Ep. 110: Bensonhurst Cocktail – Cynar, Spritzes, and Bar Menu Secrets

Join Uncle Brad and Jules as they explore the sophisticated world of the Bensonhurst cocktail in this episode of The Art Of Drinking. Uncle Brad kicks things off by sharing his recent Denver adventure and his visit to the iconic Cruise Room, one of his favorite watering holes. He then guides listeners through the step-by-step process of crafting the perfect Bensonhurst, complete with the full recipe so you can recreate this Italian-American gem at home.  Jules puts her own refreshing spin on the classic by introducing the Benny Spritz, a lighter, bubblier variation that's perfect for those who love a good spritz. Uncle Brad dives deep into the cocktail's fascinating history and shines a spotlight on one of its key ingredients—Cynar, the artichoke liqueur that everyone seems to mispronounce (we'll help you get it right!).  The episode wraps up with practical tips from both hosts on how to decode bar menus and recreate those mysterious cocktails you spot when you're out and about. Whether you're a home bartender looking to expand your repertoire or simply curious about the stories behind your favorite drinks, this episode delivers the perfect blend of technique, history, and insider knowledge.  Bensonhurst Cocktail  Glass: Coupe  Garnish: None  Directions & Ingredients  In mixing glass add:  2.0 oz Rye whiskey   1.0 oz Dry vermouth (Dolin works great)  2 tsp of maraschino liqueur   1 tsp of Cynar  Stir for 30-40 rotations  Strain into chilled coupe  No garnish    Benny Spritz  Glass: Highball  Garnish: Lemon peel  Directions & Ingredients  In shaker add:  1.5 oz Rye whiskey  0.5 oz Cynar  2 tsp Maraschino liqueur  1.0 oz Dry vermouth  0.25 oz Fresh lemon juice  2 dash Orange bitters  Shake for 15-20 seconds  Double Strain over ice in Collins glass  Add club soda or tonic  Garnish with lemon peel   The Art of Drinking  IG: @theartofdrinkingpodcast   Website: www.theartofdrinkingpodcast.com     Join Jules  IG: @join_jules  TikTok: @join_jules   Website: joinjules.com    Uncle Brad   IG: @favorite_uncle_brad    This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast  IG: @reddrockmusic  www.reddrockmusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices