angostura BittersAdd all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for 10-12 seconds. Double strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.

It's opening day! That means predictions! But first we need to talk about the still unknown roster. Who's in and who's out on the 40-man? Will the Giants carry 3 catchers?! Will any of the young guys make it? We don't know! But we're talking about it.As for those predictions. How many games will the Giants win? Will they make the playoffs? Will Camilo Doval save 162 games? Things get ridiculous. But in a good way.On the cocktail side of things Matthew is taking us out to the ballgame with his Cracker Jack infused Opening Day. Meanwhile Ben is creating his version of the Giants' new Orange Splash. Recipes below.Opening Day2 oz Cracker Jack-Infused Bourbon1/2 oz Amaretto1/4 oz Caramel Syrup2 dashes Orange BittersTo infuse bourbon, combine 4 oz of bourbon with one box of Cracker Jack into a large mason jar. Let rest for 3-4 hours or overnight. Strain bourbon into a fresh vessel and discard cracker jacks.Combine all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice. Stir for 30-45 seconds until well-chilled and diluted. Strain into a rocks glass with a large chunk of ice. Express orange peel oils over drink and drop the peel in the glass to garnish. Enjoy.Orange Splash2 oz Anejo Tequila (Because that’s what I had)1/2 oz Orange Liqueur1 oz Freshly squeezed orange juice4-6 oz Lemon-Lime SodaOrange wedge for garnishCombine tequila, orange liqueur and orange juice in a funky souveneir glass with ice. Top with lemon lime soda. Garnish with orange wedge.

Opening Day is nigh! It's time for one last review of the off season. Matthew and Ben give their final grades and discuss which players they are most excited about. They also discuss the upgrades to the stadium experience. The big question, will they be buying tickets early this year? Also, apparently there was some Dodgers news?On the cocktail side of things Ben is drinking the Sweet Goodbye #2 while Matthew is drinking the Mixed Feelings.New YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPp3zZdvOP3bGDpmGOKqzHQ

For the last time on Giant Cocktails, it's Happy Hour! Yes it's true, Happy Hour is moving to a new podcast all about cocktails that will be launching soon. It will make way for a new baseball focused episode starting on Opening Day.In this last episode Matthew presents his original Mixed Feelings. It's an adventurous mix of large flavors tamed by the bubbles of a spritz. Meanwhile Ben is coming with not one, not two, but three(!) original cocktails: The Banana Republic, Sweet Goodbye #1 and Sweet Goodbye #2 as he says goodbye to his month of sweetness. They also discuss how to embrace change and give the best cocktail making tip of all. Recipes below.Mixed Feelings3/4 oz Campari3/4 oz Absinthe3/4 oz Elderflower Liqueur3/4 oz Lemon Juice3/4 oz Mandarin Orange Juice3/4 oz Pineapple Gum Syrup (or Simple Syrup)2-3 oz Club SodaAdd all ingredients except the Club Soda to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake for 10-12 seconds. Strain into a highball glass with fresh ice and top with Club Soda. Give it a gentle stir to incorporate. Garnish with a mandarin orange slice.Banana Republic1 oz Bourbon1 oz Banana Liqueur1 oz Heavy CreamCombine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled and well incorporated. Double strain into a Nick and Nora glass.Sweet Goodbye #13/4 oz Kahlua3/4 oz White Creme de Cacao1 1/2 oz Bourbon1 oz Tawny PortCombine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled. Double strain into a Nick & Nora glass.Sweet Goodbye #21 oz overproof Rum1 oz Tawny Port1/2 oz Creme de Cacao1/2 oz Mr. BlackCombine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled. Double strain into a Nick & Nora glass.

Matthew knew it all along and now Ben has to pay up. In this emergency pod, the guys make sure Ben drinks a Negroni and they discuss the Blake Snell signing, it's impact on the rotation, and we say goodbye to Renel Brooks-Moon. Join us!Recipes:Negroni1 oz Gin1 oz Sweet Vermouth1 oz CampariGarnish: Orange PeelCombine all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice and stir for 30 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass with a large chunk of ice and express orange peel oil over the glass and toss peel into the drink. Try and enjoy.Cherry Old Fashioned2 oz Barrel Strength Bourbon1/4 oz Cherry Heering1/2 oz Demerara Syrup1 dash Cherry Bitters1 dash Angostura BittersOrange PeelGarnish: Lots of Luxardo CherriesCombine all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice and stir for 30 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass with a large chunk of ice and express orange peel oil over the glass and toss peel into the drink. Add a cocktail pick full of cherries and enjoy.

Somebody's got to go. Who's it going to be? The brothers discuss the 40-man roster crunch. Who's in and who's out? They also revisit and revise their original declaration that Spring Training stats don't matter. Before all of that they make a big announcement. Giant Cocktails is growing. Shows are moving. If you like more, it's coming.On the cocktail side of things Matthew is drinking an original called the Gin Blossom while Ben is reliving his college years with a Long Island Iced Tea.

It's Happy Hour! In this episode Ben drinks like it's the very first time with his upscale Long Island Iced Tea. It gets the job done but is it too many good things? Meanwhile Matthew is taking the high road with his fancy original the Gin Blossom. It's a floral delight perfect spring time sipping. They also discuss the joys of roadside car maintenance and turn to the legendary Bob Ross for advice. Recipes below.Long Island Iced Tea3/4 oz Vodka3/4 oz White Rum3/4 oz Gin3/4 oz Blanco Tequila3/4 oz Cointreau3/4 oz Simple Syrup3/4 oz Lemon JuiceSplash of Coca ColaCombine vodka, rum, gin, tequila, Cointreau, simple syrup and lemon juice in a mixing glass without ice and stir gently to combine. Pour into a highball glass with ice. Top with Coca Cola. Garnish with an Oreo you child.Gin Blossom1 1/2 oz Gin (Floral is preferred but London Dry would work fine too)1/2 oz D.O.M. Benedictine3/4 oz Lemon Juice1/2 oz Lemon Simple Syrup (or simple syrup)2 Dashes Peychaud’s BittersAdd all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for 15 seconds. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

We NEED to trade players right now! Or do we? Our befuddled hosts start off trying to unpack the JD Davis situation before diving into the constant demand for trades. Why hasn't Joey Bart been traded? Why didn't the Giants trade for a veteran shortstop? Why do Giants fans not want the prospects to become major league players? They finish with a dive into the where the 26-man stands today.On the cocktail side of things Ben is drinking a Golden Cadillac and Matthew is drinking a New Horizons. Recipes can be found in the previous episode's show notes.

It's Happy Hour! It's our 200th episode and we're flooring it towards the horizon. Matthew is celebrating with his original bourbon cocktail New Horizon. It's a sweet sipper built on salt and bitterness, just like life. Meanwhile Ben is still stuck in the 80's with the classic Golden Cadillac. It's a sweet creamy punch in the face fueled by an over powered liqueur. Also, they question the reality of "proof" and give advice on how salt and bitterness can make your life better too. Recipes below.New Horizon2 oz Bourbon1/2 oz Averna3/4 oz Lemon Juice1/2 oz Orgeat1 Dash Cherry BittersPinch of saltAdd all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake 10-12 seconds, until well-chilled and diluted. Double strain into a rocks glass with a large ice cube. Garnish with a cocktail cherry.Golden Cadillac1 oz Galliano1 oz Creme de Cacao1 oz Heavy CreamGarnish with CinnamonCombine Galliano, creme de cacao, and heavy cream in a shaker with ice. Shake for 15 seconds. Double strain into a Nick & Nora glass. Garnish with fresh ground cinnamon.

The Giants have their man and the Negroni has been cast. Once the gloating and crying dies down, the brothers discuss if the roster is truly complete or if it needs Blake Snell. Then they dive deep into the Chapman signing, discuss the uncomfortable parting words of Brandon Crawford. Also, Jung Hoo Lee, the shortstop battle and Luis Matos.On the cocktail side of things Matthew is drinking a Bloom County while Ben is ... not ... drinking a Mudslide. Recipes can be found in the previous episode's show notes.

It's Happy Hour! In this episode Ben is diving into a Mudslide. It's a sweet and creamy and almost makes Ben cry. Meanwhile Matthew is hopping over to (drink a) Bloom County. This simple recipe from the Educated Barfly is a surprisingly complex concoction. They also discuss what to do on your extra day this year and give advice on how to jump up your cocktails. Recipes below.Mudslide1 oz Vodka1 oz Bailey’s Irish Cream1 oz Coffee Liqueur1 1/2 oz Heavy CreamChocolate shavings for garnishCombine the vodka, Baileys’ and coffee liqueur in a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled. Double strain into a coupe glass. Top with chocolate shavings.Bloom County2 oz Cask Strength Bourbon (or 100 proof)1/2 oz Licor 431/2 oz Sweet Vermouth4 Dashes Peychaud’s BittersGarnish with an orange peelAdd all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice and stir for 30 seconds or until well-chilled. Strain into a Nick & Nora glass, spritz orange peel oils over drink and place peel on glass as a garnish.

It's time to talk about the players who are Giants rather than the players we want to be Giants. Which means the brothers are of course talking about Cody Bellinger's contract with the Cubs and what it means for the remaining Boras clients. Then they talk about the young starting rotation including the expectations for Kyle Harrison. Also, the return of Pablo Sandoval and the top two players to watch this Spring.On the cocktail side Ben is drinking a Hay Fever while Matthew is drinking The Ninth Inning. Recipes can be found in the previous episodes show notes.

It's Happy Hour! In this episode Matthew presents a whiskey backed aperitif called The Ninth Inning. This is the adult cocktail the kid in you will love. Meanwhile Ben is presenting herbal and spring focused Hay Fever. It's warm and bright with a touch of absinthe earthiness. They also discuss walking and wunning in the wain and discuss the finer points of shaking versus stirring. Stirring stuff indeed. Recipes below.The Ninth Inning2 oz Rye Whiskey3/4 oz Cherry Heering1/2 oz Creme de Cacao1 dash Aztec Chocolate Bitters1 dash Cherry Bitters1 Luxardo cherry for garnishOrange twistAdd all ingredients except the garnish into a mixing glass with ice. Stir vigorously for 30 seconds, until well-chilled. Strain into a Nick & Nora glass and garnish by dropping one Luxardo cherry into the glass and express the orange oils over the glass.Hay Fever1 1/2 oz Gin1 oz Elderflower Liqueur1/2 tsp Absinthe4 oz Club Soda / Ginger BeerAdd gin, elderflower liqueur and absinthe to a highball glass with ice. Add Club Soda or Ginger Beer. Stir gently to combine.

And the Giants off season is over. Is the season over too? Even with Jorge Soler? Our hosts discuss Soler’s signing, the quote from Zaidi that additions are “unlikely”, and give advice to Farhan on how to better connect with the fans. Oh, and Matthew is very upset about drinking a Negroni. Very very upset.On the cocktail side of things Matthew is drinking An Orange Spring while Ben is drinking a Bit of Spring.

It's Happy Hour! It's the first day of Spring Training and we're celebrating. Ben is rejoicing with his original Bit of Spring. It's a Whiskey Daisy balanced with hope and old grudges. Meanwhile Matthew is sighing with relief while he also presents his Orange Spring. It's a field of bright flowery flavors on a bed of Gin. They also discuss what truly evokes the beginning of Spring and give tips on how make your cocktails just a little bit more emotionally upsetting. Recipes below.A Bit of Spring1 1/2 oz 100 proof Rye Whiskey3/4 oz Cointreau3/4 oz Lime Juice1/4 oz Simple Syrup1/2 tsp CampariCombine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled. Strain into a coupe glass.Orange Spring1 1/2 oz Gin1 oz Dry Orange Curaçao3/4 oz LIme Juice1/4 oz Grenadine2 Dashes Orange Bitters1 Dash Peychaud’s BittersAdd all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for 10-12 seconds. Double strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a fresh or dehydrated lime or orange wheel.